But the Internet and the anonymity it affords also can give online scammers, hackers, and identity thieves access to your computer, personal information, finances, and more.
With awareness as your safety net, you can minimize the chance of an Internet mishap. To be safer and more secure online, make these six practices part of your online routine.
| Protect your personal information. It’s valuable. To an identity thief, your personal information can provide instant access to your financial accounts, your credit record, and other assets. |
| Know who you are dealing with. You can't judge an online operator's trustworthiness with a gut-affirming look in the eye. |
| Use security software that updates automatically. Keep your security software active and current: at a minimum, your computer should have anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall. |
| Keep your operating software and web browser up-to-date, and learn about their security features. Hackers also take advantage of Web browsers and operating system software that don't have the latest security updates. |
| Keep your passwords safe, secure, and strong. Don't share them on the Internet, over email, or on the phone. |
| Backup important files. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc or an external hard drive, and store it in a safe place. |
Email Scams:
Some email users have lost money to bogus offers that arrived as spam in their in-box. Con artists are very cunning; they know how to make their claims seem legitimate. Some spam messages ask for your business, others invite you to a website with a detailed pitch. Either way, these tips can help you avoid spam scams:
| Protect your personal information. Share credit card or other personal information only when you're buying from a company you know and trust. |
| Know who you're dealing with. Don't do business with any company that won't provide its name, street address, and telephone number. |
| Take your time. Resist any urge to "act now" despite the offer and the terms. Once you turn over your money, you may never get it back. |
| Read the small print. Get all promises in writing and review them carefully before you make a payment or sign a contract. |
| Never pay for a "free" gift. Disregard any offer that asks you to pay for a gift or prize. If it's free or a gift, you shouldn't have to pay for it. Free means free. |
Malware:
Malware, short for "malicious software," includes viruses and spyware to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraud. Criminals create appealing websites, desirable downloads, and compelling stories to lure you to links that will download malware, especially on computers that don't use adequate security software. But you can minimize the havoc that malware can wreak and reclaim your computer and electronic information.
Phishing:
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. To avoid getting hooked:
| Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. Phishers can make links look like they go one place, but that actually send you to a different site. |
| If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card. Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." |
| Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. |
| Don't email personal or financial information. |
| Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges. |
| Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you received, regardless of who sent them. |
Related Links:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/top_online_security_threats_for_2009.php
http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/overview.aspx
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