10 Essential Tips for Online Security

With the sudden rise in the Internet usage across the globe over the past few years, there has also been a rise in the amount of online scams and frauds. Today most of the Internet users are unaware of the most prevailing online threats which pose a real challenge for their safe Internet usage. As a result, Online Security has become a questionable factor for the most Internet users. However it is still possible to effectively combat online insecurity provided that the users are well aware of the common scams and frauds and know how to protect themselves. A study shows that over 91% of the Internet users are unaware of the online scams and are worried about their security. Well if you are one among those 91% then here is a list of 10 tips to ensure your total online security.

1. Always install a good antivirus software and keep it up-to-date. Also install a good anti-spyware to keep your PC away from spywares. Click Here for a list of recommended anti-spyware softwares.

2. Always visit known and trusted websites. If you are about to visit an unknown website, ensure that you do not click on suspectable links and banners.

3. Perform a virus scan on the files/email attachments that you download before executing them.

4. Regularly Update your operating system and browser software. For a better security it is recommended that you surf the Internet through the latest version of your browser program.

5. Never share your password (email, bank logins etc.) with any one for any reason. Choose a strong password (A blend of alphanumeric+special symbols) and change it regularly, eg. every 3 months. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords. (ex. pet’s name or kid’s name)

6. Always type the URL of the website in your browser’s address bar to enter the login pages. For ex. To login to your Gmail account type http://mail.google.com 

7. Before you enter your password on any login page, ensure that you see https instead of http. ex. https://mail.google.com instead of http://mail.google.com. HTTPS protocol implements SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and provide better security than a normal HTTP. For more information on HTTPS and SSL see Know More About Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).

8. Beware of phishing emails! Do not respond to any email that request you to update your login details by clicking on a link in the body of the email. Such links can lead to Fake Login Pages (Spoofed Pages). For more information on phishing refer What is Phishing?. Also refer How to Protect an Email Account from being Hacked.

9. Always hit the logout button to close your login session rather than abruptly terminating the browser window. Also clear your web browser caches after every session to remove the temporary files stored in the memory and hard disk of your PC.

10. Avoid (Stop) using any public computers or computers in the Internet cafes to access any sensitive/confidential information. Also avoid such computers to login to your email/bank accounts. You cannot be sure if any spyware, keystroke-logger, password-sniffer and other malicious programs have not been installed on such a PC.

By following the above 10 tips your online security can be guaranteed upto 90%. I hope this will help my readers for keeping themselves safe from any of the online insecurities. Cheers! Pass your comments.

 

Top 10 Tips for Simple Online Security  
For millions of Americans heading out on vacations ranging from long-distance travel to short daytrips to the beach, or finalizing plans for them, the Internet is an important resource.  That's why this is a good time for vacation-goers -- and everyone else -- to reevaluate how they use the Web and re-educate themselves about how to avoid disclosing personal information when they use the Internet at home or on vacation.

With an assist from its Internet security partner McAfee, Verizon offers these 10 ways to make the Web work for you and not against you.

1. Education – Educate yourself about the types of scams on the Internet so that you are better equipped to defeat them.  Read up on the latest phishing scams, for example, and learn how to recognize them.

2. Use a firewall – Firewalls monitor traffic between your computer or network and the Internet and are your first and best line of defense.  Most operating systems come with a firewall, but it won't help you if you don't activate it.

3. Click with caution – When checking e-mail or instant messaging, be careful not to click on links in messages from people you don't know.  Such links could connect to phony websites designed to solicit personal information, or they could download Trojan horses or other malware designed to steal personal information.  Even if the message is from someone you do know, it could still contain a computer virus; check with the sender if you have any concerns about the validity of the message.

4. Surf safely – When browsing the Web for financial institutions or other sites, take steps to avoid fraudulent sites that ask for personal information.  Most legitimate sites don't ask for such information, but instead require registration ahead of time. Use a search engine that corrects misspellings so that you navigate to legitimate sites and avoid landing on a fake webpage.  Creating fake sites with a similarly spelled address is a fairly common scam known as "typosquatting."

5. Practice safe shopping – Shopping online or planning vacations via the Internet can be a terrific tool for consumers, but be careful when you're on sites you've never used before.  When on the checkout page, look for the lock symbol or some other indication, such as the prefix "https," that the page is encrypted or scrambled.  Use a credit card instead of a debit card; if the site turns out to be fraudulent, your credit card company may reimburse you for the charges.  And evaluate the site's security and privacy policies regarding the use of your personal data.

6. Use regularly updated security software – Use security software, such as Verizon Internet Security Suite powered by McAfee, that updates automatically and often to provide maximum protection from viruses, spyware and other cyberthreats, which also are being constantly updated.  Conduct regular malware scans of your computer, and update your operating system and browser with the manufacturer's latest security patches.

7. Secure wireless networks – Don't let your home network's wireless router be a welcome mat for hackers.  Enable the firewall on your router and regularly change the router's administrative password.  Check the support section of your ISP's website or your router manufacturer's website for instructions on how to take these precautionary steps.  And make sure your router has a strong encryption, such as WPA or WPA2.

8. Strong passwords – While short, simple passwords may be easier to remember, they're also easier for hackers to crack.  When banking online or accessing other sites that may reveal personal or financial information, use passwords with at least 10 characters and include combinations of letters, numbers and symbols.  Change passwords regularly.
 
9. Common sense – Cybercrime continues to accelerate and it's being fueled by common mistakes people make when online, such as responding to spam or phishing scams or downloading attachments from people or sites they don't know.  Use common sense and caution; never post personal information online; and be careful about clicking on links or prompts to download software.  If you're concerned about your children's online activity, use the Family Protection parental controls that come with your Verizon Internet Security Suite (VISS) and talk to your children about being safe online.

10. Be skeptical – Many victims of scams may have thought they were cybersavvy and let their guard drop long enough for a cyberthief to strike.  Back up data regularly in case a virus infects your computer, and monitor accounts and credit reports to make sure your identity has not been stolen.

Whether you are at home or away, the Internet is a dynamic resource that supports all of your activities.  Use it with the same degree of skill and caution you use when you drive a car and you'll be able to avoid the hazards that can spoil an online experience.

Verizon Communications Inc. headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.