Computer Safety

1. Computer Safety By: Strib Crump

2. Protect Your Personal Information • Anybody can be a victim of identity theft • If your asked for personal info find out how it is going to be used • If you get an email or pop-up message asking for personal info don’t reply or click on the link • Read the privacy policy to find out what info will be asked for and why

3. Phishing • Internet fraudsters who send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal information from unsuspecting victims • Never reply to or click on links in e-mail or pop-ups that ask for personal information

4. Anti-virus • Protects your computer from viruses that can destroy your data, slow your computer down, cause a crash or even allow spammers to send email • It works by scanning your computer for, and your incoming email for virus, and then deleting those viruses

5. Firewall • Helps prevent hackers from using your computer and sending out your personal information without your permission • A firewall is like a guard, watching from outside attempts to access your system and blocking

6. Spyware • Is installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use • It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your internet surfing or record your keystrokes • This could lead to the theft of your personal information

7. Password Protection • Use passwords that have at least 8 characters and include numbers and symbols • Avoid common words because some hackers use programs that can try every word in the dictionary • Don’t use personal information, your login name, or adjacent keys on the keyboard as passwords