Are
You A Safe Cyber Surfer?
(NAPSI)-Are you a safe cyber surfer? The stakes are high if
you're not.
Every time you buy stuff online, do your banking or pay
bills over the Internet, check in with your office by e-mail
or just surf the Web for fun, you open a gateway to the
personal information on your computer-including credit-card
numbers, bank balances and more. You may also be in for
costly computer repairs and lost data, due to damaging
computer viruses that can invade your computer through
e-mail connections.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your
computer, your information and your peace of mind from
computer creeps who try to slow down a network operation, or
worse yet, steal personal information to commit a crime.
Here are some tips to help you, from the security experts at
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
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Make sure your passwords have both letters and numbers,
and are at least eight characters long. Avoid common
words: some hackers use programs that can try every word
in the dictionary. Don't use your personal information,
your login name or adjacent keys on the keyboard as
passwords-and don't share your passwords online or over
the phone.
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Protect yourself from viruses by installing anti-virus
software and updating it regularly. You can download
anti-virus software from the Web sites of software
companies, or buy it in retail stores; the best recognize
old and new viruses and update automatically.
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Prevent unauthorized access to your computer through
firewall software or hardware, especially if you are a
high-speed user. A properly configured firewall makes it
tougher for hackers to locate your computer. Firewalls are
also designed to prevent hackers from getting into your
programs and files. Some recently released operating
system software and some hardware devices come with a
built-in firewall. Some firewalls block outgoing
information as well as incoming files. That stops hackers
from planting programs called spyware-that cause your
computer to send out your personal information without
your approval.
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Don't open a file attached to an e-mail unless you are
expecting it or know what it contains. If you send an
attachment, type a message explaining what it is. Never
forward any e-mail warning about a new virus. It may be a
hoax and could be used to spread a virus.
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When something bad happens-you think you've been hacked or
infected by a virus-
e-mail a report of the incident to your Internet provider
and the hacker's Internet provider, if you can tell what
it is, as well as your software vendor.
To learn more, visit the Web site at
www.ftc.gov/infosecurity or call toll free
1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
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