Keeping Safe On The Internet

Being safe on the internet is easy, it just takes common sense and a little patience on your part.  The techniques you can employ to keep you identity theft free while surfing the internet aren’t hard.  Rather they are a set of rules you should always follow.  That’s really the only effort you have to extend, so why not choose to surf safer?

One of the most common ways to be more safe, is to make sure to use an alias on most websites that require your name.  Part of the reason identity theft has become so prominent, especially online, is because people give away information so freely.  By using an alias to participate on social networking sites or website forums, you protect yourself that little bit more.

Make sure you run a full system scan virus check at least once a month.  But beyond that it’s good to have programs like Ad-Aware which can run quick intelligent scans of your most vital systems.  You should always use a quick scan before making an online purchase.  This way you can make sure there isn’t any spyware on your computer, watching you type in passwords or credit card numbers.

If you’re suspicious about a link you’ve been sent in an email, try accessing the website outside of the email.  If it’s an add for a sale at a site you do business with, the sale will be available from the site directly too.  Try going that way, so you can ensure you’re using the real website safely, instead of typing vital info into a fake website.

Finally, open several email accounts for different uses.  Have a personal email for family and friends, and avoid any emails not relating to those, as they are probably scams.  Set up an email for online purchases, and communication through those means.  This way you know what to look for and how to monitor that address.  Use this example for all of your internet needs, and you can help keep yourself even safer on the web.