Protecting Yourself from "Net Threats"  

Just about everything we do these days seems to involve the computer and the Internet. Our mails, family contacts, children's pictures, flight reservations, medical records, work documents, and financial records have found their way into the world wide web of information.    Making our lives easier through the use of the Internet has also made us more vulnerable to the miscreants, racketeers, and cyber-criminals of the world.   Identity Theft and harassment     These are some of felonies and misdemeanors that any Internet user could be a victim of. Now more than ever, we need to protect ourselves and our family from these potential attacks. Here are some tips for your Internet security.

   None of this should really be new - and probably isn't if you have made any attempt at all to protect your computer - and family. But these are good reminders, anyway.

1. Knowledge is power.
   Learn as much as you can about the Internet. Books, magazines and, of course, the Internet offer a lot of information about Internet security through websites like this one.     

   Try to learn about basic computer Internet security like firewall, anti-spyware, privacy policies, etc. Don’t fret if you can’t understand them thoroughly. As you come across more articles, you’ll gain a greater understanding and grasp of computer jargons and concepts.

2. Arm your PC.
   Your PC should be your vehicle as you travel along the information highway. Load up your PC with intrusion prevention and anti-virus programs. Firewall and anti-virus programs are relatively inexpensive and can be bought or downloaded in the Internet - often for Free.

   If you are going to download the product, be sure that the source is reputable. If you already have an anti-virus programs, make sure it is updated and your other software have current patches installed.

3. Beware of strangers.
   Instant messaging (IM), chat rooms and bots are the types of real-time messaging that are extremely popular nowadays. When engaging in any of these, try to be aware of the real identity of the person you are communicating with.

   If you are dealing with an anonymous person, do not divulge personal information like residential address, telephone numbers or bank accounts. Some might even ask you to click on a seemingly harmless web address that, in reality, may actually contain malicious codes or
information. Disable automatic download settings.

4. E-mails could be harmful.
   Hackers and spammers could target your inbox to spread unwanted information. They may send e-mails with malicious contents, from harmless spam to damaging computer virus. Simply delete the e-mail if the sender or the e-mail subject seems suspicious.

   Viruses could modify e-mail addresses discreetly so it looks like it came from someone familiar. Say, like interchanging two letters in an address in your contact list. Always scan attachments before downloading them.

   These are few things you may want to consider when using the net. Small things that could save you the hassle of undoing the damage caused by those creating havoc online.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are invited to visit https://www.firewalls-and-virus-protection.com for more articles on Internet Safety. A few minutes browsing there now might save you many hours of agony and grief later. The "Firewalls and Virus Protection" website, BLOG, and "Security Alert News Reporter"  help everyday Internet users navigate safely through the Cyber Space Jungle loaded with ambushes and booby traps. Help Richard promote his "Computer Security Awareness Campaign" by sharing this article with your friends.
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------