Wonderful article from Microsoft.
- Defend your computer
Keep all software current (including your Web browser) with automatic updates and install all security updates that your IT department recommends. Use antivirus, antispam, and antispyware software and activate your firewall.
- Think before you share sensitive information
Look for signs that a Web page is safe, before you enter sensitive personal or business data–a Web address with https (“s” for secure) and a closed padlock ( ) beside it. Never give sensitive info in response to an e-mail or instant message(IM) request.
- Think before you click
Pause before you open attachments or click links in e-mail or IM even if you know the sender; they could be phony. Confirm with the sender that the message is real or visit the official Web site by typing the address yourself. Be wary of clicking links or buttons in pop-up windows.
- Use strong passwords
Lock your online accounts, computer, phone, and other devices with passwords at least eight characters (longer is better), and include upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Keep passwords and PINs secret. Don’t disclose them to coworkers or businesses (like an Internet café operator), or be tricked into giving them away. Don’t use the same password everywhere.
- Protect yourself from e-mail scams
Look out for alarmist messages, misspellings and grammatical errors, deals that sound too good to be true, requests for sensitive info like account numbers, and other signs of a scam. Turn on a fi lter that warns you of suspicious Web sites.
- Protect your data on the go
When you use public Wi-Fi, choose the most secure option, even if you have to pay for it. It could include password-protection and encryption. Confirm the exact spelling of the wireless network you’re connecting to. Beware of clever (slightly misspelled) fakes.
Encrypt the data on your laptop (or USB fl ash drive) in case you lose it or it’s stolen. Guard your laptop, smartphone, and PDA as carefully as your wallet.
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