| When it comes to computer security, many of us live | | | | cyber-crime seem to always be a step ahead of the |
| in a bubble of blissful ignorance. We might be vigilant | | | | good guys. If your computer protection is outdated, |
| and never open email attachments from people we | | | | you're vulnerable. |
| don't know, we might take care to make sure an | | | | 4. Use Web browser and operating system security |
| ecommerce site is secure before entering our credit | | | | features. Make sure your browser settings give you |
| card information, or we might even go so far as to | | | | optimal privacy and security, and ensure that you |
| install a standard firewall on our computers. | | | | update your operating system regularly to take |
| Unfortunately, much of the common sense advice we | | | | advantage of security patches. |
| follow when it comes to Internet security does little to | | | | 5. Safeguard your passwords. For example, create a |
| combat the cyber-crime that is rampant. | | | | unique password for each site you visit, and keep |
| Federal Trade Commission | | | | them in a secure place. Use letter, number and symbol |
| Even the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a | | | | combinations that can outsmart automated password |
| governmental agency that is designed to help | | | | detection programs. |
| consumers, had to issue a press release stating that | | | | 6. Always do backups. If your computer does get a |
| "consumers, including corporate and banking | | | | virus or a worm, your files may be goners. Make sure |
| executives, appear to be targets of a bogus e-mail | | | | to regularly back up any important files and store them |
| supposedly sent by the Federal Trade Commission but | | | | in a secure place. |
| actually sent by third parties hoping to install spyware | | | | 7. Prepare for emergencies. If something does go |
| on computers." | | | | wrong, such as your computer being hacked or |
| There's little doubt that spyware, malware, and insidious | | | | infected, or if you accidentally divulge personal |
| virus attacks make any computer with Internet access | | | | information, know what courses of action you should |
| vulnerable. But, because not all Internet security | | | | take to remedy the situation and prevent further |
| breaches are immediately apparent, people are often | | | | problems. |
| unaware that their seemingly hassle-free computing is | | | | A Hassle-Free Solution |
| anything but. The Federal Trade Commission offers | | | | Protecting your computer from all of the threats in |
| seven guidelines to help consumer surf the Web | | | | cyberspace can seem like full-time job. Thankfully, |
| safely: | | | | there are companies who make it their business to |
| 1. Protect your personal information. For example, | | | | offer individuals and businesses the most |
| when shopping on an ecommerce site, make sure that | | | | technologically advanced computer security solutions |
| the page where you enter your personal information is | | | | available. The best of these services offer PC |
| secure, as designated by "https" before the URL. It's | | | | maintenance, full system optimization, problem |
| important to stop identity theft before it starts. | | | | diagnosis and repair, installation assistance, and a full |
| 2. Know before you click. For instance, many | | | | complement of professionally managed security |
| cyber-criminals impersonate legitimate businesses, or | | | | services. Typically, you pay a small monthly |
| send "phishing" email that asks you to click a hyperlink. | | | | subscription fee and in turn can surf the Web knowing |
| Check out online merchants and never click on emailed | | | | that your computer is locked down and that you'll |
| hyperlinks unless you're certain of the source. | | | | never again have to stay abreast of the latest security |
| 3. Update anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall | | | | software or lug your computer down to a high-priced |
| software often. Hackers and others who engage in | | | | repair center. |