Hi,
Welcome to the October 2007 issue of The ITPME Ezine.
This month I will cover some of the best ways to be safe online:
Install and activate computer security software.
This includes your firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-spam software. This is one of the smartest things you can do.
For my recommendations, see my page
computer security page.
Stay current with the updates.
Because new threats come out every day, all day, installing security software is not enough, you must keep it current.
Keep your browser updated.
Malicious websites and software programs take advantage of older browsers. Viruses and spyware can get on your computer through a compromised browser - just by visiting a site in a "bad neighborhood".
Be careful of what you download.
While downloading free screensavers, games, utilities and other cool stuff can be useful, they can also contain viruses and spyware that you willingly invited. Download only from trusted sources.
Use disposable email addresses and credit cards when shopping online.
As opposed to using your main email address or using the one assigned to you by your ISP, get the free ones from Windows Live or Yahoo or even AOL. Assign them names based on how you use them, such as "ezinesignupxyz" or "onlineshoppingabc". Then when you start getting spammed, you'll know the source and you can abandon that email address.
The use of credit cards is preferable to debit cards for online purchasing for several reasons: 1) No direct link to your bank account. 2) Easier to stop or dispute payment. 3) Built in fraud protection.
Type carefully when typing URL's in the address bar.
Scammers often take advantage of misspellings and typos when we go to type an address in the browser address bar. The mistyped site is often a look-a-like or phishing site. Tip: Once at a legitimate site, consider bookmarking it so you can just click right to it in the future.
Whenever possible, avoid clicking on links in an email. Email links can be cloaked - meaning they may display one address but send you to another. And never reply to emails requesting your personal or financial information regardless of how official or legitimate they look.
Following these simple tips will go along way to keeping you safe!
Be sure to check out
The ITPME Blog.
The ITPME Blog contains updated content not duplicated in the ITPME Ezine - please visit to find out what else is new!
Until next time...
Elia, Executive Editor, The ITPME Ezine -
Keeping your most effective security tool - You - up to date.
P.S. If you've ever desired the freedom and flexibility of having your own business on the web and want a truly simple and effective solution to help you get there, then check out my page on
SBI.
It's the only ecommerce solution you will need. Neat, tidy and of course, easy. |
