Online Safety Tips
for Dads
Forget about another set of power tools or golf clubs. This Father's Day, give Dad the gift of online security! The fact is, a lot of people—particularly people who don't use the Internet frequently—still need some basic skills in safely surfing the Web. If the husband, dad, or granddad in your life is the type who clicks on any ad that says "Click here" and thinks that spam is just another word for processed meats, here are some tips to keep them safe.
1. If an ad flashes or makes noise, it's best to avoid clicking
on it.
2. If you get an email telling you to forward the message to ten of your closest friends—don't. Spammers and list harvesters often use chain emails as a way to build their mailing lists or confirm that their existing addresses are up to date.
3. If you're shopping online, don't enter your credit card number until you've checked the bottom of your browser for the padlock icon or confirmed that the URL starts with https (not just http). Both of those indications show that the site is secure.
4. Stick to well-known sites with .com, .org, or .gov addresses, at least when you're starting out. A number of virus and spam sites are hosted overseas and have addresses that end in .hu or .ru.
5. Invest in decent antivirus, antispam, and antispyware software so that if you do make a slip-up, you'll still be protected.
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HouseCall scans your computer for viruses, spyware, and more.
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Trend Micro™ HijackThis™ is a FREE cleanup utility that helps you find and fix unwanted computer settings.
Transaction Guard is a FREE software that protects you against spyware while performing sensitive online tasks on a public computer, like Internet banking or other financial transactions.