Safe Surfing Practices

Would you eat a sandwich that a stranger handed you on the street? Think twice before you click links that urge action or promise not-to-be-missed delights. The only way to survive on the Wide Woolly Web is by your wits.

Rules to surf by

1. Never say "yes" to a popup that shows up out of the blue. Don't click any of the links. Don't click anywhere on the popup. Don't even click the "X" button to close it.
2. Hold down the "Ctrl" key and press the "W" key to close them. If that doesn't work, click Ctrl+Alt+Delete > highlight your browser on the list of applications > click "Close Task" >. You can then close Windows Task Manager and start your browser again.
3. Stay away from back alley sites -- gothic, tres equis, warez, crackz, gamer, cheat codes -- places of that ilk. Be cautious at a site that you "stumble across". If you just *must* visit a dubious site, use a passive browser first. (Off-by-One is very easy one to download and use.)
4. Legitimate websites or popups will never ask for personal information such as credit card information or your account password unless you initiate the contact. [Scams, Hoaxes, Fraud and Identity Theft]
5. Block pop-up windows to reduce your risk. Firefox does a great job of blocking unwanted pop-ups. There are many other "toolbars" and programs that will too. Don't try one that's not well known though. It could be spyware or worse.
6. Be cautious with Web mail if you use it. Its in HTML format. A malicious message could spoil your whole day as easily as a malicious webpage can. Usually there's a way to delete suspicious messages without ever opening them. Find it and test it before you need it.
7. Be extra careful when you download files. Consider the source before you do, and be careful with any file, even those from trusted sites.

More important information online

"Phishers Get More Sophisticated" [eWeek] [more]

"Worst Browser Threats May Not Be Security Holes" [EarthWeb]