What can I do to stay safer online?
PeterWallace
When you cross the street, you look both ways to make sure it’s safe. Staying safe on the internet is just as important. What are some of the ways you can stay safe?
1) Use Secured connections . Make sure you are opening secured connections to the pages. You do this by typing in https at the beginning of a URL. IE9 shows a lock in the address bar.
Check your address bar for an "https" connection whenever you are entering personal data online
2) Use your best judgment . You should be aware of scams that try to steal your personal information (Birth Date, Social Security Number, and Address), your money (Bank account or Credit Card) or both. This is called “phishing” because they “fish” for your information. Look for the signs that the e-mails or the website is pushing to get your private information. Is the spelling and grammar what you expect? Is the e-mail from a person you know and does it seem correct? Before giving out information or money verify that it is legit. You will not get money for little or no effort, that bank account you never knew you had is really not going to get locked, or the deals that sound too good to be true.
3) Is your Operating system secure . Your browser is only a secure as the operating system it runs on. When is the last time your computer was updated? Microsoft releases security patches on Patch Tuesday which is usually the second Tuesday of each month. Starting with Windows 98 Windows Update was released that would check for patches to windows and its components. You can set this for auto update but it is still good to check manually every so often. http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com is the address just in case you would like to check your machine.
4) Download a modern browser . In addition to patches make sure you are running the most up to date browser. Older browsers will have security holes. Do you have add-ons to your browsers? Make sure they are current. Also while you’re checking on your software how current is your Anti-virus and security software? When was the last time it updated signature files? Is it current or is it expired?
5) Help spread the word The more information we can get out to family, friends, co-workers, and others the safer we will stay.
Just remember before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn to spot problems. Take a moment to be certain that the site is clean. Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online could impact your safety or your family’s. Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer. Protect yourself and help keep the web a safer place for everyone.
