The internet can be an excellent place to get information and for entertainment. The internet can also be a very dangerous place if you don’t do things safely. Here are a few tips for keeping yourself safe while you are surfing the web from home.
Secure Your Network
Wireless internet is fantastic. It can allow you to use your computer anywhere you want in your home, and you don’t have to worry about wires cluttering your floors to trip over and break. Depending on how you set it up, wireless internet can also open your home up to predators. Always create a secure wireless network. While you may not mind your neighbors tapping into your Wi-Fi, you will care when the person tapping in is getting personal information about you. Almost every single router on the market will have security set-up materials included. These are usually on an included CD and are very easy to set-up. Make sure your network has its own unique name and password, and that others can not use it unless they have that information.
Set up a Firewall
A firewall is a virtual wall within your computer that will keep others from breaking into it and stealing personal information. Firewalls can also to some extent limit what information you are able to share from your personally computer. Depending on what you do on the internet this could start to become a pain.
Look for the Padlock
Secure websites will have an icon of a padlock in the corner of the website the browser window that will let you know the website is secure. If you do not see the padlock, then don’t give out personal information such as your credit card number.
Type in Web Addresses
Phishing scams have become pretty prevalent in the past few years. Phishers will send you an email saying you need to validate your credit card, paypal, amazon, ebay account information, or have a disputed claim. When you click on the link you are taken to a fake website where you put in your account information and essentially hand it to the scammers. If you receive an email like this, type the web address manually into your browser to make sure you are going to the real site and not a fake one.
Don’t Give Out Personal Information
This seems like a pretty basic security measure, but it is one that many people ignore. At no point should you give random people on the internet things like your full name, home address, phone number, or social security number. It’s never a good idea.
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