![]() ![]() Bookmarked addresses take you to the same site every time. A mistyped address could take you to a false site that mirrors the site you intended to go to, but with malicious code that can harm your computer and compromise your information. If there are sites you visit regularly, it’s a good idea to bookmark them in your browser. That free trial of a new game isn’t worth it. In fact, be wary of clicking links, period.įree toolbars, popup windows offering freebies, sidebar ads on websites, links in public forums – clicking any of these could open your computer to a host of issues. Even if you know and trust the person who sent it, it’s possible the link is infected and the sender is unaware of it. Viruses spread easily through links in instant messages and email attachments. Be wary of clicking links in email or instant messages. Cyber criminals are constantly finding new ways to infiltrate systems and launch new threats, and security software developers release updates to combat this trend. It’s not enough to install security software one time you must install each update as it is made available. Make your passwords difficult to figure out, by using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and most importantly, change them regularly. The more difficult it is to gain entrance to your accounts, the safer your accounts are. Strong passwords are your friend.Ī strong password is the equivalent of a deadbolt on a door. Setting up a personal firewall will dramatically reduce the possibility of your computer being attacked by Internet threats. Use a firewall.Ī firewall is an application that protects your computer from hackers gaining unauthorized access to your computer. Do your research, choose a software program that fits your needs, and use it. Antivirus software will detect and remove viruses as well as prevent any new infections. Security experts agree across the board that a good first line of defense is to make use of antivirus software. Though you may be tempted to just unplug your computer and take yourself off the grid permanently, taking a few minutes to learn some secure browsing procedures will help to keep your computer free of viruses and malware, and will keep your personal information secure. ![]() Cyber criminals are constantly developing new methods to hijack your system, and unless you stay ahead of the game you could find yourself with a very large problem. ![]() Just when you think you’ve made your computer as safe to use as possible, the landscape changes. Secure web browsing is a game of changing tactics. An infected computer can run slow, barrage you with pop-ups, download other programs without your permission, or allow your sensitive personal information to be accessed. Viruses and malware spread, easily and quickly, through simple actions such as clicking on links found on web pages or in email. There are as many ways to compromise your information as there are stars in the sky, it seems. To find out if you're using the latest version of your browser or to download an upgrade, please see our Customer Service: Technical Support FAQs.Spend any time at all reading up on the topic of web security and you may be tempted to never log onto a computer again. Always make sure you are using the most current version of your browser offered. Fidelity's certificate looks like this:īrowsers can quickly become outdated and along with them, the security protections. Review the URL for typos or misspellings and make sure you see the lock icon in the URL. Most websites will use a validation certificate so you can see that you are on a legitimate site. Do a little research on the provider first if you're unsure of its safety. Don't download software to your computer unless you're confident of the provider. Download software carefullyĭownloading programs or games from the Internet can be risky. The information you provide travels encrypted from your computer to the website's server, minimizing the chances of interception. When you're providing personal information on a website, look for the "https:" at the beginning of the address. Always type the website URL manually in your browser. Never go to a website by clicking a link or button in an email. Look for misspellings, grammar changes, and odd imagery. They can set up a website to look eerily similar to one you use and trust, with a few differences. Look out for spoof websitesĬyber criminals use imposter websites as another way to trick you into giving them your information. Make sure to log out of the website before you close the window. When you're logging in to a secure website, do so in a new browser window. Online fraud can happen when you move from one website to another without logging out of the previous one. ![]()
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