Protect Yourself While Using the Internet

There are a few basic guidelines to follow that can go a long way towards protecting yourself from the most egregious invasions of privacy while online.

1. Be Sensitive About Giving Information Online

Don't easily give away critical information like your birthday, Social Security number, and banck account numbers. Make certain that anytime you give personal information, you have a secure web connection. The most sure-fire way is to check the URL, or web address. Secure connections will have an extra s: https://whatever.com instead of http://whatever.com. Never send sensitive information via e-mail or instant message, unless you have special encryption software.

2. Don't Send Personal Information Over Public Computers

Some public computers, such as those at libraries or Internet cafes, have been compromised by snooping software. Wait until you get home to check the online bank account.

3. Don't Share Your Harddrive Over the Internet

Older versions of the Windows operating system make it easy to share your computer's file over a network. If you have an 'always on' Internet connection like DSL or cable modem, you might be unwittingly sharing files with other modem users or the entire Internet. This makes you vulnerable to snoopers and hackers who trawl the 'Net looking for shared files. Make sure your file sharing is turned off-- goto your Control Panel, choose the Network, and under the Configuration tab check the settings for "File and Print Sharing."

4. Don't Open .exe Files You Receive Via E-mail

Worms like the Love Bug Virus can send your e-mail address book to the world, and other bugs could make it possible for a hacker to pay a visit to your home computer.