Internet Safety Tips
Read these 10 Internet Safety Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Computer tips and hundreds of other topics.
Internet Tips - Credit, Not Debit
Many online shopping stores allow you to use either your credit card or bank debit card. Use your credit card, not your debit card whenever possible. Credit card companies offer some degree of fraud protection and may be able to reverse charges to the account. Pay by debit, and your options are limited if your dissatisfied with the product, or worse yet, never receive it.
Computer Tips - Modem Activity
Your modem and hard drive will make some noises when you use them. However, if they also run when your not doing anything, it may be a sign that your computer is infected with
spyware, a virus, or even being run remotely by a hacker (turning your computer into what hacker's call a Zombie). Unusual modem activity is reason enough to scan your computer for viruses and spyware.
Internet Profit Scams - Too Good to be True?
There are many money-making opportunities and other offers available online. Many of them are scams designed to part you with your money as fast as possible, or to trick you into divulging personal information. Play it safe: don't send money or credit card numbers in response to unsolicited email offers, trust your instincts, and be very suspicious of offers requiring people to come to your home.
Computer Virus Updates
A good virus scanner is essential if you're online, but doesn't do much good if you don't take care of it. New computer viruses develop quickly, and without the latest updates your virus scanner won't be able to detect them. Check for virus scanner updates at least once a week, or whenever you hear news reports of new viruses.
Children and Online Safety Tips
More internet safety tips: The Internet offers wonderful websites and opportunities for children, but also contains very real dangers. Today's kids need to be “Net-proofed” as well as street proofed. Children should be aware that chat room and message board users aren't always who they appear to be, and that any requests to meet offline or swap personal information should always be reported to a parent or guardian.
Online Threats
The anonymity of the Internet leads to some people (fortunately in the minority) feeling they can be as crude, insulting, and threatening online as they like without fear of consequences. If you feel threatened by emails or chat room messages, do not reply to the message. Keep a copy of all messages sent to you, and inform your Internet Service Provider or the message board moderator. If the threats continue, or develop into offline threats through mail or phone calls, report the matter to the police.
Phishing Expeditions
“Phishing” is an elaborate online scam that is increasingly common. The “phisher” sends out spam email that appears to come from a legitimate financial institution or online business. The email asks you to provide the company with personal information such as passwords or account numbers. Always be very suspicious of such emails: contact the named institution directly using a telephone number or email address not listed on the email.
Online Pornography Sites
Pornography sites are so common that accidentally stumbling over one is almost inevitable, which is an understandable worry for parents with children using the Internet. There are several tactics to lower the chances your child will access pornography online, although none of them are guarantees. Keep your computer in a central location. Alter your browser's content settings, or use content-filtering software. Educate your children on the nature of pornography, and to tell you of any images or text that make them feel uncomfortable.
Quickly Closing Popup Windows
While you're web browsing, you may run across sites that generate multiple pop-up windows. Click on one, and you may wind up accidentally installing spyware or other malicious software. Often it's best to simply close the pop-up without even touching this. You can do this with keyboard shortcuts. If you're surfing with Internet Explorer, for instance, holding down the Ctrl and W keys at the same time will close the active browser window (the window on top of all the others).
Buyer Take Care: Online Auction Fraud
Internet safety tips: Online auctions are great ways to save money and buy items, but watch out for fraud artists. Before you even bid on an auction item, check the seller's feedback ratings first. If feedback from other buyers is negative, don't even consider bidding.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Joe Wallace |
