Tools that Help Create a Secure Internet Experience

No program can provide 100% security. However, installing certain tools can definitely improve your chances of not getting taken by surprise.

Use email filter software

Some studies have shown that around 85% of all email sent is spam, with a majority of the emails fraudulent. This can be costly and time consuming to end users who receive them. Effective mail filters can reduce the number of fraudulent and malicious emails you are exposed to.

Use anti-virus software

Anti-virus software can detect and delete virus files before they can attack a computer. These virus programs can search your computer for personally sensitive information and pass the information to fraudsters.

If you already have anti-virus software, make sure you scan your computer at least once a week. Most virus programs allow you to schedule such scans. Also, keep your software up-to-date.

Use anti-spyware software

Spyware and adware are files or programs that can be installed on your computer, even if you don't want them, without you knowing they are there. They allow others to monitor your web browsing patterns, track what you purchase, and inundate you with annoying pop-up ads.

If you've downloaded some music, files or documents, and you suddenly start getting annoying ads popping up on your screen, you could definitely be infected with spyware and/or adware.

To avoid this problem, make sure you install anti-spyware software. If you already have anti-spyware software, make sure to scan your computer at least once a week. Most anti-spyware programs allow you to schedule such scans. Also, keep your software up-to-date.

Use a personal firewall

Firewalls can monitor both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic from a computer. This can protect the computer from being hacked into and from having viruses or spyware installed without your knowledge. Most firewall programs also block unauthorized access to the Internet from your computer.

Keep software up-to-date

Fraudsters and malicious computer hackers constantly search for vulnerabilities in operating systems and web browsers. In response, software vendors routinely update their software to fix these vulnerabilities and protect consumers.

Always ensure that your operating and browser software are kept up-to-date using legitimate upgrades and patches issued by the software vendor. Visit your operating system vendor's web site for update information and subscribe to any automatic updating service.

For Windows users, make sure the Windows automatic updates are enabled. To do this, open the Security Center control panel.

Use safe online shopping habits

Ensure that you are shopping online safely and wisely.

Know who you are dealing with.
Ensure that you can find the merchant's name, address and telephone/fax numbers so you can contact them if you require further information. Check the web site for quality assurance certificates or seals. You can also check who has registered the domain name by checking it out at www.whois.net.
Know what you are buying.
When you buy online, you can't touch or test what you want to buy. Only purchase from web sites that provide a detailed description of the product.
Know the complete cost of the product.
Are there any shipping or handling fees, taxes or duties that have not been included in the purchase price? Know what currency the purchase is in.
Know what you are agreeing to.
The merchant should provide you with terms and conditions of your purchase in plain English. Read the conditions carefully so you know what you are signing up for.
Know what you can do when you are not happy with your purchase.
What is the company's refund or return policy? Is there a process for handling complaints? Is it clear who is responsible for handling post-sales inquiries?
Know what the business does with the information it collects about you.
Many merchants use your information to develop marketing profiles or sell their lists to others. Merchants should make it clear what they do with your personal information by providing a privacy policy. If you are not comfortable with their policy or are unsure what they will do with your personal information, do not buy from them.
Know whether the payment system is secure.
Before you provide credit card or financial information, ensure the merchant has a secure payment transaction system. Look for one or both of these signs that the site is secure: (1) A lock icon at the bottom of the screen, in the status bar of your browser; if the site is secure, the lock will be closed; (2) The web site address begins with https - the 's' indicates that the site is secure.

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