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Choose long and memorable passwords. A password
is like a toothbrush: choose a good one, don't share it with anyone, and
change it at the first sign of a problem. A password can usually be any
length but sometimes a minimum and maximum length is required by the designer
or company. It may contain spaces, symbols, or numbers, but no special
characters reserved for other uses such as the back and forward slashes.
If an invalid character is used, you will be informed as such and required to
choose another password. You should come up with something that's easy
for your to remember but impossible for someone to figure out. |
| Know your software. Malicious software (e.g., viruses, worms,
Trojan horses, and spyware) often masquerades as legitimate and even useful
software. Think carefully before installing or running new software,
especially anything unsolicited. |
| Use anti-virus software. This can detect many, but not all, forms
of malicious software before they have a chance to affect your computer. Most
notably, anti-virus software does not detect spyware. |
| Keep your software up to date. You can prevent many problems by
regularly checking for and installing updates for your operating system,
browser, messaging software, and other programs. |
| Clean up after using shared computers. If you share a computer,
whether it's in a public or private setting, make sure to sign out when not
using your account. You should also learn how to "clear the cache," if you use
the computer to browse the Internet. Remember that using a shared computer is
always riskier than using a computer to which you are the only person with
access. |
| Everyone has a role to play. By working together, understanding the
risks and knowing how to protect ourselves, we can enjoy our online experience
more and be less likely to run into trouble. |
