© 2006 Consumer Jungle Minimizing Online Risks. © 2006 Consumer Jungle 15 Steps to Minimizing...

© 2006 Consumer Jungle

Minimizing Online Risks


15 Steps to Minimizing Online Risks

1. Update your operating system2. Use a firewall3. Adjust browser security settings4. Consider an ISP or e-mail provider that

offers security5. Use antivirus software6. Use antispam software7. Use at least one antispyware programGood online practices8. Regularly back up personal files9. Be on the alert while browsing10. Create strong passwords11. Don’t post your e-mail address12. Use e-mail cautiously13. Use multiple e-mail addresses14. Don’t buy from spammers15. Look for secure Web sites


Update your operating system

• Windows XP users– Enable Automatic Windows

Update feature– Download & install Service

Pack 2 @ www.microsoft.com/protect

• Keep your computer updated with the latest security measures.


Use a firewall

• Enable built-in firewall on Windows XP and Mac OS

• With older systems, install firewall– Software (protection

for incoming and outgoing)

– Hardware (most routers have firewalls)


Adjust browser security settings

• On Internet Explorer 6– Set security level to

medium or high.

• This will prevent many security issues.


Consider an ISP or E-Mail Provider that Offers Security

• E-mail providers that offer spam filtering, virus scanning at no extra charge:– AOL– Earthlink– MSN– Yahoo– Gmail (offered by Google)

• Use as first layer of defense.


Use Antivirus Software

• Will detect viruses or worms that have been in circulation for at least a couple of days.– May fail to detect brand-

new viruses.

• Enable– Auto-protect– Automatic update features

• Keep your subscription current

• Keep your guard up!


Use Antispam Software

• Enable spam blocking from your ISP.

• Buy antispam software

• On web-based e-mail services like Hotmail or Yahoo:– enable built-in

blockers.


Use at Least One Antispyware Program

• No product will catch every spyware variant

• Good combo:– Free spyware– Purchased spyware

• Use real-time protection on one product.

• Use the automatic update feature

• Keep your subscription current

• Download at official sites• Mac users at less risk


Regularly Back Up Personal Files

• Safegaurds data• Use a plug-in external

hard drive as:– Backup storage or– Main storage

• If the computer crashes, your files are already off the machine


Be on The Alert While Browsing

• Be wary of ad-sponsored or “free”:– screen savers– Games– Videos– Toolbars– Music– Movie file-sharing

programs– Other giveaways

• They probably have spyware


Create strong passwords

A good password is at least 8 characters, includes a number and a symbol, and is not a common word


Don’t post your e-mail

• Don’t post your e-mail in its normal form on a public website– No:

[email protected]

– Yes: info at consumerjungle DOT org.


Use E-Mail Cautiously

• Never:– Open an attachment

that you weren’t expecting

– Respond to e-mail asking for personal information

– Reply to spam or click on its “unsubscribe” link

• Report phishing to companies that are being misrepresented


Use Multiple E-Mail Addresses

• Primary e-mail for family and friends

• Secondary e-mail for:– Online purchases– Sending e-cards– Everything else

• Create e-mails with embedded digits– info4u@consumerjung

le.org


Don’t Buy From Spammers

• Don’t buy anything promoted in a spam message– Even if it isn’t a scam– If you do, you are

financing & encouraging spam


Look for Secure Websites

• Look for an icon in the bottom right of your browser of:– An unbroken key or– A lock that’s:

• Closed• Golden• Glowing

• Make sure the site’s address begins with “https:”

© 2006 Consumer Jungle Minimizing Online Risks. © 2006 Consumer Jungle 15 Steps to Minimizing...

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