|
|
 |
 |
|
online
security watch :: articles > 5
tips to stay alert and protect your security online |
|
|
| |
|
|
The
threat of Internet fraud is quite real and we need to
be aware of scams such as “phishing" and
“pharming” where a virus or malicious program
can be downloaded to your computer with the intention
of stealing your personal information – from credit
card information, user ID and password to online banking
accounts.
But don’t panic! Here are 5 tips that will minimise
your risk of being a victim and unsuspectingly swallowing
the bait set by scamsters to steal your identity.
5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF ONLINE
 |
|
Watch
out for suspicious e-mail or pop-up links.
NEVER click on a URL link in e-mail or fill out
forms in e-mail requesting you to confirm or update
personal information, even if it threatens dire
consequences if you don’t reply.
Even if the e-mail seems to be from a genuine
web site or someone you know, call first to check
or type the web URL to log on to the site yourself
(not from the e-mail). Also, never send your personal
information to anyone by e-mail.
Phishing can happen by phone too. You may receive
a call from someone pretending to be from a bank
or company asking for your personal information.
Or the person may inform you that you have been
a victim of a fraud. Always verify the caller’s
identity first. Credit card companies do call
customers if they notice unusual activity on your
card but they will only enquire about specific
transactions. They will not ask for your account
number or personal information. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Protect
your computer with anti-virus, spam filters and
firewalls.
Update your Operating System and Internet Browser
regularly to ensure that you are protected. Use
anti-virus software and, if possible, personal
firewalls. Ensure your anti-virus software is
up to date with the latest signatures. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Scan
your PC for viruses and update your browser regularly.
Take some time to visit any popular anti-virus
web site to scan your PC. This will alert you
to any virus or malicious programs in your computer.
You can often download the latest security and
critical patches from these sites too. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Be cautious
about clicking on pop-ups and free stuff.
Beware of downloading free programs
and web content offering to increase the speed
of your computer, free gifts, get rich quick schemes,
etc.
You may click on these links out of curiosity
or simply to read. However, in pharming scams,
such content can be programmed to download a virus
or malicious program or spyware to your computer
while you are browsing. After that, when you type
the address of a legitimate website, you are taken
to a fake web site. Any personal information you
provide at the fake site such as user name, account
number, credit card details can be stolen and
fraudulently used.
If you share your computer with others, ensure
they do not visit such sites and unknowingly download
malicious content. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Be selfish
about sharing your password.
Online fraud frequently occurs when someone has
compromised the security of their password through
sharing. Do not share your password with family,
relatives, friends or anyone, however harmless
and convenient it may seem at the time. Your password
is the key that opens the lock to your personal
information and should be guarded as safely as
your car keys. |
| |
|
|
Finally,
always clear your cache each time you logout after an
Internet session. This is especially important if others
have access to your computer or you use a computer in
public places such as Internet cafes.
Well, it’s easy, isn’t it? Just take these
five steps to enhance the way you protect your personal
information and ensure your Internet experience is enjoyable.
Read more:
Online Security Watch
|
|
|
|
|
|