The 10 Most Dangerous Things You Can Do Online
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Opening attachments from unknown senders is the riskiest thing you can do. Research shows that email attachments remain the number one means by which worms and viruses propagate.
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Installing unauthorized applications such as file-sharing tools (Limewire, Azureus and other Bit Torrent clients) - Illegal downloads are against university policy and they, like email attachments, are simply another means by which "bad" files get on your computer.
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Number three is disabling security tools. While trouble-shooting slow applications, many users will turn off their anti-virus and/or firewall. The problem is they forget to turn them back on!
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While most people may know not to open email attachments, many don't realize that dangers can lie in the body of an email too. HTML mail or mails that contain embedded photos are just as dangerous. Embedded images and PDFs can contain malicious code that is harmful. So be sure not to open any unsolicited/suspicious mail.
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Surfing questionable sites is always dangerous. You will find, more times than not, that porn, gambling and sites that host illegal content are the same sites that install malicious software on your computer.
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Giving/lending passwords - Don't be too trusting of fellow students and colleagues. Keep your BroncoName and BroncoPassword to yourself. Exposing it means you're exposing salary, banking, class registration information, etc.!
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Browsers are quickly becoming some of the larger vulnerabilities in computing. Adware and spyware are written specifically to exploit Internet Explorer and Firefox. So avoid surfing sites that you don't already know and stick with the ones you trust.
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Wireless networks are a huge risk because they are shared. The guy sitting across from you could be a hacker, stealing your password. Make sure you leave the firewall turned on and avoid sending passwords through the air. Only use encrypted wireless networks as they offer higher levels of protection.
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Filling in web forms and registration pages - There may be nobody behind you watching you as you type. But that doesn't stop a keylogger (a program or device that logs all your key-strokes) from collecting your information. Try to keep all sensitive material on your own machine (the one that you maintain and protect), and keep it off those public computers.
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Avoid social networking sites. Sites like MySpace and Facebook are a dream for thieves and stalkers. They allow anyone the ability to gather information about you that may aid them in stealing your identity. Think twice before you post any sensitive or damaging information on these sites.
Top 10 BroncoPassword Tips
- Never tell your password to anyone!
- Never write down your password.
- Make your password hard to guess — do not use the name of your pet (or your child).
- Avoid using words found in a dictionary.
- Never write down your password.
- The more random your password is, the better.
- Be sure that you don't use personal identifiers in your password (like your name or BroncoName).
- Never write down your password.
- Take responsibility for your BroncoName and BroncoPassword.
- And never tell your password to anyone!
A compromised password not only puts your own information at risk, it may also expose sensitive campus data and systems. Click here to find more tips and info on creating strong passwords.
Top 10 Tips for Identity Theft Protection
- Protect your Social Security Number (SSN): minimize use of your SSN and don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
- Don't be "hooked" by phishing email scams. Don’t respond to requests to verify your account number or password. Click here to learn more.
- Shred often - shred or tear up documents with personally identifiable information before you throw them away, including convenience checks and credit card offers.
- Shield your computer from viruses and spyware: follow our Getting Started Guide and use strong passwords.
- Click with caution. Read a website’s privacy policy, look for opportunities to opt out of information sharing and only enter personal information on secure web pages with “https” in the address bar and a padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser window.
- Check your bills and bank statements: for any unauthorized charges or withdrawals. Report unauthorized use immediately.
- Stop pre-approved credit offers; they make a tempting target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Remove your name from credit bureau marketing lists by visiting https://www.optoutprescreen.com or calling 1-888-5OPTOUT begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-5OPTOUT end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
- Ask questions: whenever you are asked for personal information that seems inappropriate for the transaction, ask how the information will be used, if it will be shared and how it will be protected. Not satisfied with the answers? Do business elsewhere.
- Monitor your credit report: you’re entitled to free credit reports at http://www.annualcreditreport.com.
- Take this Quiz: see how you stack up in this Identity Theft IQ Quiz provided by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
source: http://www.csupomona.edu/~ehelp/security/security_tips.html.