How can I protect myself while online?

How can I protect myself while online?

Question:

How can I protect myself while online?

Answer:

Verify data being sent is encrypted

When sending confidential data over the Internet such as your username, password, or credit card number it's important to verify that information is sent securely. To verify this look for a small lock () in the bottom right corner of portion of your browser window or next to the address bar (as shown below) depending on your browser and its version. If visible this lock should also be in the locked position and not unlocked.

Internet Explorer 7 secure address bar

We also suggest that you look at the URL and make sure it begins with https as shown above.

When in the lock position all data you send will be encrypted, which helps anyone from understanding the data if it's intercepted while being sent. When no lock is visible or the lock is in the unlocked position all information is being sent as plaintext and if intercepted it could be easily read. If a page you're visiting is not secure such as an online forum, make sure to use a password you don't normally use for other more protected sites such as your online banking website.

E-mail is not encrypted

Websites you visit and you should not be transmitting confidential data over e-mail. This includes your user information such as passwords, credit card information, etc. E-mail is not encrypted and if intercepted by a third-party could be easily read.

Be aware of phishing scams

Make sure you're familiarized with phishing scams and techniques. Online banking sites, Paypal, EBay, Amazon, and other popular sites that require logins or store private data are popular targets. See our phishing dictionary definition for additional information.

Use a safe password

When using a password, especially with a site such as your bank site make sure the password you're using is a strong password. It's also recommended that you use different passwords for each of the major pages you visit.

Use caution when accepting or agreeing to prompts

When you get any type of prompt to install any type of program or add-on make sure you read and understand what you're agreeing to before accepting it or clicking on the Ok button. If you do not understand what you're agreeing to cancel it or close the window.

Additionally, when installing any program onto your computer watch for any check box that is asking if it's ok to install any third-party program, toolbar, etc. These are never required and often cause more issues than good. Make sure these boxes are left unchecked.

Be cautious where you're logging in from

Business

Your place of work can easily install key loggers or use other methods of monitoring you while online. Someone who has access to this information could access these logs that can contain all keystrokes including usernames and passwords.

Wireless network

When on a wireless network it's important to realize that all information being sent to and from your computer to the wireless router can be intercepted and read by someone nearby. Therefore if you need to log into your online bank page while on a wireless network make sure the network your connecting to is secure using a secure connection.

Friends house

Be concerned when logging into an account from a friends computer. A computer you're not familiar with could intentionally or unintentionally log usernames and passwords that could be used to access your account.

Verify you have all the latest plugins for your browser

Often many attackers find security vulnerabilities through browser plugins such as Adobe Flash. While your browser may be up-to-date it's also important to make sure you've got all the latest plug-in updates. You can quickly and easily verify your browser plug-ins by visiting our system information tool.

Use a third-party website to verify the safety and security of the page

We recommend Web of Trust (WOT) to validate the safety of the website you are looking at.

Additional information:

· See document CH000464 for additional information about preventing unauthorized computer access.

· Information about protecting your child online is found on document CH000526.

· Information about online banking being safe can be found on document CH001209.

· See our HTTP / HTTPS dictionary definition for additional information about the HTTPS.