Computer Tips (not ff)

[DShock]

…7 online mistakes that can cost you money

YouNewsTV?
Story Published: Aug 6, 2008 at 9:21 PM PDT
Story Updated: Aug 6, 2008 at 9:21 PM PDT
By Angelica Thornton and KATU Web Staff

Mistake #1 - Assuming your computer is protected.

Don’t assume - make sure your protection software is activated and updated often.

Mistake #2 - Accessing an account through an e-mail link.

Never do this. Instead, type a sensitive address directly into your computer’s web browser.

Mistake #3 - Using one password for all accounts

If just one of your accounts is compromised, others can be vulnerable as well. One easy tip - use variations on one password so you can remember them.

Mistake #4 - Downloading free software

Spyware is often packaged with freebies and makes your computer run slow. If you think you’ve been infected, get a spyware defender program to clear it out.

Mistake #5 - Thinking your Mac shields you from all risks

According to this year’s State of the Net Survey by Consumer Reports, Mac users fall prey to the same amount of phishing scams as PC users. So make sure you are using a browser with phishing protection.

Mistake #6 - Clicking on popups that say your PC is not secure

This is a bad idea because you could end up with malware automatically installed on your computer.

Mistake #7 - Shopping online without taking precautions

Make sure when you enter your personal information that there is an “S” or a lock symbol in the address bar. That means the site is secure. You can also keep one credit card for online purchases only, to keep a better eye on your account.

[jhthorisson]

Concerning online shopping you can use services like PayPal so that the online shop never gets your credit card information.

It is also a good advise to never click on any links in emails from people you don’t know and not to reply to them either. In fact it is advisable to delete such emails right away.

[gzacckey]

I’ll add to Jon’s advice.

If you don’t use or like PayPal then you have a couple of options. Use one credit card for all your online purchases. If it gets compromised you’re only responsible for your charges and you can use your backup card until things get straightened out. A better option is to use a credit card that provides temporary account numbers that are only good for one transaction and must be used within 24 hours.

Under no circumstances should you use a debt/Visa check card online or anywhere for that matter. These are BAD, BAD, BAD. Only people who can’t control their credit card use should even consider using a debit type card. It’s much better to deal with the credit card company’s financial loss rather than yours.

[system]

Thanks Doug. Do not ever open attachments even from friends.

[flybinder]

I no longer,open “Fwds”, (forwarded from someone else), even from people I know and trust. I delete them, before even opening them, because I’ve had to fight two, very, very expensive viruses that were embedded in emails from very close friends.
THEY had no idea, they’d sent me an infected email and it wasn’t their fault the virus was in their mail.
What a lot of people don’t realize, is that when an email’s been “forwarded” to another person… let’s say, from Nighthawk’s house to mine, it can easily be “intercepted” by a hacker maybe located in Russia or China, wherever, a virus is then attached to it, then it’s on its way to me, with neither Nighthawk, or I, being the wiser! The hackers do not need passwords, from the sender or the receiver of the email, only the “IPS address”, which is easy to locate for anyone’s computer.
People get upset with me, because when they write and ask "Hey! How’d ya’ like my joke, I sent you? or, “funny pictures”, whatever and I tell them “Sorry, I didn’t see/read it, I delete all forwards without opening them”. But, I’ve also told friends, to, please not send me forwards, that I DON’T open them, then they do anyway!!
It’s not worth the damage it can cause, been there, done that TWICE.

[system]

@flybinder

I no longer,open “Fwds”, (forwarded from someone else), even from people I know and trust. I delete them, before even opening them, because I’ve had to fight two, very, very expensive viruses that were embedded in emails from very close friends.
THEY had no idea, they’d sent me an infected email and it wasn’t their fault the virus was in their mail.
What a lot of people don’t realize, is that when an email’s been “forwarded” to another person… let’s say, from Nighthawk’s house to mine, it can easily be “intercepted” by a hacker maybe located in Russia or China, wherever, a virus is then attached to it, then it’s on its way to me, with neither Nighthawk, or I, being the wiser! The hackers do not need passwords, from the sender or the receiver of the email, only the “IPS address”, which is easy to locate for anyone’s computer.
People get upset with me, because when they write and ask "Hey! How’d ya’ like my joke, I sent you? or, “funny pictures”, whatever and I tell them “Sorry, I didn’t see/read it, I delete all forwards without opening them”. But, I’ve also told friends, to, please not send me forwards, that I DON’T open them, then they do anyway!!
It’s not worth the damage it can cause, been there, done that TWICE.

Paul,
You are right about that. Great advice! One of the better things that the Federal Government does for it’s employees is the internet security training. That is one of the “do Not do” items they train us about. Thank you for the advice!

Folks, here is a web site I strongly encourage you to use:

http://www.us-cert.gov/

It is the Dept. of Homeland Security web page on internet security. A great resource that you and I have paid for.