`Security

Internet Tip of the Week : Security

November 18, 2009

Internet Cafe Security

Barbara J. Feldman @ November 18, 2009

When using a public wi-fi network in an Internet café or coffee house, it is up to you to secure your transmissions against prying eyes. Only using https secure connections is one way of stopping those around you from seeing your transmissions. For more cyber café security tips, read Ask Leo, and PC Magazine.

More Tips Like This One: Networking, Safety, Security

October 15, 2009

How to Identify Safe Websites

Barbara J. Feldman @ October 15, 2009

What resources can be used to identify safe websites? Leo Notenboom of Ask-Leo.com says, “One of the best things you can do as you surf the web is simply be skeptical.” He also explores McAfee’s Site Advisor, and Web Of Trust in his article What’s a Safe Web Site?.

More Tips Like This One: Safety, Security

October 6, 2009

Windows Live Security Breach

Barbara J. Feldman @ October 6, 2009

Attention Hotmail and MSN users: itt’s time to change your password. According to Neowin, an anonymous hacker posted thousands of Microsoft’s Windows Live Hotmail usernames and passwords. The first list of over 10,000 accounts only includes account names that start with the letters A and B, but there was a hint that there could be more lists.

More Tips Like This One: Email, Microsoft, Privacy, Security

July 28, 2009

How to Secure Your Online Accounts

Barbara J. Feldman @ July 28, 2009

In early July, a hacker comprised the email account of a Twitter employee, and stole some internal company documents. He did this by using the password reminder feature of Gmail. What can we learn from this? First, use unique, unusual passwords. Second, make sure the answers to your security questions are not easily guessed. Third, make sure your alternative email address (for password resets and reminders) is still one that you receive mail at. Fourth, do not store passwords in your online email accounts. To learn more, read Ask Dave Taylor.

More Tips Like This One: Google, Security

November 25, 2008

Protect Yourself from PayPal Phishing Attempts

Barbara J. Feldman @ November 25, 2008

A recent round of PayPal phishing schemes brings up the importance of staying diligent and alert when responding to email. To sharpen your phishing sensors, PayPal offers a Fight Phishing Challenge . Common Crafts explains Phishing Scams in Plain English. And Wombat Security Technologies offers an educational Anti-Phishing Phil game based work done at Carnegie-Mellon.

More Tips Like This One: Email, Security, Spyware

October 28, 2008

What does Your IP Address Reveal About You?

Barbara J. Feldman @ October 28, 2008

Your IP address is the logical identification (as opposed to a physical address) of your Internet-connected computer or router. It is a number formatted into 4 octets (or words) separated by periods, such as 184.238.14.180. Your IP address is shared with every website you visit, and frequently included in every email you send. But exactly how much can be learned from that IP address? Usually just your Internet Service Provider, and a general idea of where you are geographically. Your ISP, however, probably has records that tie you to your IP address. To learn more, read Bob Rankin on Does My IP Address Reveal My Location?.

More Tips Like This One: Privacy, Security

September 14, 2008

How to Stop Security Breaches

Barbara J. Feldman @ September 14, 2008

According to an Information Week survey of 4500 computer security professionals, 22% of security breaches were done with “guessed passwords.” This means that the number one thing you can do to improve your security is to use passwords that can not be guessed. For starters, never use any word that appears in your account data, and never use a word that appears in a dictionary. For more password do’s and dont’s, read George Shaffer’s Password Basics).

More Tips Like This One: Privacy, Security

July 22, 2008

Where to Find Free Computer Security Programs

Barbara J. Feldman @ July 22, 2008

Tired of shelling out the big bucks for computer security? Seth Rosenblatt, a technology blogger at CNET’s Download.com, lists his pick of free, top-rated security programs in his Security Starter Kit. His recommendations include Comodo Firewall Pro and AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition.

More Tips Like This One: Security, Uncategorized

July 15, 2008

Where to Learn About Common Internet Schemes

Barbara J. Feldman @ July 15, 2008

The Internet Crime Complaint Center, also known as IC3, is a partnership between the FBI, the National White Collar Crime Center, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. They accept online Internet crime complaints, offer tips on how to protect yourself, and explain ongoing illegal Internet schemes. For example, the Nigerian Letter is also known as “419″ because that’s the section of the Nigerian Criminal Code that it violates. “Beware when asked to assist in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts.

More Tips Like This One: Safety, Security

March 18, 2008

Federal Website Guards Against Internet Fraud

Barbara J. Feldman @ March 18, 2008

OnGuardOnline.gov is a federal website with practical tips on securing your computer and guarding against Internet fraud. Information is delivered with videos, tutorials, and games designed to test and expand your knowledge. Topics include laptop security, social networking, malware, identity theft and much more.

More Tips Like This One: Cool Sites, Privacy, Safety, Security, Spyware

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