Here is a quick checklist for safe surfing on the Internet.

General Assumptions:

1. You have anti-virus (use AVG Free)
2. Windows Firewall is on
3. You have a router and are not directly plugged into your cable modem or DSL modem. If not, get a router/firewall.
4. You have all the latest updates from Windows. If not, please do so. Open internet explorer and go to tools, windows updates.

OK THE CHECKLIST….

1. Before sending confidential info, click on the little gold padlock on the upper or lower part of your screen and check the site’s security certificate.  If it is out of date, or says Unknown or Self-issued, that means trouble.  You could be on a phony site.

2. Even if the certificate is OK, make sure the inner pages on the site are also secure, and begin with https://…  although this is not foolproof.

3. Never allow your browser or a web site to remember your user name or password.  Never send your Social Insurance/Security Number or birth date to a site unless you are sure it is secure.

4. Avoid public computers, or anyone else’s computer, to exchange confidential data.

5. When you are done, log out properly.  Do not just minimize or close the page.

6. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options, General tab.  Delete your Cookies, Temporary Internet Files and clear the History.

7. If you are on a wireless network, make sure you are using WPA or WPA2, not the older insecure WEP.  Do not use the default settings your router came with.  These usually provide little or no security.

8. Check your statements or paperwork as soon as it arrives.  Report discrepancies promptly to the company.

9. Don’t send credit card info or any other personal info via email.

10. If you are in doubt about anything or just need to ask questions, just contact MePush

Tags: security checklist

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 10:19 pm and is filed under Security. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.