Summary
- Beware of “scareware” and other phishing scams.
- Use secure websites for sensitive information.
- Use security software and set it for auto updates.
Your computer came with anti-virus software when you bought it a few years ago. So what are all these urgent alerts that keep popping up on your laptop claiming your computer is at risk?
Beware of scareware
Never click on any “urgent” messages regarding your computer’s security. They may look legit but are more likely a scam known as scareware.
Scareware plays on your fears by alerting you that your computer is at risk or already infected. Then it prompts you to click on the ad to run a complete security scan. Next it asks you to download software to remove all the security threats it says it found.
Sometimes it gives you a phone number to call for tech support. In some cases, someone from “tech support” may even call you. Whatever the method, you’ll soon be asked for a credit card number. You may also be asked to give over access to your computer remotely. Do not do either one. The software is no good and neither are the people trying to sell it to you.
Phishing lures
Scareware is just one example of something called “phishing.” Phishing is when an internet scammer pretends to be someone else in order to get your personal information. They may pose as your bank or other trusted business. They may request things like your password, account number, credit card, or social security number. The request may come through texts, emails, or pop-up messages.
Do not respond or click on any enclosed links. The links will lead you to a fake website that looks official. Do not call any phone numbers the message provides. Instead, contact your business by typing in the correct web address yourself. Once connected, make sure the address starts with https, not just http. The “s” means “secure.” You can also contact them by looking up their phone number on one of your statements.
Staying secure
One thing the scareware scammers were right about is that your computer may indeed be at risk. If you were tricked into downloading their software or giving them remote access to your device, it most certainly is infected. The good news is you can still take measures to restore and protect your computer.
Even if your computer came with anti-virus software, unless you paid to renew it, it has probably expired. Download security software from a well-known company. You can download free software from reputable companies.
Once installed, run a complete scan of your computer and remove any viruses or threats. Next, set up your software for auto updates to guard against future threats.
Password protection
The more passwords you have, the harder they are to remember. You may be tempted to use simple passwords or the same one over and over. These are not good ideas. Simple passwords are easy to guess. If you use the same password for everything, it will be easy for someone else to access everything.
Always use strong passwords. A strong password consists of 10 or more characters. It should contain numbers and letters and at least one capital letter. It should also contain at least one symbol. Never use passwords that are common or easy to guess. Do not use things such as birthdates or phone numbers. Do not use names of your children or pets, or words from popular songs or movies.
If you are having trouble remembering all your passwords, you may want to use a password manager. This is an application that provides a safe place to store all your passwords for easy recall.
Wireless device protection
Wireless devices such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, need to be protected. These devices access the internet through the air via a wireless router. This means that anyone within range may be able to access your network and your devices.
There are three main steps to secure your Wi-Fi network and devices:
- Change the default name of your router.
- Change the default password of your router.
- Make sure the encryption (scrambling) feature is turned on.
Consult your router’s manual or company website for details on how to do these steps.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks. They are often not secure. Avoid sending personal or financial information.
Safe shopping
Shopping online can be relatively safe, as long as you take certain precautions.
Always do business with well-known companies. Do a web search to find out as much as you can about the company if you don’t already know that it is reputable. Read online reviews. See if there is a trend of complaints about product quality, service, hidden costs, or shipping issues.
Always look for the https, not just http, in the web address. The “s” means “secure.” Never send cash or wire transfers. Instead, always use a credit card. This way you can dispute a charge if you are unsatisfied.
Summary
- Beware of “scareware” and other phishing scams.
- Use secure websites for sensitive information.
- Use security software and set it for auto updates.
Your computer came with anti-virus software when you bought it a few years ago. So what are all these urgent alerts that keep popping up on your laptop claiming your computer is at risk?
Beware of scareware
Never click on any “urgent” messages regarding your computer’s security. They may look legit but are more likely a scam known as scareware.
Scareware plays on your fears by alerting you that your computer is at risk or already infected. Then it prompts you to click on the ad to run a complete security scan. Next it asks you to download software to remove all the security threats it says it found.
Sometimes it gives you a phone number to call for tech support. In some cases, someone from “tech support” may even call you. Whatever the method, you’ll soon be asked for a credit card number. You may also be asked to give over access to your computer remotely. Do not do either one. The software is no good and neither are the people trying to sell it to you.
Phishing lures
Scareware is just one example of something called “phishing.” Phishing is when an internet scammer pretends to be someone else in order to get your personal information. They may pose as your bank or other trusted business. They may request things like your password, account number, credit card, or social security number. The request may come through texts, emails, or pop-up messages.
Do not respond or click on any enclosed links. The links will lead you to a fake website that looks official. Do not call any phone numbers the message provides. Instead, contact your business by typing in the correct web address yourself. Once connected, make sure the address starts with https, not just http. The “s” means “secure.” You can also contact them by looking up their phone number on one of your statements.
Staying secure
One thing the scareware scammers were right about is that your computer may indeed be at risk. If you were tricked into downloading their software or giving them remote access to your device, it most certainly is infected. The good news is you can still take measures to restore and protect your computer.
Even if your computer came with anti-virus software, unless you paid to renew it, it has probably expired. Download security software from a well-known company. You can download free software from reputable companies.
Once installed, run a complete scan of your computer and remove any viruses or threats. Next, set up your software for auto updates to guard against future threats.
Password protection
The more passwords you have, the harder they are to remember. You may be tempted to use simple passwords or the same one over and over. These are not good ideas. Simple passwords are easy to guess. If you use the same password for everything, it will be easy for someone else to access everything.
Always use strong passwords. A strong password consists of 10 or more characters. It should contain numbers and letters and at least one capital letter. It should also contain at least one symbol. Never use passwords that are common or easy to guess. Do not use things such as birthdates or phone numbers. Do not use names of your children or pets, or words from popular songs or movies.
If you are having trouble remembering all your passwords, you may want to use a password manager. This is an application that provides a safe place to store all your passwords for easy recall.
Wireless device protection
Wireless devices such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, need to be protected. These devices access the internet through the air via a wireless router. This means that anyone within range may be able to access your network and your devices.
There are three main steps to secure your Wi-Fi network and devices:
- Change the default name of your router.
- Change the default password of your router.
- Make sure the encryption (scrambling) feature is turned on.
Consult your router’s manual or company website for details on how to do these steps.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks. They are often not secure. Avoid sending personal or financial information.
Safe shopping
Shopping online can be relatively safe, as long as you take certain precautions.
Always do business with well-known companies. Do a web search to find out as much as you can about the company if you don’t already know that it is reputable. Read online reviews. See if there is a trend of complaints about product quality, service, hidden costs, or shipping issues.
Always look for the https, not just http, in the web address. The “s” means “secure.” Never send cash or wire transfers. Instead, always use a credit card. This way you can dispute a charge if you are unsatisfied.
Summary
- Beware of “scareware” and other phishing scams.
- Use secure websites for sensitive information.
- Use security software and set it for auto updates.
Your computer came with anti-virus software when you bought it a few years ago. So what are all these urgent alerts that keep popping up on your laptop claiming your computer is at risk?
Beware of scareware
Never click on any “urgent” messages regarding your computer’s security. They may look legit but are more likely a scam known as scareware.
Scareware plays on your fears by alerting you that your computer is at risk or already infected. Then it prompts you to click on the ad to run a complete security scan. Next it asks you to download software to remove all the security threats it says it found.
Sometimes it gives you a phone number to call for tech support. In some cases, someone from “tech support” may even call you. Whatever the method, you’ll soon be asked for a credit card number. You may also be asked to give over access to your computer remotely. Do not do either one. The software is no good and neither are the people trying to sell it to you.
Phishing lures
Scareware is just one example of something called “phishing.” Phishing is when an internet scammer pretends to be someone else in order to get your personal information. They may pose as your bank or other trusted business. They may request things like your password, account number, credit card, or social security number. The request may come through texts, emails, or pop-up messages.
Do not respond or click on any enclosed links. The links will lead you to a fake website that looks official. Do not call any phone numbers the message provides. Instead, contact your business by typing in the correct web address yourself. Once connected, make sure the address starts with https, not just http. The “s” means “secure.” You can also contact them by looking up their phone number on one of your statements.
Staying secure
One thing the scareware scammers were right about is that your computer may indeed be at risk. If you were tricked into downloading their software or giving them remote access to your device, it most certainly is infected. The good news is you can still take measures to restore and protect your computer.
Even if your computer came with anti-virus software, unless you paid to renew it, it has probably expired. Download security software from a well-known company. You can download free software from reputable companies.
Once installed, run a complete scan of your computer and remove any viruses or threats. Next, set up your software for auto updates to guard against future threats.
Password protection
The more passwords you have, the harder they are to remember. You may be tempted to use simple passwords or the same one over and over. These are not good ideas. Simple passwords are easy to guess. If you use the same password for everything, it will be easy for someone else to access everything.
Always use strong passwords. A strong password consists of 10 or more characters. It should contain numbers and letters and at least one capital letter. It should also contain at least one symbol. Never use passwords that are common or easy to guess. Do not use things such as birthdates or phone numbers. Do not use names of your children or pets, or words from popular songs or movies.
If you are having trouble remembering all your passwords, you may want to use a password manager. This is an application that provides a safe place to store all your passwords for easy recall.
Wireless device protection
Wireless devices such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, need to be protected. These devices access the internet through the air via a wireless router. This means that anyone within range may be able to access your network and your devices.
There are three main steps to secure your Wi-Fi network and devices:
- Change the default name of your router.
- Change the default password of your router.
- Make sure the encryption (scrambling) feature is turned on.
Consult your router’s manual or company website for details on how to do these steps.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks. They are often not secure. Avoid sending personal or financial information.
Safe shopping
Shopping online can be relatively safe, as long as you take certain precautions.
Always do business with well-known companies. Do a web search to find out as much as you can about the company if you don’t already know that it is reputable. Read online reviews. See if there is a trend of complaints about product quality, service, hidden costs, or shipping issues.
Always look for the https, not just http, in the web address. The “s” means “secure.” Never send cash or wire transfers. Instead, always use a credit card. This way you can dispute a charge if you are unsatisfied.