by
Carl Hampton
09/29/2006
How sure can we really be as to how safe
we are when you use the Internet. Hackers
can and will get into all your private
information, and use it for their own ends.
There also seems to be an endless number of
viruses that can kill your computer. These
are usually transmitted by opening an email
or clicking links from these emails. So here
are some safe surfing tips.
Never ever give out any of your personal
information. Hackers make an email look
completely legit, like it's from your bank
or a service. Do not click on those links,
always go directly to the banks website on
log on normally, if they want you the
message will be there. The last thing you
want to experience is identity theft. Pay
Pal is is often used by hackers as a front
for their emails again never click the links
always log on from their home page, it may
take a few moments longer but it is better
to be safe than sorry.
Do some research before you deal with any
company on the Internet. If you want to
purchase something online, look for the
sellers physical address and call their
phone number to make sure it is a working
number. I recommend that you don't use any
company that does not have a Pay Pal
account. Pay Pal does not share your
financial information with the company, all
they give out is your name and mailing
address. Be very weary of downloading free
software if it looks to good to be true that's
normally means it is. Read the fine print,
and if you are not willing to do so, don't
download it.
Always use a firewall and anti virus
software and set them up to update
automatically. It is important that you keep
your eyes peeled for anti virus software
that can pick up newer viruses as well as
older ones. Make sure that your software is
installed properly and set your security
settings on high to reduce the risk of
getting hacked.
Do as much as you can to protect your
passwords the less people know the better
for you. Last but not least do regular
backups of all your files there are a number
of easy to use zip file systems now which
take no time at all.
If you do not know who to contact when there
is a problem, go to http://onguardonline.gov/
it's a good resource of information for
online safety.
Have an opinion or a question you would like
me to answer, then write me!
http://www.CarlHampton.com
