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