First Aid Kit: 10 Tips for Safer Web Surfing

Security software is the airbag that adds extra protection in case your notebook comes under attack, but you shouldn't have to rely on that extra cushion if you drive safely around the Web. Investing in a security suite is only the first step to protecting your notebook from external threats. Fighting spyware, online fraud, and a number of other Internet threats begins with your Internet activity. With the help of Marian Merritt, Symantec's Internet-safety advocate, we put together ten tips for safer surfing.

1. Make updates automatic. 
Maintain and update your operating system and security software. Set your computer for automatic updates to ensure your system is protected from the latest threats. These patches can repair security holes in software that hackers may use to attack your PC.

 

2. Get the latest versions of IE and Firefox.
Make sure you have the latest versions of Internet Explorer or Firefox and that they're configured with pop-up blockers. Also disable plug-ins and configure security settings not to run Java applets, JavaScript, VBScript, or ActiveX controls without prompting you first. Enable this setting in Internet Explorer in the Tools menu by turning on the pop-up blocker, and in Firefox by accessing Options from the Tools menu and clicking the security tab.

 

3. Create hard-to-break passwords.
To create a secure password that's easy to remember, Merritt suggests taking the first letter of each word in a phrase, followed by the first letter of the site you're visiting. For example, "I went to Boston University in '85" would be IWTBUI8. Then stick the name of the first letter of the site at the end. If this password were for Amazon.com it would be IWTBUI8A.

 

4. Defend against phishing attacks.
Phishing criminals make money by fraudulently acquiring sensitive information, such as user names, passwords, and credit card details. Merritt suggests "never clicking a link in your e-mail to log into any bank account or site that might have personal information." Type in the Web address yourself and ignore e-mail from people you don't know. 

 

5. Be wary of instant-messaging attachments.
A virus can infect an instant-messaging program, but the form of the attack can appear like a friend is trying to chat with you. Don't download attachments that come through messaging programs or click links in a chat that aren't related to the conversation; ask buddies to describe what they're sending you.