Staying safe on the Web
June 18, 2009 by Jessica Warnock
Filed under Wired Women
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Despite all of the horror stories about identity theft and evil computer viruses, the Internet doesn’t have to be a scary place.
That’s why we talked to AVG, a leading Internet security company, and to Rick Stevens, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado, about how to stay safe in cyberspace.
E-mail issues.
Stevens, who studies digital media communications, says the biggest security problems arise because of e-mail phishing scams.
In this scam, you receive an e-mail claiming to be your bank or credit card company, saying the account has been compromised. The e-mail requests you visit a link and re-enter your private information, which then can be used against you.
Banks never ask for personal information over e-mail. Before offering personal information, call the company and verify the message. If you do click the links sent to your e-mail, look at the URL to make sure it is the real Web site.
Another tip: Never enter your pin number online in any location.
In general, it is a bad idea to open files from people you don’t know. No matter how interesting or harmless something appears, it could contain viruses. Besides, the file that seems the most interesting is probably the most damaging.
Get spyware software.
Every computer should have some sort of anti-virus software. AVG offers free software at www.avg.com. For $54.99, you can buy AVG’s comprehensive software and you will be much better protected.
It is also important to make sure your computer has its firewall protection activated. All computers have built-in firewall protection to lock off unused Internet ports. Go into your control panel on your computer and make sure it’s on.
Remember to be wary when you are using a public or friend’s computer. You are not familiar with the level of protection on these machines. It is best to make financial transactions only on your personal computer.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
People believe they can always find the best deals on the Internet. We’ve all seen it: “Congratulations! You the 10,000th visitor to this site. Click here for your free car!”
If a deal appears too good to be true, that’s because it probably is. Many sites will tell you you’ve won something fabulous, and all you need to do it enter your credit card number to receive it.
Stevens says never give information that you wouldn’t give to your grocery clerk to someone you don’t know on the Web. That includes social security numbers, credit card information or even home addresses.
The Internet is your resource and should be treated as a “pull medium.” That means sites shouldn’t come to you soliciting your personal information, but rather you should go to them.
The most important Internet safety rule is to always be suspicious of the sites you are visiting. Common sense goes a long way; Nigerian princes do not need you to store their millions.
There’s no need to be afraid of the Web. Just remember, as in your off-line life, trust needs to be earned. Not given.
– By Jessica Warnock
