Online Security

Internet Security is a concern for all of us - I found these great tips from Microsft:

Help protect yourself from phishing scams and identity theft


Phishing is a type of deception designed to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers, Windows Live IDs, other account data and passwords, or other information. It is also known as identity theft, and is a type of social engineering.


You might see a phishing scam:


•In e-mail messages, even if they appear to be from a coworker or someone you know.


•On your social networking Web site.


•On a fake Web site that accepts donations for charity.


•On Web sites that spoof your familiar sites but that use slightly different Web addresses, so you won't notice.


•In your instant message program.


•On your cell phone or other mobile device.


Often phishing scams rely on links in e-mail messages, on Web sites, or in instant messages that seem to come from a service that you trust, like your bank, credit card company, or social networking site.


Tip: To see updated examples of popular phishing scams or to report a possible phishing scam, visit the Anti-Phishing Working Group Archive.


The purpose of social engineering is usually to secretly install spyware or other malicious software or to trick you into handing over your passwords or other sensitive financial or personal information.


How can I protect myself from phishing scams?


Your first level of defense against phishing scams is to secure your computer. For more information, see 4 steps to protect your computer.


Watch out for links. Since many phishing scams depend on users clicking a link, a good way to protect yourself is to be careful with links in e-mail messages, instant messages, and on Web sites. If you receive an e-mail that you weren't expecting and it contains a link, type the link directly into your browser. If the link is from a Web site that you visit often, use your personal bookmarks to access the site.


Recognize suspicious sites. Learning how to spot phishing and social engineering techniques is the next step. Use the SmartScreen Filter in Internet Explorer 8 to help detect unsafe and potentially unsafe Web sites as you browse.

TO FIND OUT OMORE YOU MAY VISIT http://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/phishing/prevent.aspx

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