Spyware: Spyware is a catch-all word encompassing malware like Trojans, adware, pop-ups, altered cookies, key-loggers, and so on. Spyware is usually designed to observe your activities online and to discover security flaws. Hackers have acquired innovative implements, like key-loggers, capable of remembering each key pressed, enabling the discovery of your password, bank details, and email.

Stop Spyware in its Tracks: Seek out spyware-fighting software that is well-known, like Norton or McAffee; or that comes with an endorsement from a reputable source like CNet or PC World magazine.

Identity Theft: Hackers use various methods to steal your personal information. Once this data is obtained, it may be used to make purchases on the Internet with your credit card information, misdirect direct deposits, and produce counterfeit documents. Ordinarily, the best online security programs include some sort of safeguard against this issue.

Stop Identity Theft: Be aware of who you are conducting purchase transactions with. Make certain that a legitimate SSL certificate is located on any page where you will enter information without the presence of error or warning icons appearing in your browser. Safe pages start with ‘https:’ instead of ‘http:’.

Spam: Email spam can contain harmful links capable of infecting your equipment with a virus or spyware, and drawing even more spam. A good option is to use a good Internet spam filter. You can avoid an inundation of spam mail by using common sense and some security software.

Stop Spam: Do not ever hit an “unsubscribe” link in any email to which you didn’t subscribe in the first place. This lets the spammer know you are a genuine human, with the result that your spam can multiply instantly.

Phishing: This is a term related to identity theft and is a serious Internet security threat. This plays out by sending messages to your email address that appear to be from a trusted site, such as a financial institution or even Paypal. The links take you to a fake site that looks and acts like the trusted one. When you enter your personal information, the hacker will be able to make online transactions using your money or your info that was entered at the site.

Do Not Allow Phishing: Never enter a link that appears “phishy”. Find out exactly what the “.com” is linked to. The URL ought to conclude with the expected name, instead of starting with the expected name. If you go to the Bank of America site, the URL should look like this: http://somesubdomain.bankofamerica.com. But if you are at a phishing site, the URL may look like this: http://bankofamerica.myphishingdomain.com. And immediately exit if the website directs you to an IP address (an IP address looks like: 111.22.333.456) You can be more confident (but it is not 100% effective) if you are using Internet Explorer, as it has a phishing filter that can alert you to suspected phishing sites.

Tags: Identity theft, Internet, Internet Security, Phishing, prevent phishing, prevent spam, Spam