Internet Safety Tips

Provided By: MaintainSafePC.com

1. Always keep your passwords secret especially while on a public computer, and remember that a safe
site
or service will never ask you to send them your passwords, banking info, or social security via email.

2. Although it takes a little time, sometimes an hour or more, you should scan your computer often.
We recommend that every week you make a point to do a full scan with anti-malware/anti-spyware
programs. If you don't have anti-malware/anti-spyware protection get it right now!!
3. If you are using public WiFi and/or a public use computer such as in a library or school, make sure
you are very careful with sensitive information. This means that when using a public computer for
email, banking or any other service that requires a password to make sure and un-check the box
(often checked by default) that says "remember password" or "keep me logged in.

4. Know the difference between public and secure websites. Websites beginning with https are
known to be secure. The prefix "http" means it is available to the public. For example, the email giant
Gmail has both public and secure
servers: ex: https://www.gmail.com (secure) and http://www.gmail.com (public). So when sending or
storing sensitive information such as passwords always make sure you are not on a public site.
5. Be EXTREMELY cautious when asked to download an exe. file (such as the unity web player)
which may include the ask app as an add-on, as this is a known browser hijacker. *DELL Svs. 10/14*
6. Have common sense.
7. Make sure you always have fully updated software.

8. Always do research before downloading or installing software that has an unknown publisher

9. Keep your passwords safe and make strong passwords. An example of a strong password
includes both upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Never use obvious words such as
your name, pet's name or birthday.

10. Do not open emails from unknown sources. Delete emails from unknown sources. Watch out for

files attached to e-mails, particularly those with an "exe" extension-even if people you know sent
them to you. Some files transport and distribute viruses and other programs that can permanently
destroy files and damage computers and Web sites. Do not forward e-mail if you are not completely
sure that any attached files are safe.

11. Use a pop-up blocker with your browser. Pop-up windows are small browser windows that appear
on top of the website you're viewing. Although most are created by advertisers, they can also contain
malicious or unsafe code. A pop-up blocker can prevent some or all of these windows from
appearing.

12. Avoid Deals That Are Too Good to Be True If you see a deal for 90% off The Beatles Collection
CD, it very well could be a knock off. Even worse, some sites are known to lure customers in with an
amazing deal, and once they have your credit card information theyre never to be heard from again
your identity may be compromised and theres not even a product to show for it. The simple rule of
thumb here is: If it looks too good to be true then it probably is.