Tips On How To Keep Yourself Safe On The Internet

Posted by: Vanessa Date: June 15, 2012 In: Frugal-Tips

With today’s technology it seems more and more people are becoming victims, whether it be from identity theft, cyber bullying, stalking, or online scams.

Some great tips to help protect yourself from some of these things are as follows;

1. Never open an email attachement from someone you do not know. Be sure to have security settings on your computer at all times.

2. Only download files that have been proven safe. Like a trusted source as verified them.

3. If you have kids it is best to configure your browser to “Block” all inappropriate content. Keeping them safe is of the utmost importance.

4. If you are doing transactions like online banking, etc be sure the site as the little gold key symbol or the URL begins with https:/ and not http:/

5. Using a public wireless network is one of the places where you should really be careful. Turn off all file-sharing and discovery options. Anyone on a wireless network may be able to gain access and open your files. Many people only worry about Hackers but do not realize than anyone can gain access to personal files this way.

6. Install and anti-virus program on your computer and keep updating it on a regular basis. Be sure the firewall and anti-spyware is working as well.

Online Scams: This is growing rapidly each and every day. Many people are having their lives destroyed because of online scams.

The saying that if it looks to good to be true, chances are it is a scam. If you have to pay money up-front for a job, or to receive a contest win, etc, immediately delete your email and move on. These people are just trying to grab your money, leaving you empty handed and red-faced at the end of the day.

Phishing Emails; are emails claiming to be from banks, ebay, paypal, etc with links to provide very sensitive personal info. These places will NEVER ask for things like passwords, etc through email. If you do receive on of these emails be sure to forward it to the company that it is said to be from. They will take it from there.

7. This one is pretty simple but there are many people out there that just don’t get it. They are too trusting and believe people are who they say they are. NEVER give your full name, address, or telephone number to someone that you don’t know online. Would you just randomly give your number to a stranger on the street? No, I don’t think so. So why does the internet make it okay? Just cause a person says they are from a certain company or organization doesnt make it so.

8. When you sign up for something or agree to anything be sure to always read the fine print. I am guilty of this offence for sure. There are many a times where I just skip to the bottom of the page and click that little “agree” check box.

9. Lastly, WATCH THOSE PASSWORDS. Never use passwords that are easy for someone to guess. Like your name or telephone number, the name of your kids or pets. These are easy to guess and will probably be the first ones that will be tried when trying to gain access to your personal info. Try for a longer password that includes numbers as well as letters.

*Just a note; when I sign up for freebies I always…ALWAYS use a fake telephone number and hotmail address.