100 likes | 263 Views
Computer Safety. Justin Ferguson. Protect Your Personal Information. Anyone can be a victim of identity theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are almost 10 million victims every year. You can’t entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft.
E N D
Computer Safety Justin Ferguson
Protect Your Personal Information • Anyone can be a victim of identity theft. • According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are almost 10 million victims every year. • You can’t entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft. • If you get an email or pop-up message asking for personal information, don’t reply or click the link in the message.
Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Firewalls • Anti-Virus software protects your computer from viruses that can destroy your data, slow your computer’s performance or even allow spammers to send emails through your account. • Firewalls help prevent hackers from using your computer to send out your personal information without your permission. • Spyware is installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors your computer use. • Update each software regularly and can help prevent viruses or hackers from infecting your computer
Protect Your Passwords • Keep your password in a secure place, and out of plain view. • Don’t share passwords on the Internet, over the email, or on the phone. • Use passwords that have at least 8 characters and include numbers or symobls • Don’t use personal information, your login name, or adjacent keys on the keyboard as passwords.
Know Who Your Dealing With • It’s remarkably simple for online scammers to impersonate a legitimate business so you need to know with whom you’re dealing. • Phishing involves Internet fraudsters who send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal information from unsuspecting victims. • Phishers send spam or pop-up messages claiming to be from a business or organization that you might deal with. The message usually says you need to update or validate your account information. • Don’t take the bait: Never reply to or click on links in email or pop-ups that ask for personal information.
Online Shopping • Know who your dealing with. • Know exactly what you’re buying. • Know what it will cost. • Don’t send cash under any circumstances. Pay by credit or charge card. • Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies and delivery date.