Sam Vaknin

How to Surf the Internet Safely

Follow these 12 rules for safe surfing.

1. NEVER    click on a link that is contained in an e-mail, instant message, or post to a Usenet or other group.

2. NEVER    open or install a program directly from the Internet. First, download it to your hard disk, scan it with your anti-virus software, and only then, if it is clean, install it.

3. NEVER    open or install a program directly from a CD-ROM or DVD. First, scan it with your anti-virus software, and only then, if it is clean, install it.

4. NEVER    enter any personal details in forms on unknown sites.

5. NEVER    type your User ID or password unless you see the LOCK icon at the bottom of the screen and the Web address starts with https://

6. NEVER    click on a pop-up, no matter what it says! Don't click on it even if you want to close it.

7. NEVER    open attachments that you receive by e-mail. If in doubt, save the attachment to the hard disk, scan it with your anti-virus software, and only then, if it is clean, open it. Try to read all your e-mail messages in text format, rather than HTML.

8. NEVER    visit unfamiliar Websites. First, go to Google (www.google.com) and check whether the site is legitimate and does not carry malware. Only if it is clean, visit it for the first time using the Opera browser.

9. CHANGE    your passwords frequently; use complex passwords (example: 7Yby89IfD); never give your passwords to anyone.

10. UPDATE    your Operating System, Antivirus, Firewall, Antispyware, and computer manufacturer's utilities DAILY.

11. SCAN    your computer for malware every time you use the computer, after you have used it.

12. ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS? Stop everything you are doing, disconnect from the Internet, and scan the computer for malware. Examples of suspicious behavior: persistent pop-ups; the computer or connection slow down considerably; repeated re-boots; mouse or keyboard freeze; strange messages and alerts.

Article Tags: Never    Open, Anti-virus Software,, Only Then,

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