Keep the Crooks Out of Your Computer! How to Protect Yourself From Online Crime

You'd never ask a convicted burglar to watch your house while you're away, and you'd never ask a known criminal to babysit your kids, right? So why, then, are you allowing identity thieves into your computer, giving them access to all your personal and financial information, right now - possibly even while you're reading these words?

"But wait a minute," you may be thinking. "My computer is perfectly safe and protected. I installed an anti-virus program two - maybe three - years ago."

Okay, let's assume your computer is protected at some level. How do you think your internet and computer protection ranks against such companies as Microsoft, Network Solutions, or even the U.S. Department of Defense - Department of Homeland Security? If you think they have better protection than you, which they obviously should, then you'll be disheartened to know that each of them had their network hacked in 2009, potentially exposing hundreds of thousands of people's personal information to identity thieves.

And these companies aren't alone. In 2009, hundreds of companies, from small hospitals to big corporations to top secret government agencies, have had their computers compromised. From January 2009 through November 2009, over 13.7 million Americans fell victim to identity thieves, resulting in financial losses totaling upwards of $50 billion.

To put it in a clearer perspective, approximately 7% of all adults have had their identities misused in 2009, with each instance resulting in approximately $3,500 in losses. Additionally, close to 100 million Americans have their personal identifying information placed at risk of identity theft each year when records maintained in government, corporate, and home computers and networks are lost or stolen. These alarming statistics show that identity theft may be the most frequent, costly, and pervasive crime in the United States.

One victim, Suzanne in San Diego, spent 600 hours and nearly $6,000 trying to clear her name when identity thieves stole her information from CitiBank and racked up thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges. But don't fool yourself into thinking that online thieves only go after big companies. The fact is that the favorite targets of online criminals are home and home office computers. Why? Two reasons: 1) These computers are usually not as protected as computers at big companies, and 2) These computers are often connected by broadband to the Internet - since the connection is always open, there is more opportunity to locate these computers with scanners and then break in.

So beware...YOU could be the next victim!

You Can Lower Your Risk of ID Theft

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take at home, right now, to keep your computer safe and protect your personal information. Each of the following tips are super easy to do and very inexpensive (most are even free). Yet they can save you both time and money, and give you the peace of mind knowing your computer is safe and your personal information is protected.

o Install an anti-virus program. One of the key components to online safety is to have an anti-virus package. Even better is to get a suite that has anti-virus, anti-spyware, and a personal firewall. This way all the programs work together and don't interfere with each other. Regardless of which program you choose, it's best to purchase it from a traditional store or name-brand online retailer you trust rather than download the program from just any "discount" online store. Why? Because when you go to a website to download a program, you never know what you're really getting. There have been instances where people paid money for a downloadable anti-virus program, but what they really paid for was a program filled with viruses. So unless you're on the website of a well-known anti-virus company (and you're 100% certain it's their real site, not a site a criminal has mimicked), get the program at your local office supply store and install it from the disc in the box.

But simply installing the software isn't enough. You also want to go into the "Settings" tab of your program and make sure updates happen on a regular basis. This ensures your version of the product is the most up-to-date. Additionally, make sure scans are actually happening. You can set the scans to be done automatically at a certain time (highly recommended), or you can opt to manually initiate the scans.

o Update your applications. Identity thieves have learned that many people are getting better at downloading patches for their operating systems; however, they also know that most people don't patch their applications (their individual programs). As a result, ID thieves are attacking individual applications to get access to your computer. Some common applications that are being attacked include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Apple QuickTime, Internet Browsers such as Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer, and many other applications you likely use every day.

Fortunately, many companies are releasing security patches for their applications on a regular basis. So you can go to each company's site directly and look for patches yourself. Another option is a program at www.secunia.com, which offers a software inspector for home users. You can do a scan online and they'll give you a list of the applications on your computer that are not secure. Then they will help you take the necessary steps to enhance your security. No matter how you choose to update your applications, the key is to do it.

o Use a firewall. Many home modems and routers have firewalls in them. Unfortunately, some of the best features of those firewalls are often turned off. You'll likely need an IT professional to help you determine the right settings for you. However, the good news is that something called Network Address Translation, or NAT, is usually automatically turned on and it basically hides the addresses of your devices from the outside world.

Realize that firewalls are often like Swiss cheese. They have to allow some information in and out of your computer; otherwise, you wouldn't be able to access the internet or your email. The challenge for your firewall is determining which information is okay to go in and out. This also means that if a friend or family member is in your house and installs something on your computer with a CD-ROM or DVD, your firewall has no chance of detecting that intrusion because that's not what it's designed for. So you can't just say that you have a firewall and trust it to catch everything.

If you have a small business or if you do stock trading or banking online, you may want to augment the simple firewall that comes in your device with an additional firewall you can purchase, which is much more robust. These devices have extra tools in them that allow the firewall to do its job better. You can also use a program running on your computer, called a software firewall. An example would be the firewall that comes with your operating system or one that comes with an anti-virus package suite. Whatever additional firewall protection you give yourself, the harder you make it for identity thieves to get in and steal your data.

Stay Safe Today

Just as you lock your car when it's parked and you secure your home when you leave for the day, you need to proactively protect your computer. The good news is that staying safe online can be just as simple and second nature as protecting everything else in your life. Start with these three easy solutions. Once you're done, you can move on to other aspects of computer and online safety found in the short and simple videos at www.learntobesafeonline.com. By doing so, you can keep yourself from being the next identity theft victim and save yourself a lot of frustration and thousands of dollars. The choice is yours: do nothing and be a victim, or take action now and reduce your risk. Which do you choose?

Go to http://www.learntobesafeonline.com/ to view free and informative videos on how to protect yourself from online fraud, cyber attacks, phishing schemes, identity theft, and much more. Since we all use the Internet, shouldn't it be a safe place to work, learn, and play? Mike Foster is recognized by many as America's IT Security Specialist and is committed to helping people stay safe online.

Secure Yourself In The Growing Career Of Computer Network Security

We have all heard stories on the news about email viruses wreaking havoc on computer systems. To keep computer systems in top performance you will need to know the risks, and what you can do to protect yourself from viruses and computer hackers.

Our world today practically relies on the computers and the Internet. A massive attack on of a computer virus could wipe out communications, air traffic control, hospitals and credit cards. Specialists with training in computer and network security are needed to help us protect this information by preventing, detecting, and responding to attacks.

As Security risks are becoming greater, qualified people are needed to keep computer networks secure. You can learn to defend computer networks against scams, fraud, espionage and more when you earn a degree in computer network security.

This course of study will teach students how to install, maintain, and monitor existing security software for both the private and public sectors. Students will be able to build computer security programs, fix existing programs, install security software, and be able to recognize when an intruder is attempting to hack into a computer network.

Jobs in network security cover many different areas. Here are some jobs in Computer Network Security:

� Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user requirements, set up computer databases, and test and coordinate modifications to the computer database systems. They basically manage and protect a company's data.

� Computer Systems Analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. Systems analysts may plan and develop new computer systems or devise ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional operations. Computer systems analysts use the computer's technical abilities to meet the needs of a particular type of industry or company.

� Network Administrators and Computer System Administrators oversee network security as part of their jobs. They also design, install, and support an organization's local-area network (LAN), wide-area network (WAN), network segment, Internet, or intranet system. They also provide day-to-day onsite administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments.

� Computer Security Specialists are employed for the sole purpose of working on computer security for a company. These specialists plan and implement computer security for an organization. They may also train others in computer security, install computer security systems, and monitor networks for breaches in security. They may even be called upon to respond to cyber attacks, and even collect data and evidence to be used in prosecuting perpetrators.

These careers are expected to continue to grow according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries in this industry range from $58,190 to $66,460.

Mary Hart in an in-house writer for Online-Degrees-Today.com and has been writing about Computer Science degrees since 2004. To learn more about how to earn your Degree in Network Security, click here.

Mobile Malware - How to Protect Yourself and Keep Your Information Safe

Imagine your closest friend standing next to you. Now imagine your closest friend betraying all of your secrets. And making a handsome profit whilst doing so. Now picture your smartphone inside your handbag or pocket. Picture your smartphone sending your passwords, banking information, e-mails, and private information to some stranger. And picture that stranger making a handsome profit. That is mobile malware.

What is mobile malware, really?

In more technical terms, mobile malware is the spread of malicious software (hence "mal-ware") among wireless devices. Mobile Malware is unpleasant stuff. It could compromise the information on a mobile device, and there have even been cases of compromised devices used to pull information from Personal computers (hijacking USB synchronization). Mobile malware is yet another growing fraud category which involves infecting mobile devices with viruses and Trojan horses that may force a mobile phone to do unauthorized activities,like making phone calls and deleting or stealing information.

Once installed on a device, mobile malware replicates itself and performs undesired activities, such as using network services like SMS or voice to make calls to PRS numbers or to subscribe to unwanted billing schemes; data theft, where the user's personal phone records such as contact lists and account details are stolen, sent to a third-party, and erased on the handset; and launching distributed DoS attacks intent on forcing a legitimate service to fail.

Not only is mobile malware a threat to individuals, it is also a huge security risk to businesses. It has the potential to commandeer a corrupted smartphone and use it as a proxy or gateway into an organization's central network. By commandeering a handheld device, cyber criminals can waltz past a standard firewall program and make their way onto a company's email server, client database, Customer relationship management tools, and other essential parts of the network. Damage of this magnitude can grow from something very small, such as a member of staff getting a message to download a free game or software update.

Mobile Malware is rapidly increasing

Mobile malware is on the rise for several reasons and it is following the Law of Computer Virus Evolution:

The Law of Computer Virus Evolution

In order for malicious programs targeting a particular operating system or platform to emerge, three conditions need to be fulfilled:

1. The platform must be popular

2. There must be well-documented development tools

3. The presence of vulnerabilities or coding errors

The widespread adoption of 3G (and soon 4G) and Wi-Fi connectivity and huge hard drives are other factors contributing to the increase of mobile malware infection. In fact, malware activity in 2010 increased 46 per cent over 2009.

The good news is that practically all mobile malware threats call for some type of effort on the part of the user. Malware can't magically appear on your phone. It usually happens after a user downloads a malicious app and the recent DroidDream incident reveals that mobile malware is more advanced than ever before.

How to stop mobile malware and protect yourself

Keeping a close eye on the app stores is a must, as Google proved. Google banished about 50 free applications from its app store immediately after it was found out that the titles hid a Trojan horse designed to steal users' information. The applications, which included pirated and copycat versions of legitimate Android titles, had been downloaded tens of thousands of times before Google took corrective action.

The best way to protect your mobile device (and yourself) is to take a layered approach to mobile security. Before you download that shiny new app, look at its permissions. An app shouldn't receive more permissions that what it needs. For example, a simple notepad app shouldn't need unrestricted access to the internet. Also, don't download apps from unauthorized or illegitimate app stores.

The second layer should be a very good antivirus app on your phone, and the third layer should be a firewall. If you choose wisely, the second and third security layers can be found wrapped up in a mobile security app.

How to choose an effective mobile security app

An typical mobile security solution will have capabilities that assist in operating the program and efficiently protecting the device. A very good mobile security application will include things like antivirus, antispam and firewall protection with realtime security. An exceptional mobile security application will have all of the preceding, as well as sms protection, remote wipe (in case your smartphone is stolen), and gps location (again, in case your smartphone is stolen).

What is the best mobile security app?

Ask ten experts and you'll get ten different answers. This question is almost as hotly debated as "what's the best antivirus software for my computer?" In order to narrow down my choices, I used the criteria mentioned above to come up with a list of mobile security applications. As you can see, many of the desktop giants of antivirus software have developed mobile versions of their software. The list isn't comprehensive, but it will give you a good starting point.

AVG

AVG Mobile Security is specifically available for Android. It comes with anti-virus and SMS anti-spam features that give protection to your mobile against all unwanted messages and advertising. Price: $9.99

ESET

ESET Mobile Security brings a new level of protection to Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones, so you can be confident in the safety of your device -- even if you lose it. Price: Free for thirty days.

Dr. Web

Dr Web Mobile Security Suite is an anti-virus security solution for Android, Symbian OS, and Windows Mobile. However, they aren't sold separately and are bundled with Dr. Web products for workstations.

Lookout

Lookout mobile security is also a multi-platform mobile device software that has a user-friendly, simple and in-depth virus scanning abilities. Lookout Mobile Security is currently available on Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile.

Price: Free, with a Premium version at $29.99/yr.

F-Secure

F-Secure Mobile Security allows smartphone users to experience the full potential of their devices without the fear of mobile threats. F-Secure Mobile Security automatically retrieves the newest updates whenever any data connection is used. An additional SMS update mechanism patented by F-Secure ensures that critical malware fingerprints are received even when a data connection is not available.

Price: Subscriptions begin at $3.31/month (approximately).

Kaspersky

Kaspersky Mobile Security is currently available on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0, 6.1, 6.5 and Symbian OS (Nokia smartphones only).

Price: $29.95/unit/yr.

BullGuard

BullGuard Mobile Security is one of the better mobile security applications. It is one of the very few that supports all major mobile OSes like Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile.

Price: $29.99/license/yr

Mobile malware is a scary thought, and the problem is likely to get worse, especially since smartphone adoption is skyrocketing. Using the tips and advice in this article you can protect yourself (and your personal information) against the rising tide of mobile malware.

John Wright is a Computer Consultant who has been successfully removing malware from personal and business computers for several years. Visit http://www.johnscomputerconsulting.com to ask questions and learn more.

Mobile Malware - How to Protect Yourself and Keep Your Information Safe

Imagine your closest friend standing next to you. Now imagine your closest friend betraying all of your secrets. And making a handsome profit whilst doing so. Now picture your smartphone inside your handbag or pocket. Picture your smartphone sending your passwords, banking information, e-mails, and private information to some stranger. And picture that stranger making a handsome profit. That is mobile malware.

What is mobile malware, really?

In more technical terms, mobile malware is the spread of malicious software (hence "mal-ware") among wireless devices. Mobile Malware is unpleasant stuff. It could compromise the information on a mobile device, and there have even been cases of compromised devices used to pull information from Personal computers (hijacking USB synchronization). Mobile malware is yet another growing fraud category which involves infecting mobile devices with viruses and Trojan horses that may force a mobile phone to do unauthorized activities,like making phone calls and deleting or stealing information.

Once installed on a device, mobile malware replicates itself and performs undesired activities, such as using network services like SMS or voice to make calls to PRS numbers or to subscribe to unwanted billing schemes; data theft, where the user's personal phone records such as contact lists and account details are stolen, sent to a third-party, and erased on the handset; and launching distributed DoS attacks intent on forcing a legitimate service to fail.

Not only is mobile malware a threat to individuals, it is also a huge security risk to businesses. It has the potential to commandeer a corrupted smartphone and use it as a proxy or gateway into an organization's central network. By commandeering a handheld device, cyber criminals can waltz past a standard firewall program and make their way onto a company's email server, client database, Customer relationship management tools, and other essential parts of the network. Damage of this magnitude can grow from something very small, such as a member of staff getting a message to download a free game or software update.

Mobile Malware is rapidly increasing

Mobile malware is on the rise for several reasons and it is following the Law of Computer Virus Evolution:

The Law of Computer Virus Evolution

In order for malicious programs targeting a particular operating system or platform to emerge, three conditions need to be fulfilled:

1. The platform must be popular

2. There must be well-documented development tools

3. The presence of vulnerabilities or coding errors

The widespread adoption of 3G (and soon 4G) and Wi-Fi connectivity and huge hard drives are other factors contributing to the increase of mobile malware infection. In fact, malware activity in 2010 increased 46 per cent over 2009.

The good news is that practically all mobile malware threats call for some type of effort on the part of the user. Malware can't magically appear on your phone. It usually happens after a user downloads a malicious app and the recent DroidDream incident reveals that mobile malware is more advanced than ever before.

How to stop mobile malware and protect yourself

Keeping a close eye on the app stores is a must, as Google proved. Google banished about 50 free applications from its app store immediately after it was found out that the titles hid a Trojan horse designed to steal users' information. The applications, which included pirated and copycat versions of legitimate Android titles, had been downloaded tens of thousands of times before Google took corrective action.

The best way to protect your mobile device (and yourself) is to take a layered approach to mobile security. Before you download that shiny new app, look at its permissions. An app shouldn't receive more permissions that what it needs. For example, a simple notepad app shouldn't need unrestricted access to the internet. Also, don't download apps from unauthorized or illegitimate app stores.

The second layer should be a very good antivirus app on your phone, and the third layer should be a firewall. If you choose wisely, the second and third security layers can be found wrapped up in a mobile security app.

How to choose an effective mobile security app

An typical mobile security solution will have capabilities that assist in operating the program and efficiently protecting the device. A very good mobile security application will include things like antivirus, antispam and firewall protection with realtime security. An exceptional mobile security application will have all of the preceding, as well as sms protection, remote wipe (in case your smartphone is stolen), and gps location (again, in case your smartphone is stolen).

What is the best mobile security app?

Ask ten experts and you'll get ten different answers. This question is almost as hotly debated as "what's the best antivirus software for my computer?" In order to narrow down my choices, I used the criteria mentioned above to come up with a list of mobile security applications. As you can see, many of the desktop giants of antivirus software have developed mobile versions of their software. The list isn't comprehensive, but it will give you a good starting point.

AVG

AVG Mobile Security is specifically available for Android. It comes with anti-virus and SMS anti-spam features that give protection to your mobile against all unwanted messages and advertising. Price: $9.99

ESET

ESET Mobile Security brings a new level of protection to Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones, so you can be confident in the safety of your device -- even if you lose it. Price: Free for thirty days.

Dr. Web

Dr Web Mobile Security Suite is an anti-virus security solution for Android, Symbian OS, and Windows Mobile. However, they aren't sold separately and are bundled with Dr. Web products for workstations.

Lookout

Lookout mobile security is also a multi-platform mobile device software that has a user-friendly, simple and in-depth virus scanning abilities. Lookout Mobile Security is currently available on Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile.

Price: Free, with a Premium version at $29.99/yr.

F-Secure

F-Secure Mobile Security allows smartphone users to experience the full potential of their devices without the fear of mobile threats. F-Secure Mobile Security automatically retrieves the newest updates whenever any data connection is used. An additional SMS update mechanism patented by F-Secure ensures that critical malware fingerprints are received even when a data connection is not available.

Price: Subscriptions begin at $3.31/month (approximately).

Kaspersky

Kaspersky Mobile Security is currently available on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0, 6.1, 6.5 and Symbian OS (Nokia smartphones only).

Price: $29.95/unit/yr.

BullGuard

BullGuard Mobile Security is one of the better mobile security applications. It is one of the very few that supports all major mobile OSes like Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile.

Price: $29.99/license/yr

Mobile malware is a scary thought, and the problem is likely to get worse, especially since smartphone adoption is skyrocketing. Using the tips and advice in this article you can protect yourself (and your personal information) against the rising tide of mobile malware.

John Wright is a Computer Consultant who has been successfully removing malware from personal and business computers for several years. Visit http://www.johnscomputerconsulting.com to ask questions and learn more.

The Reality of Internet Threats and How to Protect Yourself

It may be hard to believe but yes, you can just download an innocent-looking file off a website and your computer could shut down in a second. That's how easy your system can get infected and if you're not careful enough, you'll end up losing important documents every now and then. Worse, you could end up being robbed of your identity. Many things could happen in between and if you simply want to avoid any of these cyber menaces, it is crucial to ensure that your computer's security settings are up to date. Common sense also goes a long way in deciding whether or not a file is safe for downloading. If you're simply not sure, don't risk it.

If you're using Windows Vista, XP, 2000 or ME, you can easily select an option for automatic security updates while earlier systems must be done manually. A firewall is always basic in protecting your computer as well as anti-virus software which, when set to automatically scan email attachments, could help much in preventing hackers who might be snooping around for your personal information such as banking passwords, social security number and the like. Those spam emails should be blocked as well to further control the number of potentially harmful emails.

If malware such as viruses, worms, trojans and the like do manage their way through your computer, the only thing you can do is get rid of it them as soon as possible. Remember that the longer they stay in your system, the more damage they're able to create. If you're a computer whiz, you may as well take out those malware yourself either manually or with the use of a software intended for the purpose. If you're not an expert, there's no reason trying to act like one. Besides, you might only end up risking your computer's safety even more. Do seek out the help of a professional when dealing with this type of problems.

It is definitely a good idea to protect yourself while you're online by updating your security settings regularly as well as scanning your system for malicious codes or programs that you may have downloaded unknowingly. You can also get these unwanted elements through links in your email which you may have clicked. Because things can get very shady around the Internet, it's never advisable for one to have the least thing to do with any link or file whose integrity is unknown. All it takes is one false move and you could be compromising your whole system in a matter of seconds. This is, of course, something you'd never want to happen so always be sure about the things you do online.

Another way of protecting yourself online is by installing a software that allows you to change your IP address while you surf. When you have your real IP hidden, you can be sure that no hacker will find his way to your computer. After all, that path has been put out of view which means the hacker may try to make you his victim, but he'll never be successful because he'll never know the right path to you. In fact, he could be mislead by the fake IP which your software supplied for you to use.

In other words, when it comes to online security, anonymity can save your system and if this is exactly the level of safety you want, get an IP changer.

Top 12 Ways to Keep Yourself Safe on the Internet

The internet has already created a cyber world that most of us are currently enjoying. Most of us are already hooked on surfing the net, e-commerce, social networking and other businesses that we this cyber world can offer. The question is, how do you keep yourself safe? When I talk about safety, I just don't mean about your computer units safety against virus but as well as your identities, money and privacy against cyber hackers and online scams. So here are some helpful tips you can use in order for you to enjoy the internet as safe as possible.

1. Have a strong password. A strong password may be a combination of random characters and numbers. Just be sure you'll remember your password.

2. Regularly change your passwords. Change it for every six months, in that way you'll be sure your password will be more private.

3. Never share your passwords with anybody, not even your family and closest friends.

4. Be sure to have reliable anti-virus software running on your computers and always enable its internet security features.

5. Be careful on things you download. When checking your emails always scan the attached files first before downloading them to your personal units.

6. Beware of suspicious ads and pop-up windows that circulate around the web. If it's possible have these pop-ups blocked.

7. Not all that is free is safe. We tend to be distracted with free software downloads that are offered by some sites and we easily fall into the trap. Remember having licensed software may cost you some fortune but it is still better than having free software from a suspicious site that may contain hidden viruses that can damage your computer systems.

8. In social networking sites, never expose all your private information.

9. Never upload photos, videos and files that are confidential and private. Once you accept the terms and conditions, it is like giving the site the authority to the files that you've uploaded.

10. While doing online shopping, check the seller's feedback status. This may help you know the seller's credibility.

11. If it happened to that you are the seller, protect yourself from scams by asking your buyer to pay first before you send the product you're selling.

12. Lastly, the net is a huge cyber world so it is advisable that you guard yourself. If you already think the site is suspicious don't even try to enter it or research reviews about the sites you usually go into. That could help you to be more informed and secured.

Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. A Systems Engineer, Information Technology Consultant and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. Visit her blog providing free computer support articles at http://www.computer-fix-made-easy.com. She also owns a useful website on work at home ideas at http://www.mommyisworkingathome.com.

Protect Yourself Against Cybercrime

I think you'll be shocked by what you're about to read.

Yearly cybercrime profits and damages have reached a trillion dollars. That is according to U.S. Senate testimony.

Most people probably think they are somehow immune to being affected by cybercrime. But consider that Google was hacked this year.

If Google is vulnerable, you are too.

For these and many other reasons, it makes sense to be intentional about online security. You don't have to sit back and wait to be the next victim. Take action with the following suggestions.

Strong Passwords for Internet Security

Resist the urge to create simple passwords. Hackers have tools that decode passwords. Make their job harder by:

Make your passwords longer than 8 characters. 14 characters or more is better, but 8 is the minimum.
Avoid using any dictionary words (regardless of the language).
Don't use letters or numbers in sequence or repetition. This includes using letters in keyboard sequence. (for example: "asdf")
Use different passwords for different accounts
Use combinations of letters, numbers and characters.
Avoid using your birthdate, anniversary date, etc., even with another number added to the end. Hackers can figure this out.

Once you decide on a password, you can test it by using Microsoft's secure password checker at www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/password-checker.aspx. This password checker rates your password for you according to its strength and does not store information.

Don't Run Outdated Software

When software updates become available, be sure to install them. Hackers continue attacking old versions of software after the manufacturers have stopped supporting them.

This means that if hackers find bugs in an outdated version of a program that you are using, they can vandalize you. That very bug may have already been fixed in an updated version.

Pay particular attention to updates in your internet browser, Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat programs.

Protect Your Information: Learn Phishing Facts

Phishing is a method cyber criminals use to obtain access to computers and sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy source.

Often attempting invasion in the form of emails, these criminals seek to convince their victims that they are legitimate institutions such as banks, social media websites, internet service providers, and online payment processors. They 'bait' unsuspecting personsby luring them to enter information at fake sites that look almost identical to the legitimate one. The goal is to obtain credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive data

Watch out for phrases such as 'verify your account,' 'confirm your account,' or any request for entering passwords or payment information.

Yourmain defense against phishing is to avoid clicking on any links that come inside emails. Rather, type the institution's legitimate address into your address bar if you wish to visit the site, and do not give out your passwords.

Stepping up your internet security is not difficult, but it does take a little time. By choosing strong passwords, updating your software regularly, and being cautious about what shows up in your inbox, you can stay ahead of the online safety game.

http://www.bestsecurityproducts.com/

How to Protect Yourself With Proxy Sites

It is very painful to get your online account broken into and losing your identity. However, we normally don't think the sites that we visit and the internet applications we use each day could be used to snoop, spy, track and finally steal our sensitive data, account details such as passwords and usernames, and worse; identity. It could be through web browsing, instant messaging or chats, playing online games, sharing pictures, documents, music or videos, among other ways; someone could be watching over your steps, and it can turn out to be agonizing. One of the best ways to keep you well safe from online security agonies is to connect yourself through a proxy site.

Ideally, proxy sites are websites that able to connect to internet resources with their connection details hidden. You can use a proxy service to get into the internet through a proxy server. The proxy server sits between your computer and the servers where you are requesting resources or services. A proxy server will receive your internet connection, seek resources from the requested servers and then re-route the resources to you. Through this your Internet Protocol will not be traceable; and hence you are assured of your safety as potential hackers can not gain an entry into your computer, private network or internet device.

There are many instances where you would need to have anonymity in the internet. Wireless internet hotspots in airports, hotels, colleges, restaurants, malls or offices are some of the areas prone to cyber crime as security filters are either too restrictive or not installed. Another area where there is wide application of proxy sites is to cache website pages and files to speed up access. This is most applicable with websites that have irregular traffic level. However, proxy sites are largely aimed at securing an internet user against risky connections that could land him to unscrupulous hands.

For information and fresh Proxy Sites visit http://proxysites.net

Protecting Yourself From Cyber Crime

Today, the Internet has become an integral part of our lives. It's a daily routine for us to log onto the internet for banking, shopping, social & business networking, job application, researching, music downloads and on other various important information retrieval, we all depend on internet.

With its worldwide popularity, the risk of Internet crime has also risen considerably. Precaution has always been better then cure so it's in our hands to safeguard our personal information when we make any online transaction. With every bit of information you transmit through the Internet or store online, the risk of falling victim to the Internet crime also rises. Identity theft is at its all time high! Some of the various gullible trends that have been rising through the Internet include hacking, stalking, fraud, phishing, theft, spreading Malware and harassment! This not only causes a financial distress but more then often leads to the psychological stress.

Some of the ways that can help you to guard your safety in the Internet world and help you escape from falling prey to Cyber Crime are listed below. Do remember, your safety is at your own hands!

Awareness: Before you start the campaign to safeguards yourself from cyber crime, keep in mind that you know about the risks you are going to face! The right knowledge equips you to fight with a right mindset! Awareness is the most important weapon that will come to your rescue at the most difficult times!

Be Vigilant: These days most of the people who surf online are the members of social networking sites. Being social is nice but trusting everyone regarding your personal information can drown you into deep waters! Most of the cyber criminals maintain a good relationship at the start and at later stages they exploit that information for their own good. Do not let them exploit your trust! Be conscientious of the information you share with others online.

Don't pass your Password: If any link in your email asks for your personal information or your password, quickly mark it as Spam and report it! Most of these emails are used to phish for your personal information. They will allure you with schemes such as " Congrats! You've been chosen winner for a trip to Switzerland", all excited you may give your information but in the end you'll realize the big loss you made for yourself! Keep in mind, if you are dealing with a valid organization, it will never ask you for your password. Another way to keep your personal information secure is by changing passwords at some regular intervals. Though make it easy for yourself to remember!

We all enjoy using the Internet. It has been a valuable source of information since almost a decade now! Do not let anyone make it a bad experience for you by making you prey to their bad motives. So, to prevent yourself from becoming a victim to cyber crime keep in mind these basic tips, be vigilant and conscious of the information you share through the intranet connection.

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