Top 10 Tips

Privacy Online

Losing your personal information, your computer, or your identity can be detrimental and take years to overcome. Read these top 10 tips to help you, your family, and your friends stay safe while traveling the World Wide Web.

Tip 1: Protect and secure your computer! Research and make yourself aware and familiar with the most current and up to date firewalls, anti-virus programs, anti-spyware programs, and other security tools available to you. Find free downloads or buy these security tools and use them to help protect your privacy online.

Tip 2: DO NOT give out your Social Security Number to any site or anyone! Your identity could be stolen. Giving your social security number is not a requirement for placing orders on an e-commerce website. If you are asked your social security number a red flag should automatically go up, and you should leave the site immediately. If it is bank or Credit Card Company call them to find out what is needed or why they are asking for this information. Taking this precaution will help keep your information safe.

Tip 3: Protect and keep your password private! DO NOT use commonly known personal or family information and DO NOT use the same password for multiple accounts. DO pick a password that is unique and only you will know. Do not give your password to anyone. Keep your password safe with you and your information should also remain safe.

Tip 4: DO NOT click on Pop Up’s! It could be a virus that will attack and destroy your computer or you could be unlocking the way to your personal information. When you see a pop up on your computer screen exit immediately by clicking the appropriate channel; the X in the upper right corner of the pop up or a no or no thank you. Even if the pop up is interesting DO NOT click to find out more. Keep your computer and information safe.

Tip 5: Keep your email clean and safe! Who can live without email these days? Not too many of us. Watch what you are sending to others, watch who you are sending information to, and watch who you are receiving information from. Avoid using the same web based email as search engine. By using the same search engine as email, your searches can be connected to your email. Be careful.

Tip 6: Manage your Cookies! Erase and clear your cookies and history as often as you can. Learn more about cookie management and software to keep up to date with the newest security tools to help keep your computer protected.

Tip 7: Be aware when using social networking sites! You never know who might be looking at your profile or you picture. Sexual predators are on the rise and targeting minors. Watch what you are saying, be aware of who is trying to “friend” or talk with you, and watch who you allow to view your profile. Don’t reveal personal information or details to strangers or someone you just met.

Tip 8: Monitor your Blogs! Who is your audience? You choose. Limit them and consider making the blog accessible only by password. Don’t give out any identifying information or details about yourself. Register your domain name anonymously.

Tip 9: Be cautious when using online banking! This is a great convenience for many people, but at the same time transmits highly sensitive information over the World Wide Web. Make sure you it is the real thing and not a look alike site. Never respond to “phishing” emails to update your personal information. Leave the site immediately and call the bank if there are problems. Be smart when using online banking.

Tip 10: Use your credit card for online purchases instead of you debit card! When you use your debit card online someone could wipe out your account in a split second. If you use your credit card you will be able to view the current purchases and if something looks suspicious you should call the credit card company immediately. If something does go wrong with your credit card purchase, you are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act. When shopping or purchasing items online look for the unbroken padlock at the bottom right of the screen, once located right click on the padlock to make sure the security certificate is up-to-date.  If it is not, you should leave the web site immediately and not order from that web site.