Security Measures That Can Keep You Safe Online
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You can never be too safe while surfing the Internet. By connecting to the World Wide Web, you
are opening a door that anyone can walk through, sometimes even unnoticed. The internet is a
vast resource of both legitimate and illegal ventures. It is up to you to decipher the good from
the bad. Below are some guidelines that can help make this daunting task a little bit easier.
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| Use Anit-Virus Software and Keep It Up-To-Date |
There is a wide range of anti-virus programs available. PC World
recently did a side-by-side comparison of many anti-virus programs. Surprisingly, the top 10
ranked anti-virus programs range from FREE to $50 to purchase, plus some also require
yearly renewal fees. View PC World's
comparrison chart and decide which option will best meet your needs.
Each anti-virus program reviewed has its pros and cons. Some try to take total control of your
computer in the name of security while others require many resources that can slow down the response
time of your computer. No matter which anti-virus option you select, the virus definitions must be
kept current or the program will not be able to continue to guard against viruses.
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| Keeping Email Safe |
Email is used to keep in touch with loved ones as well as making business contacts. On
a daily basis, we are inundated with email from strangers making offers that honestly sound too
good to be true. These unsolicited emails that are offering services for a fee, for example, should
be looked at with extreme caution. If something sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.
These types of email contacts are known as SPAM. Their sole purpose is to obtain personal information
from you, such as your social security number, bank account number or even a credit card number.
If you receive an attachment with an email from an unknown source. Do no open it no matter how
tempting it may be. For if you do, it may alter your computer, or even start generating email
messages to everyone in your address book. This is how viruses and worms work. They hide themselves
on your computer and can be quite nasty. Some have even been known to corrupt the computer itself.
With this in mind, even receiving an email with an attachment from someone you know, you still need
to use caution. This false sence of safety is how an emailed virus/worm gets in. If you follow the
same rule mentioned above, if it sounds too good to be true, then it is...even when coming from a
known source.
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| Websites That Have Required Downloads |
Some websites sole purpose is to cause grief and frustration to the visitor. There are a number
of websites that require a download in order to view their content. There are legitimate downloads,
such as a Flash plug-in or Acrobat Reader; but there are a number of sites that require you to
download an unknown program before viewing their site. Unknowingly, this download is installing
a Trojan horse or possibly even an auto-dialer that will dial international numbers via your modem.
When these dialers are installed, you can be greated with a $1,000 phone bill! Yikes! Then, you
will need to contact your local phone company in hopes that they will reduce your charges.
Unfortunately, many phone companies may only reverse 10% if at all.
If you are not 100% confident that the download is legitimate, then don't do it. Research the
request first by entering the name of the download in a search tool, as is provided at the top
of this page. Once you have determined that it is safe, then return to the website and initiate
the download. You cannot be too cautious when dealing with the good and the bad our world has
to offer.
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| Spyware, Malware, Pop-Up and Pop-Over Ads |
Pop-Ups and Pop-Over ads serve a purpose, but can be annoying. We are often inundated with
advertisements while surfing the Internet. To help reduce or eliminate the unwelcomed pop-ups
you will need a pop-up blocker. There are many options to choose from. We offer a pop-up blocker
with our web accelerator program.
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| Keep Your Operating System Up-To-Date |
Any machine that is used on the internet must be kept current. And, your operating system
current is also critical. Spammers and hackers quickly learn the vulnerabilities of a
specific operating system and use this to get into your machine. By always installing the
Critical Updates sent by Microsoft and periodically running the Windows Update program, you
can ensure that your computer is secured while on the Internet.
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| Firewalls Are a Must |
By installing a firewall client, you are shutting that door that is opened while surfing the
Internet. A free firewall client can monitor those who are attempting to walk through that opened
doorway.
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| Taking all of the above steps can help to ensure your safety and
avoid identity theft. |
