The internet is a place to gain information, but you have to be careful and began making it a rule to be overly cautious about giving out information. The internet is like a real highway. Some folks, even refer to it as being like the Wild Wild West!” Remember how in the old Western movies, when the stagecoach left town, it always needed someone to ride shotgun? Will think of the internet like that. You need someone to ride shot gun. Now, riding shot gun, just means having someone looking out for your or supervision. Because the internet is filled with so much– even adults need supervisors or a strong common sense to guard your personal information. For example, some folks even consider hooking up with Norton to safeguard personal information and passwords. You can find more information about password protects at Norton.com.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, since 2015 consumers have lost more than $1 billion from scams initiated through the web.
Therefore, the first thing to do to guard yourself online is to remember, everybody ain’t your friend. Be wary of suspicious links and emails. Always check who the message came from and avoid clicking links from anyone you don’t know. And take extra precautions when you get emails that ask you to reset your passwords. Because normally if you get a reset your password request it is because you requested and when you do, those emails to reset will be Time-sensitive.
Things to lookout for:
Watch out for phishing scams… Here are a couple of phishing scams.
· The Apple Reset Your Password Request
For example, many phishing emails are designed to look like it’s from Apple, or other top brand names. The first thing you should ask yourself is, “Did I request my password change?” I you didn’t, you didn’t.
Next, check to see if it is Time-sensitive. If it is not? Well you guessed it. It’s a scam.
If you receive a phishing email that's designed to look like it's from Apple, send it to reportphishing@apple.com. ...
Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email.
The Urgent Request
Next, if you receive an Urgent Request to reset you email. It maybe a Phishing email,
This kind of email urges you to take immediate action and this kind of phishing emails play to our innate psychology. By impersonating a person or organization with a high level of authority—and urging immediate action—these emails are dangerously persuasive.
Other things you should do:
§ Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
§ Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length, using more characters makes it stronger, if the mood hits you go up in characters and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
§ Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know. I have been personally stalked on social media by folks I would not “Friend” who would then contact me on my email. Guess what? I would not respond to their email. Why? Because I didn’t know them.
§ The internet is a way bad people will ask for personal information. NEVER give your address or phone number away to anyone. Never list your home address on social media. Get a P.O. BOX. Many P.O. Boxes have street addresses attached to them. Use the P.O. Box, street address.
§ The internet is not always full of truth. Don’t be deceived on what you are reading. Get your source from multiple reliable resources.
§ Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it.
§ Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
§ Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.
The internet can be a great place or a scary place if not handled properly. Remember Mother’s advice while you are on the internet… “Everybody ain’t your friend.”
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