Surfing the Internet with cautions!
Posted by Sean Qiu on Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Under: OnLine Security
Surfing the Internet with cautions!
Many Internet users don't realize the potential dangers of the Internet surfing. Here, I will show you how to identify the methods used by hackers to trick people into visiting fake web sites:
1. Be vigilant on the Name of the web site you are going to visit since there is no exact formula to differentiate the reputable and non reputable web sites.
2. Be aware of some of the malicious software (malware) since this type of software is designed to harm your computer with viruses, worms and spyware. They can be hidden in those "free" software such as a weather reporting utility. Here are some of the symptoms of malware: If your computer is infected with malware, you might notice that it runs very slowly or exhibits "unusual" behavior, such as displaying numerous pop-up windows or constantly displaying a new home page (which means it’s been "hijacked").
3. Be suspicious if the pop-up sends you to another web site or asks you to enter your password or download software; don't do it! Unless you know that you are visiting a reputable website.
4. Be caution about website spoofing, which is designed to look like a legitimate site to fool an unsuspecting visitor. Never submit or enter any personal information in an unfamiliar website.
Here are couple things you should have already set up prior surfing the net.
1. Turn on the firewall protection, which is a powerful security device that is placed between your computer and the Internet. However, it doesn't guaranteed to filter out 100% of unauthorized communications. It is your responsibility to be more vigilant to stop unknown traffic for requesting to access your network.
The firewall is part of Windows XP package. You can turn it on by going to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Security Center > Windows Firewall
2. Besides of turning on the Windows Firewall, you can also turn on the Windows Automatic Updates to keep your computer up-to-date with latest security patches. When it is turned on, it will automatically download and installed the latest patches from Microsoft website at the time you specified.
To turn on Automatic Updates option: Start > Settings > Control Panel > Security Center > Automatic Updates > Click on the "Automatic (Recommended)" option and set the date and time for downloading and installing the updates.
Here are few of the key points you should know while surfing the net:
1. Visit the reputable web sites;
2. Always close pop-up windows without following any links or entering any data;
3. Verify site security before entering data, especially personal data;
4. Always ask questions, "is it safe to surf this site?"
Many Internet users don't realize the potential dangers of the Internet surfing. Here, I will show you how to identify the methods used by hackers to trick people into visiting fake web sites:
1. Be vigilant on the Name of the web site you are going to visit since there is no exact formula to differentiate the reputable and non reputable web sites.
2. Be aware of some of the malicious software (malware) since this type of software is designed to harm your computer with viruses, worms and spyware. They can be hidden in those "free" software such as a weather reporting utility. Here are some of the symptoms of malware: If your computer is infected with malware, you might notice that it runs very slowly or exhibits "unusual" behavior, such as displaying numerous pop-up windows or constantly displaying a new home page (which means it’s been "hijacked").
3. Be suspicious if the pop-up sends you to another web site or asks you to enter your password or download software; don't do it! Unless you know that you are visiting a reputable website.
4. Be caution about website spoofing, which is designed to look like a legitimate site to fool an unsuspecting visitor. Never submit or enter any personal information in an unfamiliar website.
Here are couple things you should have already set up prior surfing the net.
1. Turn on the firewall protection, which is a powerful security device that is placed between your computer and the Internet. However, it doesn't guaranteed to filter out 100% of unauthorized communications. It is your responsibility to be more vigilant to stop unknown traffic for requesting to access your network.
The firewall is part of Windows XP package. You can turn it on by going to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Security Center > Windows Firewall
2. Besides of turning on the Windows Firewall, you can also turn on the Windows Automatic Updates to keep your computer up-to-date with latest security patches. When it is turned on, it will automatically download and installed the latest patches from Microsoft website at the time you specified.
To turn on Automatic Updates option: Start > Settings > Control Panel > Security Center > Automatic Updates > Click on the "Automatic (Recommended)" option and set the date and time for downloading and installing the updates.
Here are few of the key points you should know while surfing the net:
1. Visit the reputable web sites;
2. Always close pop-up windows without following any links or entering any data;
3. Verify site security before entering data, especially personal data;
4. Always ask questions, "is it safe to surf this site?"
In : OnLine Security