How To Avoid Getting Ripped-Off Online

Online security is one of the top catch phrases these days, but hardly anybody knows what it means and worse, most home computer users think security only applies to corporations and online businesses. nnMost people think online security means simply protecting your credit card data from fraud and theft, but it actually goes way beyond that. nnThe potential for mayhem and just plain disruption of your life doesn't just mean credit card fraud - it can mean having your identity stolen, your life disrupted and spending hours cleaning up after an online 'vandalism' attack. nnYou must protect yourself from everyone from the teenage computer hacker to the organized crime syndicate using computer worms and keystroke logging viruses. nnThe great news is that a number of simple techniques should protect you against the vast majority of threats, since the evil doers will simply move on to easier pastures. nnnUpdate your anti-virus files nnThe widespread 'Bad Trans' worm logged keystrokes and transmitted potentially sensitive data such as credit card and social security numbers to the 'bad guys'. nnThough this virus contained a high level of criminal intent, it was easily blocked by anyone with up-to-date anti-virus files. nnIf you don't have anti-virus software with current virus definitions installed, you leave the door wide open for security problems. nnnInstall a 'Firewall' nnA firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer by 'hackers'. nnIt closes off the entry points (called open 'ports') carried by virtually every computer connected to the Internet. nnA common misconception is that firewalls are only for people with cable or other high-speed connections. nnEven if you use a dial up connection to get online, a firewall can help you detect and prevent people from logging on to your computer, stealing files or even using your computer to break into others! nnYou can take a free test of your computer's security by logging on to http://www.symantec.com/securitycheck/ and clicking 'Find out today if you are safe'. The results may surprise you. nnnUse secure sites nnOnly give sensitive data such as credit cards, social security numbers and important passwords over a secure connection. nnThis means the little yellow lock appears in the lower part of your browser and nobody but the website you are connected to should be able to read the data you send. nnnChange passwords often nnAn easy way for you to protect your sensitive data and email is to change your passwords on a monthly basis, or even more often depending on how frequently you use computers away from home. nnIf you log on to your email at the library, in 'cyber cafes' or any other remote computer then the possibility exists that computer could have a key-stroking virus present. nnThis means everything you type into the computer (passwords, birthdays, social security numbers, and credit cards) could be logged and used by someone else. nn** Change your passwords at least once a month. nnnThough not fool-proof, these security tips should help reduce your vulnerability and keep you safer online.n