New technologies demand new habits
Just as you would never give out your phone number to strangers, neither should you give out your email address. Whenever a website asks you to register, read the conditions carefully and make sure you know what they will do with this information. If you post comments on a website or newsgroup, use a different email account for this.
Never answer a spam message. This is a clear message that your account is active. By the same token, you should never follow a link or click on an image that appears in one of these messages.
Here are some more tips for preventing SPAM and Viuses:
Update the software on your computer regularly.
Periodically check the security level you're using to connect (port scanning, antivirus, firewall, sensitive data in account configuration...).
Make regular back up copies.
If you have a flat-rate connection (DSL, cable ...), switch off your PC when you are not using the connection. It is more secure and you'll be saving energy.
If you have a dial-up connection, check the Dial-up connections. Be careful as some pages, particularly sites with adult content, can ask you to change your dial-up connection, or even use a dialer to change it without you knowing.
Be particularly carefully when downloading software from dubious sites.
Make sure you know when updates are released for programs, as they will often fix security holes.
Install an antivirus and keep it updated.
Install a firewall and keep it up-to-date.
Make sure that all programs, in particular your Internet browser, are set by default to the highest security settings. You can always reduce the security level if you need to at any given moment and then restore the maximum level after.
Don't trust links on web pages. Make sure they actually point to the place they say.
If you have to enter sensitive information (such as credit card numbers) on a web page, make sure it is a secure page (the address should start with https:).
Set your mail client to send and receive in text format. HTML doesn't usually offer anything practical and it can be the source of privacy and security problems.
Never run an attachment to an e-mail with a double click, even if it has been sent by your best friend. It is always best to save the attachment and then run the application that is 'supposed' to open it. Then, open the program from this application.
Don't spread hoaxes. Break the chain of messages. These messages are like viruses and you'll be the one spreading it.
If you don't want to receive spam, when you send a message to newsgroups, include characters in that will make it impossible for it to be collected and used automatically by programs (name@REMOVETHISdomain.com, name@domainNOTTHIS PART.com), both in the e-mail address in the message header and the signature. Always do this after the @ and not before.
Encrypt your most confidential messages and files.
Start getting your security certificates, preferably those with some kind of legal recognition.
Never accept a file you haven't asked for in chat channels chat (IRC) or news groups.
Help others. Pass these security tips on. |
NTINET, Inc