The Internet is a wondrous place filled with interesting people, information, and knowledge for anyone to absorb, use, and share and hopefully expand their knowledge. Unfortunately the Internet also has a very dark side – gambling, adult sites, predators, etc. – that can be accessed and abused by anyone anonymously with a computer and an Internet connection.

Though the Internet can be a scary and dangerous place to visit there are many methods to protect you and loved ones while online. There are also many tools, available on your computer, to help you track and control Internet on your computer.

A great resource for learning about the dangers of the Internet and how to protect yourself is Catch Me if You Know How – Internet Edition by Travis Morgan. Travis is a seasoned information technology expert who has over 20 years’ experience dealing with and helping people use their computers and technology. It is from this experience that he has learned first-hand the habits (good and bad) of how people use technology and the Internet. From his experiences this book was born!

The book is a guide to help you understand the threats that lurk online along with the information needed to help protect your family while online. Some of the online threat topics that are covered include helping a compulsive gambler, protecting children from predators, preventing cyberbullying and many more! Not only does the author cover potential threats that can occur online he takes it a step further and provides details on how to detect and stop the threats.

Before knowing how to protect yourself online you need to know where the threats are coming from. Travis covers the various Internet resources that could contain threats such as web browsing, email, social media (Facebook, etc.), chat/instant messaging, peer to peer file sharing and future potential threats. For each topic he provides information and details on how to: 

• Trace, block or log activity

• Apply time or access restrictions to the computer or certain technology

• Protect or erase personal information such has site visited or cached data

• Monitor activity via different technologies

• Dealing with privacy laws and when to report activity

• And much more!

Not only does Travis provide a wealth of information on how to protect yourself online, he does it in a clear and concise manner that makes it easy for even the most un-technical person to understand. In fact, I let a self-acclaimed computer “dummy” borrow the book and she stated that the book was easy to follow and understand, and she learned many new techniques to help protect her teenage grandson online.

Most people don’t think about the dangers of the Internet until it is too late – husband gambling, child bullying a classmate, spouse addicted to adult sites – the list goes on and on. If you have a child, family, friend and they access the Internet then I highly recommend you get a copy of the book to help protect your loved one from the dangers that lurk online. Remember this: your child is not necessarily looking for the danger but the danger is always searching for your child.

Travis Morgan, the author, provided this review copy of Catch Me if You Know How to me free of charge.