Safe Computing: Staying Safe on the Web
From ITS Wiki
Browser Safety
• As you surf, pay attention to where links actually take you. Look at the URL. Does it look like the web site you intended to visit?
• If you are unsure whether installing certain browser add-ons are safe or needed, please enter a helpdesk call online at http://helpdesk.centre.edu and ask for advice from Centre’s ITS department.
Online Purchases If you are shopping online or filling out a form with any personal information:
• Make sure the URL(address of the webpage) begins with the letters "https" rather than "http." “The https” indicates that you are using a "secure" web site that will encrypt the data as it travels between your computer and the business or person with which you are trusting your information. *You may not see the https until you are on the page where you enter credit card information (or you log into your account if you have previously set one up).
• If you are not familiar with the company do your best to make sure it is legitimate: Check for a physical address rather than merely a post office box and phone number, call to see if the number is correct and working, send an email to see if the address is active (there should be a “contact us” or similar link), check with the Better Business Bureau from the seller's area, check out other web sites regarding this person or company. Do not judge a seller by the appearance of their web site.
• Be cautious when responding to special offers, especially when they come through unsolicited email.
• Use a credit card so you can dispute the charges if something is wrong.
Avoid Identity Theft
• If asked to supply your mother's maiden name, do not supply the real one. Make note of any false information you have supplied for future reference.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not supply your social security number.
• Keep a list of all of your credit cards and account information along with the card issuer's contact information. Review every bill to be sure the charges are all yours. If anything looks suspicious, contact the card issuer immediately.
• Google "identity theft" for more information
Sources:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Understanding-security-and-safe-computing
http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/
http://idtheft.about.com/od/preventionpractices/a/OnlineShopping.htm
http://my.simmons.edu/services/technology/helpdesk/antivirus/watch-out.shtml