11 Tips to Using the Internet Safely
Our guide containing 11 key tips to using the internet safely.
The use of the internet by millions of people for work, shopping, research, social networking, forums and chat rooms has given criminals and fraudsters a free pass into the private world of our personal information. You need to protect yourself against these fraudsters. Whilst up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware products are useful, common sense is needed to implement personal protection when using the internet. Below are 11 common sense but often overlooked things that you can do:
1. Check The Address
When using any website to purchase a product or service you must double check the website’s address. This is because fraudsters may intercept the website if you have linked to the website from another. If you are uncertain of the genuineness of the website, retype the website’s address in the address bar before continuing with your transaction. There should be no numbers in the address line at all.
2. Type The Website Address
We recommend that you always type in the website address yourself rather than clicking through to that website on a link. The reason for this is to prevent being diverted or intercepted by a fraudster who has created a credible copy of the legitimate site you are seeking.
3. Don’t Be Duped!
Fraudsters will often try to trick you into purchasing from them by using a credible copy of the actual website you sought.
Also, many fraudsters may email you pretending to be from your bank requesting your details to asking you to confirm your details. Don’t be duped! Regardless of bank you are with, a bank would never contact you via email due to the risk of the email being intercepted by a fraudster and so will only contact you in writing.
4. Check Before You Sign Up
Make sure that you have done your research before you commit yourself to anything. While a number of websites provide free newsletters and free subscriptions to their sites, you are disclosing your personal information and should proceed with caution. Undertake a little research on the website by checking online forums for any complaints, for example.
5. Read The Small Print
Always read the small print. Whether you are reading an email, on your favourite website, or have received a letter through the post, be vigilant. Always read the small print because this is where the terms will be written. These terms may be legally binding on you so you must make sure you have taken the time read and understand the small print so that you can be sure of your position should any dispute arise.
6. No Bank Details Should Be Given...EVER!
As mentioned above, your bank will only contact you in writing. Should you receive a telephone call from an individual representing your bank, decline anything they offer and do not confirm any of your details. Hang up, then call your bank and ask to speak the person who just called to see whether they were genuine. It may seem like a bit of a palaver, but could save a lot of heartache in the future. If you receive an email requesting your personal information or bank details, it is very likely that a fraudster has sent this to you in a bid to obtain your details. This is called phishing. No legitimate financial organisation would contact you in this way.
7. Bulletin Boards
Whilst internet forums and bulletin boards can be a great place for researching products and services and complaints etc, be aware that anyone can write these comments and a fraudster may be promoting a website with the intention of intercepting your personal details should you register with it or make a transaction.
8. Your Security
When you make a purchase or take part in a survey online, you should make sure the website is secure. Many retail websites will advertise the fact they are secure, but you can check this by asking if the transaction is encrypted, or look at the bottom right of your computer screen to see if there is a small padlock symbol or other security symbol relevant to your computer program.
9. Update Your Anti-Virus
Wherever possible, you should use and regularly update security software such as anti-virus and anti-spyware software to protect your computer from hackers.
10. Don’t Open Suspicious Emails
Emailing is a common way of communicating with family, friends and colleagues. If you receive an email from a person or company you have not heard of or have no association with, you should delete the email immediately as a matter of caution. You should not attempt to open these emails at all. This is because many emails from fraudsters contain attachments which may include electronic viruses that can seriously damage your computer. These emails are called spam emails. In order to prevent spam emails from causing damage to you or your computer, many email providers now place all emails from known persons to your junk box or folder so that you do not accidently open them in your inbox. Junk mail does not need to opened before it can be deleted and so can be deleted without any undue implications. If you are an employer you should use an email disclaimer on your own emails and consider implementing an email policy within the work place to reduce the risk of employees opening potentially damaging emails.
11. Forums and Bulletin Boards
For many people, chat rooms, forums and bulletin boards are fun ways of chatting with like-minded people online about a number of topics, for example politics, gadgets, complaints etc. These types of sites are also used by many to advertise websites and so any back information stated on these sites should not be automatically relied upon.
For example, a fraudster could post a series of blogs or messages under several aliases to promote interest in their website.
