Stay Safe

Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, malware and spyware are human-made software programs created to wreak havoc on personal computers and networks. Unless you exercise great caution, your computer will almost certainly become infected.

Your password is your prime defense against unauthorized access to your personal account. If you don't want someone reading your e-mail or reviewing your banking records it's important to choose passwords carefully.

Just like in the real world, parents must exercise supervision of their kids. Of course this is easier said then done, particularly when children may be more comfortable with computers than their parents. If this sounds like you, don't be intimidated by the technology.

Online shopping has never been more popular. Before you hit the virtual malls, learn how to save time, money and grief.

Data traveling over a network presents an opportunity for someone to intercept this confidential information. Encryption is the key to securing sensitive information.

Online shopping has never been more popular. The reasons are easy to see--buying online saves time and money. Before you hit the virtual stores, review our tips.

An unscrupulous practice, known as phishing, is a high-tech way to lure you into revealing your sensitive data, like bank accounts, passwords, credit card numbers, and PIN codes. Armed with this information, your identity and your money can be stolen.

Stealth software programs known as spyware can be secretly installed on your computer. These programs record what you do and send your private information to...who knows where? And it's done without your knowledge or permission.

To avoid becoming a victim of misguided pranksters or cybercriminals, take the time to examine the security of your personal data. Here are some recommendations, along with links to more detailed information.

Using a public computer to check your e-mail, pay bills online and make travel arrangements may be more convenient than lugging around a laptop when you're on the road. But it's also more risky. Here are some safety tips to follow before you logon.

Although the Internet is rapidly becoming the dominant medium for business and global communication, it still remains something of a frontier, because there is little regulation. The absence of regulations means that everyone who uses this essentially public network can be a target for anyone who has the technical know-how and the desire to invade their privacy.

Almost everything you do online, whether it's visiting a website, reading a blog, downloading music or sending e-mail, leaves a trail of personal data. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, you can and should control who sees it.

How often do you backup the data on your computer? If you're like most people, it's not very often, if at all. Yet the information stored on your hard drive can be incredibly valuable. What would happen if it all disappeared?

For savvy shoppers, online auctions may reward you with outstanding values. But you may also find yourself a victim of fraud. Unlike buying products in the real world, online auctions pose unique risks.