You wouldn't swim in shark-infested waters unless you were surrounded by nice steel bars, right? Well, on the Internet, while you don't have to go to that extreme, it's nice to know you can take steps to make sure you're never a victim.

Before You Begin - The Treasures You Protect

Let's first begin by realizing exactly what it is you want to protect! You need to secure your:

• Online Identity - What happens when baddies get your password? Make sure it never happens.

• Credit Card number - What happens when you submit your credit card in an unsecure location? I'll give you a hint - think "big expenses about which you know nothing!"

• Computer - If you don't have a firewall (software between your computer and the Internet), chances are hackers will see your computer and exclaim, yum yum! Think "viruses, trapdoors, and trojans, oh my!"

• Personal Reputation - Don't post anything you'd be ashamed for your Aunt Fanny to view or your Uncle Melvin to read.

Luckily, it's pretty easy to help protect yourself. Here's how.

Step 1 - Secure Your Computer

If you're on the Internet and you're not running a firewall, stop right this instant and grab your free copy of Zone Alarm. This will help block your computer from malicious attacks.

Next, make sure you aren't already infected with spyware (you'll probably be surprised at what you find!). You can freely test out your computer at ZoneAlarm or SpyWareInfo. If you need further help in removing spyware, grab a free copy of Ad-Aware. This will let you remove the majority of malware (otherwise known as "major ickness") from your computer.

Step 2 - Secure Your Personal Information

Never ever submit your credit card number over the Internet unless you know it's a secure connection first (ie, the address bar at the top shows https:// instead of http://, and there should be a closed padlock at the bottom of your status bar).

Even then, that in itself doesn't mean much, as anyone with webmaster skills can set up a secure connection. Always make certain you know and trust the company from which you are buying, ie Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Compusa.com, etc.

Next, never ever respond to an email that states, your account has been frozen, click here to release it. Even worse, never ever EVER submit your personal details should you be unlucky enough to venture on such a site! Repeat 37 times to yourself - no legit company will send you email asking you for your password. It's common sense - they already have! your password on their files.

Step 3 - For More Information

There are tons more information about protecting yourself online. Some great resources I've found are:

• Anti-phishing tips - lots of useful resources

• FTC Infosecurity - consumer and business information tips to increase your online security.

• Snopes.com - A superb site that debunks and demystifes bunches of scams and urban lagends.

• F-secure.com - Great resources to help with email security.

  Want more information? Check out:

  
  Is It Safe? Protecting Your Computer, Your Business, and Yourself Online
  Editorial Reviews — ... Product Description | Is It Safe? PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER, YOUR BUSINESS, AND YOURSELF ONLINE IDENTITY THEFT. DATA THEFT. INTERNET FRAUD. ONLINE SURVEILLANCE. EMAIL SCAMS. Hacks, attacks, and viruses. The Internet is a dangerous place. In years past, you could protect your computer from malicious activity by installing an antivirus program and activating a firewall utility. Unfortunately, that’s no longer good enough; the Internet has become a much darker place, plagued not only by rogue software but...more
  

  
  The Dark Side of the Internet: Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Online Criminals
  Customer Reviews — Rating: 5 Date: 2007-04-10 Summary: A 'must' not just for college-level collections strong in social issues or crime prevention ... Internet's promises also lead to new threats as terrorists recruit new members and raise money from internet scams and psychological manipulation. THE DARK SIDE OF THE INTERNET: PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM ONLINE CRIMINALS helps readers recognize the danger signs of internet threats, from spyware to auctions and cyberstalking. Each topic receives in-depth history, overviews of 'how' and discussions of recovery, fraud, and protection measures. A 'must' not just for college-level collections strong in social ...more
  Editorial Reviews — ... Product Description | In less than a decade, personal computers have become part of our daily lives. Many of us come into contact with computers every day, whether at work, school or home. As useful as the new technologies are, they also have a darker side. By making computers part of our daily lives, we run the risk of allowing thieves, swindlers, and all kinds of deviants directly into our homes. Armed with a personal computer, a modem and just a little knowledge, a thief can easily access confidential information,...more
  

  
  Protecting Yourself Online: The Definitive Resource on Safety and Privacy in Cyberspace
  Customer Reviews — Rating: 5 Date: 1999-01-07 Summary: Had to counter that one-star review ... Sure, it's not too detailed, and sure, a lot of tech people are already going to be familiar with a lot of the information in it, but for novices, it's great. It's a great book to give the uncle who keeps sending you false virus alarms, or the grandmother that doesn't understand the civil liberties implications of the Communications Decency Act -- or the cousin that thinks hackers are going to break into her bank account if she buys a modem. ...more
  Editorial Reviews — [1] ... Amazon.com | Too many cyberspace pundits fail to deliver constructive ideas on how to deal with issues of safety, privacy, and censorship online. Protecting Yourself Online , penned by members of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), is a splendid exception that makes good on its claim to be the definitive resource for practical solutions to these problems. The authors cover a lot of territory in a concise, direct manner. Among the topics are free expression and online censorship, reconciling individual...more
  [2] ... Product Description | Like any new frontier, cyberspace offers both exhilarating possibilities and unforeseen hazards. As personal information about us travels the globe on high-speed networks, often with neither our knowledge nor our consent, a solid understanding of privacy and security issues is vital to the preservation of our rights and civil liberties. In reaping the benefits of the information age while safeguarding ourselves from its perils, the choices we make and the precedents we establish today...more
  

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