Keeping Computer and Personal Information Safe and Secure

| Print | E-mail |

The news daily reports viruses and other pests that can attack your computer and put your personal information at risk. These resources can help you keep you computer and your personal information secure.

The StraightTalk Reports "Enhancing Your Online Privacy and Protecting Your Personal Information" & "Keeping Your Computer Secure and Your Personal Information Safe" provide tips and tools.

The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) reading room has these articles on securing your computer:

• Home Computer Security describes the protective software needed and other techniques to keep your computer safe.
• Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet provides recommendations on steps to take to make sure your computer is protected before connecting to the Internet.
• Home Network Security describes the steps to make a home network secure especially if using a high-speed (broadband) connection such as DSL or a cable modem.
• Securing Your Web Browser describes the steps you can take to make your browser more secure.

Take the How Safe Are You? quiz from staysafeonline.info, which is sponsored by the National Cyber Security Alliance. Then read their Eight Cyber Security Practices to Stay Safe Online.

OnGuard Online provides practical tips to help you protect yourself against Internet fraud, secure your computer, protect your personal information. The site is provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the technology industry.

The FTC also offers numerous fact sheets and consumer alerts related to computers and the Internet. Articles include:

• How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing" Scam
• Spyware
• Social Networking Sites: A Parent's Guide and Social Networking Sites: Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens

GetNetWise is provided by the Internet Education Foundation. It includes sections on Online Security, Privacy, Spam, and Spyware.

In additions to the articles listed above, US-CERT also provides numerous cyber security tips including:

• Protecting Your Privacy
• Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware
• Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
• Browsing Safely: Understanding Active Content and Cookies

Prepared for Corning Credit Union by Remar Sutton & Associates, May 2005. Reviewed and updated May 2007. All rights reserved.