8 Tips On How To Protect Yourself Online

Using the internet can be fun and worry free as long as you do it safely and smartly. Follow these 8 Tips On How To Protect Yourself Online to avoid problems:

1. Shop safely. Many online stores uses secure technology for online purchases. Make sure to read and understand the online store's privacy and security policies before shopping. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the Web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears at the bottom right of the checkout screen or that there is a statement on the checkout screen stating that the checkout pages are secure with a security technology vendor. Check that the security technology does exist by checking the security technology company's Web site.
2. Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent e-mails and fake Web sites, masquerading as legitimate businesses, to lure unsuspecting users into revealing private account or login information. To be safe, if you receive an e-mail from a business that includes a link to a Web site, make certain that the Web site you visit is legitimate. Instead of clicking through to the Web site from within the e-mail, open a separate Web browser and visit the business' Web site directly to perform the necessary actions. You can also verify that an e-mail is in fact from a legitimate business by calling the business or agency directly.
3. Use e-mail wisely. E-mail is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family and as a tool to conduct business. Even if you have good security software on your PC, your friends and family might not have the same protection. Be careful about what information you submit via e-mail. Never send your credit-card information, Social Security number, or other private information via e-mail.
4. Install a trusted internet security software. Look for a comprehensive PC security software that protects you from viruses, spyware, adware, hackers, phishing scams, and identity theft. Choose a brand that you can trust,
   
   
5. Create smart and strong passwords. Make it difficult for hackers to crack your password. You can create a smart password by incorporating capital letters, numbers and special characters, and using more than six characters. An example of a strong password is: F33ling*luckY?
6. Pay attention to your children's online activities. Keep your home computer in a conspicuous area so that you can monitor their activity. Use child software that is age-appropriate. Limit your children's time spent online. Install and use parental controls software that allows you to monitor your children's activity online. This will keep your children from accessing undesirable Web sites and sharing personal information via online communications.
7. Fun and carefree online gaming. Internet games are fun for the whole family. Make sure you are careful when playing online games, especially when communicating with other players. Be sure that your security software still functions when you are in gaming mode.
8. Be smart when using instant messaging (IM) programs. If you use an IM program to communicate with friends and family, be careful about sending any personal information through online communications. Protect yourself by using a nickname for your IM screen name, so your name isn't identified through IM. Never accept strangers into your IM groups. Be smart about how you use IM at work because your employer has the right to monitor and view your messages.