1. Minimizing Online Risks
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

2. 15 Steps to Minimizing Online Risks
Update your operating system
Use a firewall
Adjust browser security settings
Consider an ISP or provider that offers security
Use antivirus software
Use antispam software
Use at least one antispyware program
Good online practices
Regularly back up personal files
Be on the alert while browsing
Create strong passwords
Don’t post your address
Use cautiously
Use multiple addresses
Don’t buy from spammers
Look for secure Web sites
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

3. Update your operating system
Windows XP users
Enable Automatic Windows Update feature
Download & install Service Pack
Keep your computer updated with the latest security measures.
If you use Windows XP, enable the automatic Windows Update feature if you haven’t already done so. Go to and download and install Service Pack 2, which offers enhanced security. Consider upgrading to the next version of Windows when it comes out to get more security features. For earlier versions of Windows, run Windows Update from the Start menu.
The vast majority of viruses and spyware programs have targeted Windows-based PCs, which far outnumber Macintosh computers. So using a Mac can reduce your risk. Even so, keep your Mac up to date via the Software Update Control Panel. Also regularly update your Web browser and other major software, using the manufacturers’ update instructions or features.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

4. Use a firewall Enable built-in firewall on Windows XP and Mac OS
With older systems, install firewall
Software (protection for incoming and outgoing)
Hardware (most routers have firewalls)
Firewall: A piece of hardware or software that controls traffic between different zones of trust like the Internet and an internal network.
Windows XP and Mac OS have a built-in firewall, so be sure to enable it. With older operating systems, install a software or hardware firewall, especially if you use a high-speed Internet connection. A software firewall costs $30 to $40. The firewall should provide both incoming and outgoing protection. If you have a home network, your router most likely has a built-in firewall. Change its default password and disable “remote administration” to prevent hackers from seizing control of the router.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

5. Adjust browser security settings
On Internet Explorer 6
Set security level to medium or high.
This will prevent many security issues.
If you use Internet Explorer 6, keep its security level at medium or higher to block Web sites from downloading programs without your authorization or automatically running Windows active scripts.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

6. Consider an ISP or E-Mail Provider that Offers Security
providers that offer spam filtering, virus scanning at no extra charge:
AOL
Earthlink
MSN
Yahoo
Gmail (offered by Google)
Use as first layer of defense.
Internet Service Provider: A company that provides an internet connection. ISP for short.
AOL, EarthLink, MSN, and Yahoo offer spam filtering and virus scanning for at no extra charge for users. Use them as one layer of a multilayer defense. Check other ISPs’ sites to find out what they provide.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

7. Use Antivirus Software
Will detect viruses or worms that have been in circulation for at least a couple of days.
May fail to detect brand-new viruses.
Enable
Auto-protect
Automatic update features
Keep your subscription current
Keep your guard up!
Where you can get antivirus software:
ISPs
Manufacturer’s sites
Retail stores
Enable the auto-protect and automatic update features and keep your subscription current.
Properly updated, most products will detect viruses or worms that have been circulating for more than a few days. But they may fail to detect new ones until remedies are distributed. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security simply because you use an antivirus program
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

8. Use Antispam Software Enable spam blocking from your ISP.
Buy antispam software
On web-based services like Hotmail or Yahoo:
enable built-in blockers.
If your Internet provider offers spam blocking, enable it as a first line of defense. If spam remains excessive, consider antispam software. Search online reviews for recommended software.
Source: “Net threat rising,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

9. Use at Least One Antispyware Program
No product will catch every spyware variant
Good combo:
Free spyware
Purchased spyware
Use real-time protection on one product.
Use the automatic update feature
Keep your subscription current
Download at official sites
Mac users at less risk
No single antispyware catches all spyware. Check online reviews to find good solutions and consider using more than one program.
Be cautious when determining what antispyware to use as some are actually spyware in disguise.
Obtain software only from the official sites listed because similar software offered at other sites may actually be spyware.
If you use a Mac, it’s apt to be less of a target for spyware than a Windows PC.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

10. Regularly Back Up Personal Files
Safegaurds data
Use a plug-in external hard drive as:
Backup storage or
Main storage
If the computer crashes, your files are already off the machine
Regularly back up personal files. This safeguards your data in case of a security problem. Consider using a plug-in external hard drive as your main or backup storage, so that if the computer becomes disabled, you’ll already have your files off the machine.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

11. Be on The Alert While Browsing
Be wary of ad-sponsored or “free”:
screen savers
Games
Videos
Toolbars
Music
Movie file-sharing programs
Other giveaways
They probably have spyware
Download only from online sources you trust. Be wary of ad-sponsored or “free” screen savers, games, videos, toolbars, music and movie file-sharing programs, and other purported giveaways; they probably include spyware that may damage your PC if it gets through your security. Children who share and download files should do so on a PC that doesn’t contain confidential information or valuable data, such as financial records.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

12. Create strong passwords
To foil password-cracking software, use passwords that are at least eight characters long, including at least a numeral and a symbol, such as #. Avoid common words, and never disclose a password online.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
A good password is at least 8 characters, includes a number and a symbol, and is not a common word
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

13. Don’t post your
Don’t post your in its normal form on a public website
No:
Yes: info at consumerjungle DOT org.
Don’t post your address in its normal form on a publicly accessible Web page. Use a form, such as “Jane AT isp DOT com,” that spammers’ address-harvesting software can’t easily read.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

14. Use Cautiously
Never:
Open an attachment that you weren’t expecting
Respond to asking for personal information
Reply to spam or click on its “unsubscribe” link
Report phishing to companies that are being misrepresented
Never open an attachment that you weren’t expecting, even from someone you know. Their box might be infected and may have automatically sent out a virus to all of their contacts. Never respond to asking for personal information.. Don’t reply to spam or click on its “unsubscribe” link. That tells the sender that your address is valid.
Forward fraudulent spam to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

15. Use Multiple E-Mail Addresses
Primary for family and friends
Secondary for:
Online purchases
Sending e-cards
Everything else
Create s with embedded digits
Use one address for family and friends, another for everyone else. You can get a free address from Hotmail, Yahoo, or a disposable-forwarding-address service such as SpamMotel. When an address attracts too much spam, drop it. Instead of an address like select one with embedded digits, like Report spam to your ISP to improve its filtering.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

16. Don’t Buy From Spammers
Don’t buy anything promoted in a spam message
Even if it isn’t a scam
If you do, you are financing & encouraging spam
Don’t buy anything promoted in a spam message. Even if the offer isn’t a scam, you are helping to finance and encourage spam. If you receive spam that promotes a brand, complain to the company behind the brand.
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle

17. Look for Secure Websites
Look for an icon in the bottom right of your browser of:
An unbroken key or
A lock that’s:
Closed
Golden
Glowing
Make sure the site’s address begins with “
Secured Site: A site that uses encryption to secure personal information entered on the Internet so that others can not access the information.
With most browsers, to check whether a site is secure, look for an icon of an unbroken key or a lock that’s closed, golden, or glowing. It will be in your browser’s window (usually at the bottom), not within the Web page itself. Double-click on the lock to display the site’s certificate, and be sure it matches the company you think you’re connected to. Also make sure the site’s address begins with “
Source: “Minimize Online Risks,” Consumer Reports, September 2005.
© 2006 Consumer Jungle