Choosing The Best Internet Security
With identity theft and fraud being one of the main threats when disclosing personal information online, people need to know the main ways to keep secure and have a better piece of mind when online.
The main ways in which personal information is stolen is by scammers and fraudsters using either phishing techniques or by using Spyware to monitor the targets internet activity.
Phishing scams are everywhere on the internet today; some of the main scams are from fake emails claiming to be from your bank account requesting that you log onto their website and enter some personal information. If you ever get an email like that never comply. You’re bank will never send you emails and ask for personal details so promptly so never fall for these scams even if the email does look legitimate. If emails that seem dodgy are sent to you it is advised you do not open them, block the sender and delete them.
Anti virus and spyware are also good programs to use to keep personal information from being stolen, by allowing a virus or spyware to enter your computer your system will be vunerable. Some current viruses that are around today can easily place programs on your computer without you noticing; these programs can record all the key presses you make and can easily obtain bank account numbers and other sensitive information.
The best way to fight against viruses and spyware is to download anti virus and spyware programs. Another way in which personal information can be kept secure is by having an up to date web browser. Web browsers such as Firefox and Internet Explorer are constantly updating their software with best internet security update patches so it is vital you keep up to date as often as possible to block website threats etc.
The secure padlock symbol is also a good way to determine if your credentials are safe. When you proceed to checkout on all trustworthy websites you will see a small yellow padlock icon at the bottom or the top of your web browser, this will show that the page is secure and your details are less likely to be stolen.
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Best Internet Security Practices
There are many simple ways to keep your personal information private and secure on the internet. The best rule of thumb is to treat your online information in the same way you would your wallet or purse. The best internet security practice is to go with your instincts when trusting or not trusting online shopping websites and the like.
If a website asks for personal information like social security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers, first assess why they need this information. If you are buying something with a credit card or applying for a loan, these kinds of information are routinely asked for. In cases like these, look for seals of approval from trusted organizations like the Better Business Bureau, McAfee, or other well-known security agencies.
Also, doing business with well-established internet companies is also an excellent way to make sure your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Aside from online shopping, email scams can also trick you out of important information.
More and more, thieves are inventing ways to swindle people out of their money by sending out seemingly harmless emails, or phishing scams, in the hopes of duping some poor, unsuspecting sap out of their information. These scams come in all shapes and sizes, and are often disguised as emails from your bank, package shipping companies, online stores and foreign lottery companies. Legitimate institutions will never ask you to re-enter sensitive credit card information within the body of an email.
Just think–why would your bank be asking you to confirm your account number. They already have it, don’t they? If something just doesn’t seem right or seems too good to be true, you’re probably right. When in doubt, contact the organization directly and ask to speak with a manager, on the off-chance it is a legitimate piece of correspondence.
Common sense is key when it comes to keeping your information safe. Don’t post sensitive contact information, dates, and numbers in public places like social networking sites–just as you wouldn’t post your social security number on the telephone pole across the street. With the right precautions, a healthy dose of skepticism and some common sense, you’ll be well on your way to a happy and safe online experience.
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Beware Of ‘Phishing’ Scam
“We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below and confirm your identity.”
“During our regular verification of accounts, we couldn’t verify your information. Please click here to update and verify your information.”
Have you received email with a similar message? It’s a scam called “phishing” — and it involves Internet fraudsters who send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal information (credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information) from unsuspecting victims. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, phishers send an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you may deal with — for example, an Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency. The message may ask you to “update,” “validate,” or “confirm” your account information. Some phishing emails threaten a dire consequence if you don’t respond. The messages direct you to a website that looks just like a legitimate organization’s site. But it isn’t. It’s a bogus site whose sole purpose is to trick you into divulging your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.
The FTC suggests these tips for the best internet security to help you avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam and protect your identity.
• If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don’t click on the link in the message, either. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the
organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the company’s correct Web address yourself. In any case, don’t cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser — phishers can make links look like they go to one place, but that actually send you to a different
site.
• Area codes can mislead. Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a “refund.” Because they use Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card. In any
case, delete random emails that ask you to confirm or divulge your financial information.
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. Some phishing emails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge. Anti-virus software and a firewall can protect you from inadvertently accepting such unwanted files. Anti-virus software scans incoming communications for troublesome files. Look for antivirus software that recognizes current viruses as well as older ones; that can effectively reverse the damage; and that updates automatically. A firewall helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all communications from unauthorized sources. It’s especially important to run a firewall if you have a broadband
connection. Operating systems (like Windows or Linux) or browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape) also may offer free software “patches” to close holes in the system that hackers or phishers could exploit.
• Don’t email personal or financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your personal or financial information through an organization’s website, look for indicators that the site is
secure, like a lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a URL for a website that begins “https:” (the “s” stands for “secure”). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some phishers have
forged security icons.
• Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges. If your statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or bank to confirm your billing address and account balances.
• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them. These files can contain viruses or other software that can weaken your computer’s security.
• Forward spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. Most organizations have information on their websites about where to report problems.
• If you believe you’ve been scammed, file your complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the FTC’s Identity Theft website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Victims of phishing can become
victims of identity theft. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft, you can take some steps to minimize your risk. If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these new accounts are likely to show up on your credit report.
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