How To Be Safe On The Internet

The internet can be a fantastic storehouse of information

, knowledge and communication, but while youre surfing freely online there are a few things you should take care of to help you stay safeIt is always better to be safer than sorry, and though the net is a great place to connect, it can be a dangerous place for the careless as well. Just like you would not jump into the vast open without a parachute, you should not access the net without keeping the following six simple tips in mind.

1.Update your anti-virus and spyware: New viruses are launched by the thousands nearly every day, and not only can they track your movements online thus making all your information from banking, shopping, credit card, social security number and personal emails available to the makers of the virus for your exploitation, they can also get into your computer and access those files which are not for online use, and ruin a very expensive product. Always keep your anti-virus updated.

2.Change your passwords frequently: Your online passwords should never be simple letters and it is best if they are completely random and have nothing to do with your name, age, date of birth, or the details of your family members as this can be very easy to guess. Randomize your passwords and change them on a regular basis especially those of banking and online payments before someone tracks the repeated keystrokes. Never share your password with a third party.

3.Back-up information: Although the net is unlikely to go anywhere, and you have several data-recovery companies which will help you retrieve your information if it is lost, always create a back-up of your important information either in hard copy through printouts or on CD, pendrives, or even to an alternate email account. If you are ever compromised, you will not only have your information intact, you will have proof of ownership to material which may otherwise be disputed.

4.Beware of phishing: Phishing is a mail from corrupt sites claiming there is something wrong with your email or password. Sometimes these sites offer you free gifts, or claim you have won a lottery for millions of dollars and that all you need is to click on their link to access that money. NEVER fall for these tricksas soon as you click a link, youll be redirected to a site where all your information can be stolen. These companies specialize in identity thefts and are fraud, so protect yourself. If in doubt then contact the help section of your email provider, whether Gmail, Yahoo or MSN.

5.Be careful of subscriptions: When you are subscribing online to receive updates and information from a particular site, be careful to read the agreement. Sometimes sites may send you spam unrelated with your area of concern or interest. Some sites require you to give them your information such as where you live, but the best sites openly state they will never share your information with a third party. This is a contract between you and the site, and just like any other contract you should pay close attention to how much you are allowing them to do with your information. Beware of sites which offer to send you advertisements unrelated to them or their own product as they are sites which sell email addresses.

6.Check the sites you visit are secure: The first thing to check is if the site youre using shows only http, or https. The S in https implies secure. However not all sites which have https are wholly secure and not all sites with only http are dangerous. You will have to be discerning. Use popular and trustworthy sites only.

by: Natalie Derrickson

POST COMMENT

What To Expect From Internet Service Providers The Top Three Internet Marketing Strategies For Rapid Results Ways Of Making Money On The Internet Dbora Reale Acumula Fs Na Internet Making Cash On The Internet Is Something People Are Doing Each Day Maxblock Se Torna Destaque Na Internet Dr Clodoaldo Pacheco Se Torna Destaque Na Internet Boosting Your Visibility On The Internet Are Affiliate Internet Marketing Income Trickling In? Transform It Into A Flood With One Of These Ti How The Internet Changed Photography For Better And For Worse 3 Things You Should Know About Digital Photography On The Internet Internet Marketing Can Contribute Something Different And Best To Your Business How Can Internet Marketing Help You