The Internet
Adware, Phishing and Spyware are all words that are fairly new to the English language. Other words, such as Cookies, Spam, Virus, Worm and Zombie take on entirely different meanings when referring to the Internet. Before you go online, you should know what all of these words mean in the context of the World Wide Web.
The Internet can be a very useful place and it can be a very scary place. Many scams and other illegal operations have transformed from "the real world" to cyberspace and multiplied in the process.
Here is some basic advice. More information about how to stay safe on the Internet can be found on the websites listed below.
1. Protect your personal information.
2. Know who you are dealing with online. Do not make any assumptions about a business or person's true identity.
3. Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer safe and secure. Update them regularly!
4. Set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.
5. Use strong passwords (a mix of numbers, letters or other characters) or strong authentication technology.
6. Back up important files on a CD, DVD, flash drive or other removable storage option.
7. Learn what to do and who to contact if something goes wrong.
8. Protect your children online and teach them what to look out for.
Click here to file a complaint about an Internet related event, such as if your computer was hacked, has spyware or you received spam or a phishing email.
