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Alerts Page
Whatever type of device you use to shop online, follow these tips to keep your device and data safe.
Number of Alerts Currently : 21
Alert
Status 1 : There are advertisements from
companies that will back up your computer files for a yearly subscripted price. It is geared towards businesses but also to the average computer user as well. Their gimmick is that you, the consumer or business owner, can back up your files, photos,
MP3's, tax returns and other contents on their system. You then can access their system from any remote internet connected computer to retrieve lost files.
There is a serious problem with this and I'll tell you why.
A. This is how lists are built and then
the information is sold to third party vendors. Don't fall for it folks.
You will most certainly be putting yourself at risk by sending all your info to
a company which may be at risk of government intervention later on down the road
not to mention money being made at your expense of course. Be on the lookout
for any companies as mentioned above.
B. Why do this when you can back up any file with a CD-R, CD-RW, or
Memory Stick? They are for the most part inexpensive and have plenty of
storage space. Especially a memory stick. I had
purchased one on sale for $14.00 at Office Max. It has 8 GB of storage space
and the size of the device is only a couple of inches. I beat their subscription
price not to mention that it's reusable. If at all possible, try not to keep
all your files on your computer unless you necessarily have to. You can
also use an external hard drive to store information.
C. Never ever download directly to your
computer C drive. ALWAYS download to a separate storage device. This
is in regards to anything aside from licensed software from a reputable company.
This one rule here alone will prevent your computer from becoming infected aside
from the use of a good anti-virus program. You can also back up your complete
system with separate storage devices. They can then be stored in a safe place for updating
and retrieval.
D. I hope that you are getting the picture.
Please be wise.
Alert Status
2 : Buying online with a credit card or debit card.
A. Don't
ever buy online with your credit card or debit card unless it is through a company
that is trusted and safe.
B. If you
do decide to make a purchase online and are not sure. First, go out and buy
a disposable gift card to use online. You'll save your bank account and your credit
card protecting
them both from theft.
C. It's the smart thing to do. Really. Think about it.
Alert Status 3 : After activating any account make sure to change your password every 30 to 60 days.
Alert Status 4 : Don’t over share online. The more personal information you give up on public-facing sites, the easier it is for hackers and fraudsters to develop convincing email, text, or phone messages to deceive you or to commit fraud.
Alert Status 5 : Be wary of internet surveys, petitions, or polls that may just be a trick to collect your personal information so scammers can pretend they know you or represent companies you do business with.
Alert Status 6 : Protect your computer with a strong password. Lock your screen with a password when you step away, even in your own home.
Alert Status 7 : Keep your software up-to-date. Install software updates and security patches as soon as they are available.
Alert Status 8 : Protect your Internet-connected device with a PIN or with a biometric method such as a fingerprint.
Alert Status 9 : Keep your anti-virus, anti-spam, and other security software up-to-date.
Alert Status 10 : Select option to manually (not automatically) connect to wifi.
Alert Status 11 : Keep your smartphone, tablet, or laptop in your sight. Never leave your devices unattended in a public place even in your own locked car. If you must do so, make sure they are hidden away and out of sight.
Alert Status 12 : Avoid installing software that you don’t need or that comes from unverified sources.
Alert Status 13 : Disable hotspots on your phone when not needed.
Alert Status 14 : Don’t carry your smart phone in your back pocket or anywhere that it could be easily stolen.
Alert Status 15 : Ignore urgent pop-ups that tell you your devices are infected with a virus and you must click a link to fix the problem. These are usually traps to trick you into installing malicious software. Navigate away from such messages and go to Preferences or Settings to delete all Internet data from your machine.
Alert Status 16 : Secure the router for your wireless network with a password. If you don't secure your router, strangers could access your network and access your personal or financial information.
Alert Status 17 : Keep your router’s software up-to-date. Register with the manufacturer to get updates.
Alert Status 18 : Change the name of your wireless network and any pre-set passwords provided by the vendor, even if the name and password seems complex. Visit the company’s website to learn how.
Alert Status 19 : When you are finished setting up your router, log out as administrator.
Alert Status 20 : Be sure to change your router administrator password as soon as you set up your wireless network. Use a strong password that is easy for you to remember but hard for anyone - or a computer - to guess.
Alert Status 21 : Turn on encryption so that nearby attackers can’t read your communications. Encryption is often turned off by default, so check the company’s website to learn how to turn it back on.