Avoid getting ripped off online

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How to Avoid Getting Ripped-Off Online
  From the desk of Jim Edwards...
 
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.

Most people think online security means simply protecting your
credit card data from fraud and theft, but it actually goes way
beyond that.

The 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.

You must protect yourself from everyone from the teenage
computer hacker to the organized crime syndicate using computer
worms and keystroke logging viruses.

The 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.


Update your anti-virus files

The widespread 'Bad Trans' worm logged keystrokes and
transmitted potentially sensitive data such as credit card and
social security numbers to the 'bad guys'.

Though this virus contained a high level of criminal intent, it
was easily blocked by anyone with up-to-date anti-virus files.

If you don't have anti-virus software with current virus
definitions installed, you leave the door wide open for security
problems.


Install a 'Firewall'

A firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer by
'hackers'.

It closes off the entry points (called open 'ports') carried by
virtually every computer connected to the Internet.

A common misconception is that firewalls are only for people
with cable or other high-speed connections.

Even 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!

You 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.


Use secure sites

Only give sensitive data such as credit cards, social security
numbers and important passwords over a secure connection.

This 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.


Change passwords often

An 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.

If 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.

This means everything you type into the computer (passwords,
birthdays, social security numbers, credit cards) could be
logged and used by someone else.

** Change your passwords at lease once a month.


Though not fool-proof, these security tips should help reduce
your vulnerability and keep you safer online.


Jim Edwards is the co-author of the best selling ebook:
'33 Days to Online Profits'

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This information presented by Computer Expertise Ltd. aka