How to Practice Online Safety for Consumers
Computers Easily Transmit Confidential Information Into Wrong Hands
Dec 1, 2008
Internet safety should be on the mind of everyone who uses a computer. Computer users are often lured into giving away personal information such as Social Security numbers and sensitive bank account information in Plishing and Pfarming scams. Even if the user does not give out sensitive information, dangerous spyware and computer viruses can be downloaded just by opening e-mails and websites that are unsafe.
Computers are a substantial investment for most consumers, so it is important to protect the equipment from spyware and viruses that can damage the computer and render it unusable. Sensitive financial and personal information that tends to get stored on the computer is even more precious than the equipment itself. Do not give away sensitive to unknown people and websites, no matter how compelling the reasons to do so may seem.
Resist Temptation to Open Alluring Sites
- Some websites are too tempting for words, such as ones promising sexy pictures of Hollywood celebrities. Tempting sites may also be laden with spyware, so stay away.
- Never open unsolicited e-mails promising discount products, free offers and easy to make money from home offers.
- Be careful about opening unknown email. Spammers often send emails using first names only or misspelled names. Counterfeit messages can often be easily identified by misspellings and errors in grammar. Clicking on these emails lets spammers know the email account is active, opening the door to even more unwanted emails. Opening these emails can also admit spyware or viruses onto the computer.
- Do Not Download Unsolicited Free Software: Think twice about downloading free software on the computer. It is very easy to click OK on the download now button without even thinking about it. This free software may contain dangerous spyware that damages the computer.
Scan With Anti-Spyware Regularly
Scan the computer at least once a week with a good anti-spyware program. On the Oprah website, Doug Tygar, Phd., a computer science professor at University of California, Berkeley, recommended Ad-Aware.
Use an Alternative Browser
Consider a different browser. According to Dr. Tygar, the most popular browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer, which is installed on most computers at the computer store. Its popularity makes Internet Explorer the most popular target for viruses and spyare. Dr. Tygar recommends alternative browsers such as Firefox or Opera. These free browser programs address identity theft and privacy issues. Macintosh computers are generally safer, but MAC users can download Safari as an alternative browser.
Protect Confidential Information
- Use Mulitple E-Mail Accounts: Get multiple e-mail accounts. Use a mail e-mail address for personal use and trusted contacts. Establish a free email account for special offers, on-line purchases and chat rooms. Free e-mail accounts include MSN Hotmail, Yahoo Mail and Google Gmail.
- Do Not Give Out Confidential Information: Do not give out personal information to unknown websites. Phishing and Pharming scams can be difficult to detect. Assume that most e-mails that request information like credit-card, bank-account and Social Security numbers are bogus.
- Use Different Passwords: Do not use the same password on all websites. Use a complicated password for applications that contain personal and sensitive information. It is okay to use a short, simple password for newsletters and news website.
Destroy Files Before Disposing of Computer
Trash files on old computers before disposal. People often donate or dispose of old computers without a thought to the sensitive information on the hard drive that can be retrieved by spammers.
Computer scams are getting increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. Be wary of downloading unknown software, giving out sensitive and responding to sales pitches and offers that are too good to be true.
Resources
From the Oprah Winfrey Show: What the New Scam Artists Don't Want You to Know.
Dr. Tyger, University of Berkeley, California
Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI
