10 Rules of Internet Safety

Today, people can retrieve information, financial and credit resources and products from all over the world 24 hours a day. In minutes you can purchase household items, make reservations or download music. This much Internet activity may allow online hackers and scammers access to personal information on your computer. Identity theft can also occur. Reduce Internet mishaps by adopting ten Internet safety practices.

Protect Your Personal Information

Access to your personal information unlocks the key to your credit report, financial accounts and other assets. Therefore, when you visit a website, find out how the company will use your personal information, such as name, address, e-mail, phone number, account number and social security number.

Install Anti-Virus Software

Add anti-virus software to your computer. Protect your computer from viruses that have the ability to destroy your data, slow your computer performance, make your computer crash and allow spammers to send e-mails from your account. Anti-virus software scans your computer and e-mail for viruses and then removes or quarantines the viruses.

Safeguard Passwords

Keep passwords in a secure place. Do not give you passwords out through e-mail, over the phone or anywhere on the Internet. Also, remember that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should never inquire about your personal passwords.

Password Selection

If you have multiple accounts, bank accounts and e-mail addresses, use a different password for each. Also, change yourpasswords at least every 90 days. Do not use your name, child's name, birthdays and any other personal information as a password.

Shop from Secure Websites

When shopping online, verify that a website is secure before supplying your personal information. Indicators that a website may be secure are a lock icon on the browser status bar or a website URL that starts "https:"; the "s" means "secure." However, some scammers can forge security icons.

Use a Firewall

Turn on your firewall. A firewall reduces the risk of hackers sending personal information without permission while using your computer. A firewall looks for outside attempts to gain access to your computer system, blocking communication to and from sources you do not allow.

Caution When Sharing Files

File sharing lets people access millions of pieces of information, such as games, music and software. Sharing files can be risky. Make sure you check the appropriate settings so you only allow access to files you want to share and not your entire computer.

Password Strength

Create passwords containing at least eight characters. Add numbers and symbols to strengthen your password. Long passwords are harder to figure out. For instance, a 12-character password is stronger than an 8-character password.

Phishing

Do not respond to e-mails or pop-up messages requesting your personal information. If you think the pop-up and e-mails are not genuine, simply contact the company in a manner you know is safe, such as using the phone number printed on the bill.

Backup Files

Copy important files to a flash drive or a removable disc. Then store the files in a safe place.

References

• On Guard Online
• Internet Safety
• Identity Theft