 | How can I be safe online? |
Technical Answer:
To be safe online means different things to different people. Here I will discuss methods for keeping your personal information private and for keeping unwanted software off of your computer. In addition to keeping your computer running smoothly, keeping unwanted software off of your computer helps prevent attacks against a person's property and body. Information mining, phishing, and spyware are methods of attack that begin with the computer, but can lead to property damage, financial damage, and even to personal injury.
To keep your personal information private:
1) Never tell anyone your personal information!
2) Use secure passwords.
3) Check that forms on the internet that you fill out are secure.
4) Keep unwanted software off your system that may log key presses or disclose your personal information by other methods.
5) Beware phishing attacks.
Never telling anyone your personal information means:
1) You can reveal your first name, but never your family name! Keeping your exact age confidential is wise as well. Never reveal your location! Never!
2) Don't upload photographs of yourself.
3) Clear your browser's cache and erase your cookies when you are done surfing. Most browsers have an option to do this automatically.
Secure passwords means:
1) Numbers AND letters. At least eight of them!
2) Do not use a dictionary word or your name in your password.
3) Mixing case is good too.
To check that web forms are secure:
1) Be sure that you trust the website. Read and understand the site's privacy policy.
2) Check that the URL begins with https:// (Not http:// - notice the 's').
3) Check that there is a lock icon in the status bar. Click it to be sure that it is not an image served from the website.
To keep unwanted software off of your system, follow these guidelines:
1) Always know from where you are downloading. Only download from known trusted sources.
2) Have software double-check your downloads. That means a firewall and anti-virus software must be installed and up-to-date.
3) Weekly audits of the software installed in your system. That means a virus check, a spyware sweep, and updating all programs.
To protect yourself from phishing attacks:
1) Keep your email address private. Do not put it on webpages.
2) Use an email client that has built-in spam and phishing filters, such as Thunderbird. If you prefer web-based email, then use a service that provides these services, such as Gmail.
3) Never click on a link in an email. Always open your browser by clicking on it's icon, and type in the URL of the website that you are visiting by yourself.
Short Answer:
You can be safe online by following three very bas...
Long Answer:
Online safety is easily broken down into three basic processes, all of which must be adhered to. ...