Smart Tools

Protecting your Internet space

When we use computers and surf the Internet, it is important that we take extra effort in taking care of the equipment and at the same time secure our Internet use. We cannot just leave computers on or leave security passwords lying around. Aside from installing firewalls and antivirus software in our desktops, we should also secure our Internet stomping ground.

You can do more! Here are some reminders on protecting your computer and privacy when browsing the Internet.

Shop without the crowds, but is it worth it?

Online shopping has its benefits: no crowds, no gas consumption, and nonstop 24-hour shopping and browsing time. With more and more online shoppers (with sites like Amazon.com for books, among others), the risks of getting ripped off and/or being on the losing end of an identity theft are also larger.

Cyber security education and awareness on this matter will cover the following tips:

  1. Research the website before you buy. Google the site and read other consumers’ reviews; if they are unfavorable, go to another site. Check out the site’s privacy policy and find out how they use the personal information you’re bound to give if you use their site.
  2. Always find out what the return policy of the website is. What are the policy on product returns? Who covers the shipping cost on a return/exchange of a product?
  3. Scrutinize product descriptions. General or vague terms could mask counterfeit “name-brand” items sold at very low costs.
  4. Beware of false emails or pop-ups asking for your password, log-in name or financial information. Sometimes, hackers send emails masquerading as legitimate companies, and ask for personal information for future cyber crimes like identity theft or installing spyware on your computer.
  5. Make sure a web page is secure by checking out the website’s URL address. If a purchase is secure or encrypted, then the http should change into shttp:// or https://.
  6. Have an anti-virus, anti-software and a firewall installed in your computer. Update these regularly.
  7. Save your records of online transactions (like the product description, price, online receipt or emails), and check how much was charged to your credit card.

Keep off the phisher’s hook.

Phishers or identity thieves try to hook you into giving them your personal information (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, PIN, mother’s maiden names) for illegal purposes.

Basic security precautions include:

  1. Know how to identify “phishy” emails. Examples of these are those pretending to be from a legitimate retailer, bank, organization or government agency, asking you to confirm personal information because “your account is about to be closed” or “you have ordered something from us.” Delete them immediately.
  2. Don’t enter personal information in a pop-up screen. To prevent this, install pop-up blocking software.
  3. Don’t open email attachments or URLs from people you don’t know. Sometimes, scammers use attachments to send programs that can steal personal information.

Social butterflies in cyberspace should be safe too.

With social networking sites, anyone can post information about himself and communicate through blogs, forums, groups, chat rooms, email and instant messaging. With the influx of strangers also comes the influx of hackers, identity thieves, con artists and predators.

Protection is a must against all these people and it can be done by being careful with your financial and other sensitive information. Anyone can see what you post -- from the police to high school and college personnel, con artists and nosy neighbors.

Most of all, trust your gut feeling; if you’re uncomfortable with someone or something online, report it. Go to www.fraud.org to find out more about different types of Internet fraud.

Sources:

“10 Tips for Smart Holiday Shopping Online.” Retrieved May 14, 2008 from http://staysafeonline.org/basics/shoppingTips.html
“National Consumers League and National Cyber Security Alliance Phishing and Pharming Tips.” Retrieved May 14, 2008 from http://staysafeonline.org/basics/pharming_tips.html
“National Consumers League/National Cyber Security Alliance Safety and Security Social Networking Tips.” Retrieved May 14, 2008 from http://staysafeonline.org/basics/nclncsasocialtips.html
“Social Networking Sites: Today’s Hippest Meeting Place.” Retrieved May 14, 2008 from
http://www.staysafeonline.org/connectedandprotectededucators.html

(Published 26 May 2008, Smart Communications, Inc.)