Securing your Wireless Router
OK. Be warned. It's really soapbox time. This is my number one pet peeve, and I really fear for people who don't know better about practicing safe email.
BEFORE YOU GET ONLINE TO SURF AND CHECK EMAIL:
Update your OS, Web Browser, and Email programs frequently. Use Windows Update, Office Update, and go to the manufacturer's sites for any software that you use. As far as your browser is concerned, I mentioned it on this site's home page, and on my Minimum Software page.
USE FIREFOX!!! It's a free, fast and safe browser. Use it instead of Internet Explorer, and I guarantee you will avoid some of the problems that are out there. There are always reports of security flaws in IE, largely because it's the most widely used browser, and it's published by Microsoft, so it's a target.
As far as keeping your software (besides Windows and Office) updated, most manufacturers will provide an Update option under the Help menu in the program.
Update your anti-virus software frequently.
Back up your files frequently.
TIP: You can also get a virus if you borrow a disk (floppy or CD) or even a flash drive from someone else, if their machine is infected. In fact, that's how viruses were spread before the Internet days: by floppy. You can even get a virus from software that you buy, if you get it from a questionable source.
PRACTICE SAFE WEB (ESPECIALLY E-MAIL)
Exercise caution when downloading files. Know what you're downloading and who you're getting it from.
NEVER open an email attachment unless you know it's coming. It doesn't matter if you know the person who supposedly sent it to you. If you get an attachment from someone, call them and ask them if they sent it to you. If you get an attachment from anyone else, just delete it. As I've said before, no Internet-aware company will send you an attachment.
Delete any emails if:
- The subject line is questionable: contains misspelled words, or is a string of words that make no sense.
- It is a chain email: if it says to forward to everyone in your contacts list or address book, DELETE IT!
- It is from a company with whom you do not do business.
DO NOT "click to unsubscribe" All that will do is tell the spammer that your address is valid. Prepare for the avalanche.
DO NOT click a link to a bank, E-Bay, or any other "organization" that tells you that you need to update your information. This is called phishing, and is not legitimate. The link to the bank is a fake, where they will ask you to type in your name address, credit card numbers, ATM password, etc. I'll let you do the math on this one...
You did not inherit a fortune from someone overseas or win the European lottery.
There is no outstanding business opportunity or free money in Nigeria, Ethiopia, or Ocala, Florida for that matter.
You can't LEGALLY buy Windows for $69.00 from an e-mail.
Get your Viagra from your doctor and your pharmacist.
Guys, pick up women with old-fashioned charm and your rugged good looks.