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And know what you're getting into. There are dishonest people in
the bricks and mortar world and on the Internet. But online,
you can't judge an operator's trustworthiness with a gut-affirming
look in the eye. It's remarkably simple for online scammers to impersonate
a legitimate business, so you need to know whom you're dealing
with. If you're shopping online, check out the seller before you
buy. A legitimate business or individual seller should give you
a physical address and a working telephone number at which they
can be contacted in case you have problems.
Phishing —
bait or prey?
"Phishers" send spam or pop-up messages claiming to be from a business
or organization that you might deal with for example, an Internet
service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a
government agency. The message usually says that you need to "update"
or "validate" your account information. It might threaten some dire
consequence if you don't respond. The message directs you to a website
that looks just like a legitimate organization's, but isn't. What
is the purpose of the bogus site? To trick you into divulging your
personal information so the operators can steal your identity and
run up bills or commit crimes in your name.
Don't take the bait: don't open unsolicited or unknown email messages;
don't open attachments from people you don't know or don't expect;
and never reply to or click on links in email or pop-ups that ask
for personal information. Legitimate companies don't ask for this
information via email. If you are directed to a website to update
your information, verify that the site is legitimate by calling
the company directly, using contact information from your account
statements. Or open a new browser window and type the URL into the
address field, watching that the actual URL of the site you visit
doesn't change and is still the one you intended to visit. Forward
spam that is phishing for information to spam@uce.gov
and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing
email. Most organizations have information on their websites about
where to report problems.
To ensure you're not being victimized and to detect unauthorized
purchases, use the same practices as you do in the offline world.
Check your credit card bill at least every month, and consider using
services that inform you if someone has requested credit in your
name.
Click here to learn more tips
on phishing and pharming.
Free Software and File-Sharing — worth the hidden costs?
Every day, millions of computer users share files online. File-sharing
can give people access to a wealth of information, including music,
games, and software. How does it work? You download special software
that connects your computer to an informal network of other computers
running the same software. Millions of users could be connected
to each other through this software at one time. Often the software
is free and easily accessible.
But file-sharing can have a number of risks. If you don't check
the proper settings, you could allow access not just to the files
you intend to share, but also to other information on your hard
drive, like your tax returns, email messages, medical records, photos,
or other personal documents.
In addition, you may unwittingly download pornography labeled as
something else. Or you may download material that is protected by
the copyright laws, which would mean you could be breaking the law.
Therefore, downloading file-sharing software is not advisable and
could place your personal information and computer at risk. If you
do decide to use file-sharing software, set it up very carefully.
Take the time to read the End User License Agreement to be sure
that you're sharing files legally and that you understand the potentially
high risk of any free downloads. For example, some license agreements
include an agreement to allow spyware to be installed on your machine.
Spyware
Many free downloads whether from peers or businesses come with
potentially undesirable side effects. Spyware is software installed
without your knowledge or consent that adversely affects your ability
to use your computer, sometimes by monitoring or controlling how
you use it. Not only can spyware programs affect your computer use
and access your personal information, but in some cases they can
also use your computer to access or launch attacks against others.
To avoid spyware, resist the urge to install any software unless
you know exactly what it is. Your anti-virus software may include
anti-spyware capability that you can activate, but if it doesn't,
you can install separate anti-spyware software, and then use it
regularly to scan for and delete any spyware programs that may sneak
onto your computer.
Email Attachments and Links — legitimate or virus-laden?
Many viruses sent over email or Instant Messenger won't damage
your computer without your participation. For example, you would
have to open an email or attachment that includes a virus
or follow a link to a site that is programmed to infect your computer.
So, don't open an email attachmentóeven if it appears to be from
a friend or coworkeróunless you are expecting it or know what it
contains. You can help others trust your attachments by including
a message in your text explaining what you're attaching.
Hackers often
lie to get you to open the email attachment or click on a link.
Some virus-laden emails appear to come from a friend or colleague;
some have an appealing file name, like "Fwd: FUNNY" or "Per your
request!"; others promise to clean a virus
off your computer if you open it or follow the link.
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