Identity Theft how to protect yourself

Identity Theft how to protect yourself?

 

Identity theft is a form of stealing someone's identity in which someone pretends to be someone else by assuming that person's identity, typically in order to access resources or obtain credit and other benefits in that person's name.

How can you protect your self from one of those people?

First of all Don't save passwords on your work computer. Don't take the risk that someone else will have access to your computer. Don't save those passwords on library, hotel or other public computers, either.

Another one is that you shouldn't fall victim to phishing. Phishing refers to emails that look like they come from your bank, brokerage or cell phone company, but actually are fraudulent. Typically, they ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number, account number or passwords. No legitimate company would every request that kind of information from in an email.

Think like a thief. Before you throw anything away, look to see whether it has any valuable identifying information that could be used by someone to steal your identity.


Protecting against Computer Viruses

Protecting against computer viruses

 

 

Everytime you visit a site theres a little chance that your computer will be attacked. Security software provides good protection, but does not mean that your PC will never be infected. Of course sites like YouTube, Google can BE infected.

 

Websites offering screensavers, pirate software or games, music downloads and other something-for-nothing attractions are more likely to be infected.

 

 

One of the options to prevent from being attacked by an virus is to have your Firewall turned on, its a good thing that firewall should be tured on because firewall is a device that increases the security of computers on the internet by controlling the connections that can be made between them.

 

Another way of keeping your computer safe and kep away from viruses is to Install an Anti-Virus, There are lots of good free programs available, including Microsoft Security Essentials. Alternatives include Avira AntiVir Personal Edition, Avast! Free Antivirus, and AVG free. Kaspersky is good too – but you’ll have to pay for that program.

Computer Safety in all forms

                                                  Computer Safety

 Step 1: Scan Your Computer For Problems

Viruses and Spyware are two types of malicious software often referred to as "malware." Since new types of malware are found each day, it is important to keep your software up to date. TOAST.net recommends Microsoft Security Essentials for home computers and Vipre for businesses.

Step 2: Update Your Operating System

Microsoft is constantly improving their software and fixing known security flaws and exploits. Macintosh often has updates as well. These updates are critical to protecting your computer against newly discovered problems that can compromise your security.

Step 3: Turn On Your Firewall

A Firewall is a piece of hardware or software that blocks unauthorized users from accessing your computer while you are connected to the Internet. Firewalls are an important first step in protecting your computer. Windows XP and Vista include a free firewall.
Keep Your Children Safe

Treat the Internet like any other public place - keep your children safe and monitor their Internet habits. TOAST.net provides tools so you can filter out inappropriate content and log their activity, yet allow you to access the web-sites you want to. Read this MSNBC article.
Block Inappropriate Content

• Turn on K9 Web Protection for Windows XP/2000/Vista/Mac OSX which is free
• Households with multiple computers and broadband connections can use FamilyShield DNS to automatically filter inappropriate content.

Beware of Sexual Predators

• Read the FBI's 'A Parents Guide to Internet Safety.'
• Learn Chat and IM slang used in chat rooms, on instant messaging programs, and by mobile phone text messages.
• Get some tips from the TeenAngles website.
• Use monitoring software to keep track of where your child surfs and what he/she has typed, like Spector Pro which you will have to pay about $100 for it.
• Kid's can learn about Internet safety from Disney's Safety Tips.

How to prevent hackers

              How to prevent your accout from hackers

1. First of all you should use strong passwords, alsoways try to make complicated passwords so the hacker can't get into your accout e.g. ''M@r31n2 ''.

2. Don't use generic usernames e.g. Admin, Administrator or Site Owner, because these are the most common used generinc usernames and it would be easy enough for hacker to hack into your account.

3. Keep updating your anti-virus, this is important because anti-virus deletes all dangerous files from your computer.

4. make sure you will delete all the spam messages you will recieve in your E-mail.

5. Make sure your firewall is turned on because a firewall is a barries that keeps hackers and viruses out of computer networks.