Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe Online

March 19, 2009 · Filed Under Security 
Take a bite out of cybercrime (NAPSI)  You don’t have to be a computer genius to protect yourself online, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money.  By following these 10 commonsense tips, you can make the most out of your Internet experience while protecting yourself and your family from online threats. 

  1. Protect your computer.  The best thing you can do to keep the bad guys out of your computer is to use three inexpensive technologies: anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall.  Some security companies provide all three in one easy-to-use package.
  2. Protect your identity.  On the Internet, your personal data (Social Security number, birth date, etc.) is extremely valuable and can be used against you.  Keep it protected.
  3. Protect your children.  Children face unique risks on the Internet and require unique rules and safeguards.  Monitor your kids’ online activities closely.  There are many tools available to help you protect them from online threats.
  4. Stay current.  Those security tools won’t do any good unless you keep them up to date.  Set them to update automatically.  The same goes for your computer itself.  Be sure it’s set to automatically install security updates.
  5. E-mail safely.  E-mail is a favorite tool of online crooks.  Even legitimate-looking messages can be scams.  Learn how to filter for "spam" and spot the signs of scam e-mails.  Reputable companies will never solicit personal information via email.
  6. Protect your accounts.  Choose hard-to-guess passwords and change them regularly to help prevent criminals from getting at your money or personal information.
  7. Backup.  Regularly backup your music, photos and other important files.  This can save you if your computer crashes or is stolen.
  8. Know your options.  If something does go wrong, there are resources available to help get you back on your feet.
  9. Keep informed.  Subscribe to the National Cyber Alert System from the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team.  Through the alert system, you can receive timely information about current cyber security problems to protect home and office computers.
  10. Get your business, school or church involved.  Suggest or sponsor an event at your business, school or church to increase cyber security education and awareness.  Use Educause’s cyber resource kit at the event to help discussion and learning.

Protecting yourself, your family and your computer requires some simple precautions, not a computer science degree.

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