Welcome to the Lycos Internet Safety & Security Center. This site contains useful information and links about keeping your family and your identity safe online. In the world of social networking, e-mail, and instant messaging, Internet users should be cautious about what information they share online.
The first step you should take is visiting the Federal Trade Commission's web site about identity theft. Some of the tips you will find on the site include avoiding phishing scams, selecting secure passwords for your online bank accounts, and not giving out personal information online.
For families with children who use the Internet, Internet safety is especially important. Lycos is a founding member of GetNetWise.org, a non-profit group dedicated to providing families and educators with the resources they need for learning about Internet safety, as well as advice on speaking to your children about their actions on the Internet.
Starting the conversation about Internet Safety with your children can be difficult, so Lycos also recommends parents visit NetSmartz.org to access downloadable safety pledges geared at different age groups to help you get started. NetSmartz also answers questions such as, "How can I access my child's MySpace account?" and, "What do online abbreviations mean?" They also have an Ask the Expert section where you can submit a question they have not yet answered. You can also visit the Lycos Buzz Blog for some quick tips on teaching your kids about Internet Safety
Lycos takes the safety of children very seriously and is a strong supporter of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. If you see any inappropriate material on the Lycos Network, please report it to Lycos Customer Service by e-mailing abuse@support.lycos.com. All instances will be investigated and appropriate actions will be taken.
For additional protection from spammers and phishing scams on the Internet, install the Lycos Toolbar, featuring built-in phishing protection to warn you of suspicious web sites and a personal black-list & white-list so you can block or allow specific web sites.