Internet Security

Online theft is one criminal action in a virtual world that uses email, websites, chat rooms or message in your account page.

There are several types of this crime such as phishing and pharming scams, using email or websites to trick the recipient of a message to provide personal data such as credit card data, social security numbers, and their important account password.

However, although the movement is growing, it is not that hard to avoid it. Learn basic tips to deal with it so we do not fall to this cyber world of fraud that quoted from Symantec:

What to Do:

• Consider to disable file sharing on your computer.
• Be careful when opening file attachments, especially from unknown senders.
• Familiarize yourself to understand privacy policy on the internet, especially if you are asked to provide sensitive or personal data.
• Control the existing provisions in the bank and credit cards regularly.
• Install and regularly update your software firewall, antivirus, and anti-spyware.
• Maintain the habit of updating the Windows operating system and other applications with the latest patches.
• Strengthen and secure passwords carefully, or consider using password protection software.
• Lock your mailbox.
• Mash or shredded recap or information obtained from the use of credit card or bank before discharge.
• Check your bank account and your credit card every month.
• Take advantage of free reports on your credit card transactions.
• If you feel you’ve become victims of identity theft or other cyber crimes, report to the authorities immediately.

What to Avoid:

• Do not provide personal data to anyone via phone or directly (including for purposes of seeking employment, applying for loans, etc.) unless you’re absolutely sure that the person or institution can be trusted.
• Do not easily believe it and then reply to incoming email by providing your personal data, including the site obtained from the links, or pop-up ads that suddenly appear on the screen. Better, open a new browser page and type in URLs directly addressed in the address bar to make sure that the site is legitimate.
• Do not store financial data on a laptop unless absolutely necessary. Because portable computers more easily and frequently stolen than a desktop computer.