Computers–Staying Safe Online
Many of us worry about “surfing the net”. Is it safe? I’m a worry wart, so I worry about viruses; I worry about someone stealing my private information and passwords. I worry about getting into a bad website. And to my sons’ amusement, I worry about someone being able to watch me through my computer’s webcam when it is turned off. So with all my worrying, I decided to educate myself about cyberspace.
One of the most common and biggest concerns is email scams. It goes something like this…you get an email claiming to be your bank, telling you that there is a problem with your account and instructs you to visit a link to re-enter your private information. When you do, they have everything they need to get into your account. Experts assure us that banks and credit card companies do not ask for personal information through email. If this happens to you, call your bank to verify whether or not they sent you the email.
It is not a good idea to open any email from someone you do not know. It may look interesting, but your curiosity could put you face to face with an ugly virus. If you are not sure, don’t open it. I have chosen to only allow emails from family and friends, services I use, or stores that I frequent. Everything else is sent to my spam folder. There have been a few cases where I was expecting an email that ended up in the spam folder. One click of “this is not spam” and it is moved to my emails.
Every computer should have some type of anti-virus software that can catch those nasty little viruses. Apparently all computers have built-in firewall protection. Go into your control panel to make sure the firewall is activated. However, anti-virus software and firewalls are not guaranteed to prevent a virus attack, but they definitely help.
Have you ever entered a website to see a flashing advertisement—CONGRATUALTIONS!! You have just won something! Don’t fall for it, no matter how tempting. They usually want to move you to another link and ask you for personal information. If it sounds too good to be real, it usually is.
When setting up new passwords, it is suggested that you do not use personal information. Also, to make it harder for hackers, don’t use words that can be found in a dictionary. Instead use random numbers and letters to make up your passwords. And do not share your passwords with anyone. With the number of passwords we use for all the different websites we frequent, keep them written down and put away. I keep a small 3×5 index card folder with all my passwords alphabetized using the websites.
As far as the computer camera, I could find nothing to confirm my fears. I have been assured through research that once turned off, it is safe. If that changes, I will let you know! For now, be safe and enjoy your computer.
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