computer
security TIPS
Computers have become such an
important part of our lives — for accessing information, keeping in touch with
friends and family, shopping, working, and other activities — that it's easy to
overlook the risks of using them. We rely on computers so much that many of us
neglect the importance of PC security to keep our passwords, credit card
numbers, and other personal information safe from identity thieves.
To help keep your computer and
information safe, we've compiled a list of seven computer security tips to
follow that can reduce your chances of being an identity theft victim by
enhancing your PC's security:
- Never open unsolicited e-mail.
Always delete unsolicited e-mail, and never, ever, click on a link in an
e-mail from someone you don't know. Doing so could infect your computer
with a virus.
- Use strong passwords that are impossible for a thief to
guess.
Use a different password for each login, and make sure that each password
is a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
People who use the same passwords for everything make it easy for thieves
to steal their identities.
- Install antivirus software and keep it updated.
There are many good antivirus programs online that people can download
free or for a donation. Download at least three, run them at least once a
week, and keep them updated.
- Protect your computer with a firewall.
A computer firewall creates a virtual wall between your computer and
thieves who want to access your personal information. Hardware and
software firewalls help keep your computer safe when you're online.
- Don't share your personal information online.
Social networks are fun and great for connecting with friends, but thieves
use them to trick people into providing their personal information . You
wouldn't share your private information with a stranger on the street, so
don't share it with a stranger online, either, no matter how long you've
"known" them.
- Keep your operating system updated.
When your computer operating system tells you an update is available,
update it as soon as possible, and get in the habit of keeping it updated
at all times to thwart identity thieves.
- Be wary of fake antivirus notifications and other
scareware.
Antivirus viruses, also known as scareware, trick users into thinking that
they have a computer virus in order to frighten them into providing their
credit card information to download an "antivirus program" that
will remove it. If you have scareware installed on your machine,
disconnect your computer from the Internet, call a computer tech to remove
it, and remember to never provide any personal information in the pop-ups
that appear on your screen.