Computing

Computer Safety


Computer Safety

The internet offers access to a world of products and services, entertainment and information. At the same time, it creates opportunities for scammers, hackers, and identity thieves. It is very important to learn how to protect your computer, your information, and your online files.

A lot of bad stuff has happened to a lot of people online and, with every day that passes, the odds increase that similar bad stuff will happen to you or someone who is close to you.

Scammers, hackers and identity thieves are looking to steal your personal information - and your money. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself, like keeping your computer software up-to-date and giving out your personal information only when you have good reason.


Computer and Internet security are complex and very wide-ranging topics but there is a lot you can do to safeguard your privacy, integrity of your data, and to safeguard against ever getting into a compromised situation. Most Internet users are aware about dangers on the Net, but few appreciate the real extent of those dangers, the possible consequences, or the best, most practical and least expensive means of countering them. We want to help you protect yourself or at least provide some useful ideas and awareness of the situation.

Update Your Software. Keep your software – including your operating system, the web browsers you use to connect to the Internet, and your apps – up to date to protect against the latest threats. Most software can update automatically, so make sure to set yours to do so.

Outdated software is easier for criminals to break into. If you think you have a virus or bad software on your computer, check out how to detect and get rid of malware.

Protect Your Personal Information. Don’t hand it out to just anyone. Your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and bank and utility account numbers can be used to steal your money or open new accounts in your name. So every time you are asked for your personal information – whether in a web form, an email, a text, or a phone message – think about why someone needs it and whether you can really trust the request.

In an effort to steal your information, scammers will do everything they can to appear trustworthy. Learn more about scammers who phish for your personal information.

Protect Your Passwords. Here are a few ideas for creating strong passwords and keeping them safe:
Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users.
Try to be unpredictable – don’t use names, dates, or common words. Mix numbers, symbols, and capital letters into the middle of your password, not at the beginning or end.
Don’t use the same password for many accounts. If it’s stolen from you – or from one of the companies where you do business – thieves can use it to take over all your accounts.
Don’t share passwords on the phone, in texts or by email. Legitimate companies will not ask you for your password.
If you write down a password, keep it locked up, out of plain sight.

Consider Turning On Two-Factor Authentication. For accounts that support it, two-factor authentication requires both your password and an additional piece of information to log in to your account. The second piece could be a code sent to your phone, or a random number generated by an app or a token. This protects your account even if your password is compromised.

Give Personal Information Over Encrypted Websites Only. If you’re shopping or banking online, stick to sites that use encryption to protect your information as it travels from your computer to their server. To determine if a website is encrypted, look for https at the beginning of the web address. That means the site is secure.

Back Up Your Files. No system is completely secure. Copy your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. If your computer is attacked by malware, you’ll still have access to your files.


Related Links:

Online Safety for Kids

Communicating at Different Ages

Cyberbullying

Using Mobile Devices

Important Things You Should Know About Mobile Apps

Texting

How to Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages

How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks

Malware

Avoid Malware

Detect Malware

Get Rid of Malware

Did You Know?

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Did You Know?

The best way to protect your kids when they start using devices (computer, a cell phone, or any mobile device) or begin socializing online is talking to them. Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents.

It is better to start early. After all, even toddlers see their parents use all kinds of devices. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone, or any mobile device, it's time to talk to them about online behavior, safety, and security. As a parent, you have the opportunity to talk to your kid about what's important before anyone else does.

You don't have to wait! Initiate conversations. Even if your kids are comfortable approaching you, don't wait for them to start the conversation. Use everyday opportunities to talk to your kids about being online. For instance, a TV program featuring a teen online or using a cell phone can tee up a discussion about what to do — or not — in similar circumstances. And news stories about internet scams or cyberbullying can help you start a conversation about your kids’ experiences and your expectations. Find out more...