|
|
Computer Doc News
Computer Doc: Posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 8:38 AM
8 tips on how to protect yourself online (from AT&T Support)
Using the Internet can be an enjoyable and valuable experience
for you and your family, as long as you do it safely and smartly. Follow
these tips to avoid problems:
- Shop safely. Many online stores have the right
protection for you to purchase online. Read the online store's privacy
and security policies before shopping. If you plan to order from an
online store, be sure that the Web site uses secure technology. When you
are at the checkout screen, verify that the Web address begins with
https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears at the
bottom right of the checkout screen or that there is a statement on the
checkout screen stating that the checkout pages are secure with a
security technology vendor. Check that the security technology does
exist by checking the security technology company's Web site.
- Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use
fraudulent e-mails and fake Web sites, masquerading as legitimate
businesses, to lure unsuspecting users into revealing private account or
login information. To be safe, if you receive an e-mail from a business
that includes a link to a Web site, make certain that the Web site you
visit is legitimate. Instead of clicking through to the Web site from
within the e-mail, open a separate Web browser and visit the business'
Web site directly to perform the necessary actions. You can also verify
that an e-mail is in fact from a legitimate business by calling the
business or agency directly.
- Use e-mail wisely. E-mail is a great way to keep in
touch with friends and family and as a tool to conduct business. Even
if you have good security software on your PC, however, your friends and
family might not have the same protection. Be careful about what
information you submit via e-mail. Never send your credit-card
information, Social Security number, or other private information via
e-mail.
- Get a good anti-virus or internet security suite. There are some very good free anti-virus applications out there such as Microsoft Security Essentials and Avast Free Anti-Virus. If you require total protection (identity theft, personal firewall, etc.), then look into an internet security suite. Choose one that doesn't hog your system resources, especially when your system boots up. A very good free on-demand scanner is made by Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
- Create smart and strong passwords. Make it
difficult for hackers to crack your password. You can create a smart
password by incorporating capital letters, numbers and special
characters, and using more than six characters. An example of a strong
password is: Go1dM!n3 (variation of GoldMine).
- Pay attention to your children's online activities.
Keep your home computer in a community area so that you can monitor
their activity. Use child software that is age-appropriate. Limit your
children's time spent online. Install and use parental controls software
that allows you to monitor your children's activity online. This will
keep your children from accessing undesirable Web sites and sharing
personal information via online communications.
- Fun and carefree online gaming. Internet games are
fun for the whole family. Make sure you are careful when playing online
games, especially when communicating with other players. Be sure that
your security software still functions when you are in gaming mode.
- Be smart when using instant messaging (IM) programs.
If you use an IM program to communicate with friends and family, be
careful about sending any personal information through online
communications. Protect yourself by using a nickname for your IM screen
name, so your name isn't identified through IM. Never accept strangers
into your IM groups. Be smart about how you use IM at work because your
employer has the right to monitor and view your messages.
|
|
|
|
