You can pretty much do anything online nowadays, from shopping to communicating with friends to handling your finances. And with all that personal information you input on a daily basis floating around in cyberspace, it’s crucial that you do everything you can to protect yourself online.
These tips will help keep you, your identity, and your information safe while conducting business online:
- Always use encryption. Encrypted sites convert the things you type into your computer, from emails to personal information, into a specific code that prevents anyone who isn’t authorized to read your information from getting access. You can even encrypt everything from individual messages to entire hard drives with downloadable programs.
- Always use secure sites. This is especially important if you are online shopping or entering your social security number or other information. You can tell if a site is secure or not by checking the address in the tool bar: if it has an “s” after the “http,” then you know it’s secure. (i.e., “https:// indicates a secure site.)
- Use an antispyware and antivirus program. You should never browse the Internet or input personal information on a computer that doesn’t have antivirus software. This will protect the information you enter as you browse from spyware. Antivirus software will locate and kill any spyware and viruses, including those that could share your private data.
- Be careful what information you give out. If you get emails requesting your social security number, bank account information, or any other personal information, do not give it out online. Even if the email looks legitimate, call your bank or the organization requesting your information before you provide the data.
The Internet makes life easier for millions of people each day. However, it can also be a playground for those looking to steal your information. These tips will help you stay safe online.