1. Use FireFox
Attackers like to go after the most people, it make their life easier. One attack can hack the most users, it is that simple. It helps to stay out of the mainstream as much as possible. FireFox is not only more secure it is faster and more stable. I have not run into a web site that does not work in FireFox. Get on board and surf safer!
2. Pick hard passwords and write them down
I choose passwords based on the type of sites I am using. I use the same password for social networking sites, forums etc. I then use totally unique passwords for any place that keeps my credit card data or my online banking data. I make these passwords long and basically impossible to guess, like J!3!dSDsfogur32%. I then write them down or since I use a Mac I put them in my Keychain. Really write them down, it is OK.
3. Apply patches right away
This is a no brainer really but I feel like I have to keep reminding people. Attackers don’t wait for you to patch your system. In fact they are generally ahead of the patch. If you use Windows set it up so that it updates automatically for you. Here is how to set it up. Do it right now!
4. Keep AntiVirus up-to-date
Goes hand in hand with the above. I recommend Norton AntiVirus or Kaspersky AntiVirus. Get it install it and keep it up-to-date!
5. Use one credit card for all online purchases.
Pick a card and use it for all your online transactions. Why? It makes it a lot easier to track fraudulent charges. When thieves get your credit card they don’t always go on wild spending sprees. More often then not they charge 1$-$5 on your card hoping no one will notice. They do this across millions of cards and can easily get over a million dollars in a month. If you have to pick this out of a 10 page credit card bill you are not likely to succeed, picking it out of a smaller bill is much easier.
Bonus tip - Get a Mac! I have converted all my neighbors over to Macs and they thank me every time they see me. Last I checked there where like 7 known viruses for the Mac. This will eventually change as the hackers change there tactics and targets but this is one time you can stay a step ahead of them. Really they are great, secure and a lot of fun. If you are in the market for a new PC you owe it to yourself to give a Mac a try.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
TreatInfamy 01.10.08 at 4:01 am
It’s also good to regularly scan your computer with Spybot and Ad-Aware.
Jaed 01.10.08 at 4:03 pm
Good tips! I especially agree with #1. I used to get spyware all the time. Since I have switched to Firefox…not a single one.