span browser by hand. It's probably a
class="cap">P robabl good idea when entering the web
y the greatest threat to address to ignore any characters
he security of your computer to the right of .com (or .net,
system is............human .org, etc.).
behavior. Let's face it, we
4. Do not respond to spam
humans do stupid things! A (junk email) -- just delete it.
majority of the viruses, bugs, If you respond, then you are
spyware, spam and other nasties telling the spammer that he has
can be avoided or reduced by reached a valid email address.
modifying our behavior on the Never click on any links that say
Internet. Read the following 11 something like "To unsubscribe,
suggestions for practicing safe click here". That's just what
surfing: they want you to do.
1. Do not visit shady looking web
5. Do not respond to or click
sites. (You know the ones I on links in emails that look
mean!)
exactly like email from your
2. Do not click on links in bank, credit card company, retail
pop-up windows. Even if they tell stores, insurance companies,
you that your pc is infected or etc.. This is called phishing.
has a problem that you must fix Phishing is the act of sending an
immediately! It's a scam. email to a user falsely claiming
Internet Explorer, Firefox and to be a legitimate enterprise?
Opera browsers feature pop-up This is an attempt to scam the
blockers -- be sure to turn them user into surrendering private
on.
information that will be used for
3. Do not click on links in identity theft. The email directs
emails. If you really wish to the user to visit a web site
visit the site shown, type it in where they are asked to update
the address bar of your web personal information, such as
passwords and credit card, social primary email address to fill out
security, and bank account forms or subscribe to services on
numbers, that the legitimate the Internet. Get a free email
organization already has. The web account from Google or Yahoo for
site is bogus and set up only to these purposes.
steal the user's information.
8. Shop online from reputable
Once you visit their site, companies only. It's safe to use
they'll try to get private data your credit card to pay for
from you, like passwords. These purchases online at any store as
web sites can look identical to long as when you check out, you
your own trusted sites. If you see a little gold lock in the
really wish to visit the site lower right corner of your
shown, type it in the address bar browser. This means that the
of your web browser by hand. When transaction is secure. If you
in doubt, call the institution on don't see this lock -- DO NOT
the phone.
CONTINUE WITH THE PURCHASE! The
6. Do not open attachments in lock is not just a picture. Click
emails, even from friends. on it to see details of the
Certain viruses can access site's security. This is
someone's address book and copy important because some fraudulent
the email addresses found there. web sites will imitate the lock
Then they can send you email that icon of your browser. It's also a
looks exactly like it came from good idea to use the same credit
your Aunt Tilly using a technique card for all of your online
called address spoofing. If you shopping. If there is ever a
need someone to email you an problem, all you have to do is
attachment, make sure they tell cancel that one card.
you about it first or request it
9. DO NOT GIVE OUT PERSONAL
from them in advance.
INFORMATION LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY
7. Do not use your home or NUMBERS, BANK ACCOUNT NUMBERS OR
CREDIT CARD NUMBERS (unless align="center">
you're making a secure purchase)
ON THE INTERNET!!! Any web site
or email asking you for this type="text/javascript">
type="text/javascript"
About the Author:
Jeff Mayer is a Web Developer with over 28 years of computer experience. http://WWW.SENIORSGUIDETOCOMPUTERS.COM is a web site designed to teach senior citizens, kids, moms and dads all about computers.
