WebBand Blog

Online security is something we all should know a little bit about. But it’s a big arena and can be challenging to understand. Here are a few ideas from Yahoo! on how to keep your PC and your personal information safe. For more information, check out http://security.yahoo.com.

Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date
If you haven’t installed anti-virus software on your computer, do it now. Anti-virus software can detect many — but not all — forms of malicious software before they have a chance to affect your computer. We suggest AVG FREE. Check to make sure your software is downloading updates correctly.

Be careful opening email attachments
Consider turning off the feature in your email programs that automatically opens attachments. If you receive an attachment you aren’t expecting, do not open it. Before you open any email attachment — even if it’s from someone you trust — scan it using anti-virus software.

Don’t install unfamiliar programs
Think carefully before installing or running new software, such as freeware or shareware programs available online. Only download software from a source you trust. Malicious software (like viruses and spyware) often masquerade as legitimate and even useful programs.

Be wary of pop-up and email warnings
Don’t believe every warning you read — especially pop-up warnings that you see while you’re surfing the Web. Unscrupulous companies use pop-up ads to display false warnings about your computer. Ignore them.

Do NOT click any button in the pop-up (such as a “Close” or “No” button) or the Close box that may appear in the upper-right corner of the pop-up. Closing a pop-up in that way might actually install a virus or other malicious software on your computer. To close a pop-up ad, press Ctrl-W (if you’re using a Windows computer) or Command-W (on a Mac computer). You may receive an email warning that claims to be from a computer “expert” warning you of a virus. These are usually hoaxes. Do not follow the steps described in any email unless you’re sure the threat is real.

Choose good passwords and keep them safe
Your password is more than just a key to your online account. If your password falls into the wrong hands, someone can easily impersonate you online, sign your name to online service agreements or contracts, buy merchandise with your credit card, or lock you out of your account. Choose a password that would be difficult for anyone else to guess and treat it as personal, confidential information.

Don’t take the bait from phishing scams
Fraudsters send fake emails or set up fake web sites that mimic sign-in pages (i.e. sign-in pages of other trusted companies, such as eBay or PayPal) to trick you into disclosing your user name and password. This practice is sometimes referred to as “phishing” — a play on the word “fishing” — because the fraudster is fishing for your private account information.

Move to WebBand DSL
Lastly, you can move your connection to the new safe and secure DSL from WebBand (we have to put in a plug here somewhere). We scan all of your traffic, both in and out, with a network-level anti-virus program. It catches viruses and removes them BEFORE they arrive at your computer. For more information, check out the information at webband.com.