This is a quick guide on how to stay safe on the Internet. Here are some very basic rules that could save your well-earned cash, identity or information.
1) Be sensible.
Only Shop on websites you know. Don’t buy from anywhere that looks too good to be true or looks unprofessional and basic.
2) Always watch your address bar.
This is the website your on. If it changes your probably on a insecure website.
Eg. Your on ebay.com and it changes to ebay.ru but looks the same. You’re now connected to a Russian fraud site that could steal your details without you even knowing.
3) Secure information
When ever you are about to enter personal details make sure the data is being encrypted. If its not then you may as well be shouting out your card details to a room of strangers. To do this check the address bar. If it says http it is not encrypted. If it says httpS then it is encrypted.
4) You are being watched
When on the Internet the information you send is sent across a network of cables. Hackers and malicious software can see this information but you can’t see them so be careful what information you give.
5) The Internet is NOT view only
Everything you view and do on the Internet IS SAVED TO YOUR PC. When browsing the Internet you are looking at a copy of the website not the site itself. If you click on a malicious link it will be instantly downloaded to your PC.
6) Your Anti-Virus
Know its name! And make sure it’s up to date.
Microsoft will NEVER tell you that there is a virus on your PC.
There are a lot of websites that will try to trick you into buying their software by claiming you have a virus when you don’t. They will scare you into buying and then do nothing. Trust the software you have or consult an expert.
A lot of spoof websites will say “Windows Security Alert” Windows does not Detect viruses only your anti-virus will.
7) Don’t pay for entry
The Internet is a playground for free information if someone is trying to charge you to find out more then it probably isn’t legitimate.
8) Google it
If in doubt on any warning, website or link use a search engine and look it up. If it is not legitimate then there will be information about it and it’s EASY to find.
9) Insurance
Always use insured money online. Use a credit card or pay with pay pal or other well-known merchants. They insure the transaction and provide legal support for free.
10) If in doubt don’t click it!
If your not 100% sure that something is safe then don’t use it and check it out first.
Malicious software is hidden and designed to catch you out and there is a lot of it.
11) Online Forums
There are online forums for just about anything manned by thousands of computer geeks always giving advice, warning each other about fraudulent sites and helping others. They are a great source of help and information if you want to use them.56
12) Don’t worry
The Internet is a wealth of information and free technology.
The Internet is mainly powered by advertising.
The Internet is fun.
Others on the Internet are happy to help and are always working towards making the Internet better and safer.
Just ask or look it up.
Digital Life 