In the last post (Internet Threats) I covered some real threats at a high level. Now lets talk about what you can do to reduce the threat.
Internet Browsing
Regardless of the browser you use, IE, Chrome, Safari, or something else, you should NEVER use the browser’s “remember my password” feature or save any personally identifiable information you enter on a form. I know it is a great feature, you never have to remember your password because the browser remembers them for you. The big problem is that anyone with access to your computer has access to those same passwords.
To reduce the risk of exposure to malicious files or programs, Set your web browser to block pop-ups. You can always create an exception for some sites on a case-by-case basis. This will not only make your browsing more secure, but it will make your experience more pleasant.
If you play online games or download free software, be very careful. Spyware may be bundled with those programs. When you install the program, you may be installing something much more dangerous than you bargained for.
Be aware of the web browser address bar. That tells you what site you are on. If the address changes unexpectedly (like from Bank of America to Hacker’s Bank of Russia) or if you click on a link and are taken to an unfamiliar address, watch out!
Many ads track you or may even contain malware. Install an Ad Blocker browser extension (AdBlock) to block malicious ads. If you want, you can add additional tracking and malware filter lists to increase your protection.
Avoid clicking on links in general. Ads, offers, articles, etc. These are all potentially dangerous. Instead, note the information from the ad or article and use Google to search and see if it is something that you really want to see. On the other hand, if you’re on a mainstream site (CNN for example) you can trust links for news or similar links. But be cautious on ads and offers that send you to a third-party website.
Email
This is a tough one, I know. We all get those juicy and tempting messages in our email inboxes. You have to be strong and delete the messages that come from someone you didn’t expect. Whatever you do, NEVER click on a link in an unexpected email. Just clicking on the link can have you installing malware or spyware on your computer. Email is emotionally inviting for many, but it is a dangerous and high-risk tool that hackers love.
Even if you get an email from someone you know, think twice before opening any attachments. Email is so easy to spoof. (‘Spoofing’ is sending an email that looks like it is coming from someone you know). If you’re expecting the attachment, fine. But if it’s unexpected… think twice… then think again.
AntiVirus Software
This is part of the cost of owning a computer. You MUST use anti-virus software if you’re using your internet browser. Sure, that software costs money, but the risks you accept without it may be far beyond what you think. Think of what kind of transactions you make on that computer. Web banking, shopping? How many times have you input a credit card number? How many login accounts do you have? Consider the risk.
Passwords
Here is another tough topic. Passwords. I strongly recommend a password manager application. I use 1Password, one of the top-rated applications in this category. Rather than allowing the browser to remember your passwords, the password manager remembers them. Better still, it will generate secure passwords and remember them for you. What do you think is a better password – fluffy1973 or ?M7hUBhJkRQX4nDczX4p?
1Password encrypts the password before storing them and works across pc, phones, and tablets. You just have to remember one master password. Make it complex by basing in on a phrase – ‘My grandparents came to America in 1889! They came from France’ becomes MgctAi1889! TcfF. Remembering the phrase is easier than remembering the password.
One last word on password security. If you have an iPhone, you can leverage the built-in password manager as long as you require fingerprint security to access passwords.