Tips to Stay Safe and Private Online, Particularly When Shopping!

 Along with good internet security software, your level of safety when surfing or shopping online depends on maintaining good browsing habits, controlling what information you share online, and reducing the information others collect about you. Here are some simple but important ways enhance your online security and privacy.

To a significant extent, how how safely and privately you browse and shop depends on careful viewing and computer maintenance habits.

Make Sure Your PC, Laptop or Handheld Devices Always has Appropriate Security Software with the Latest Security Updates

Forget about how rushed you are! Always take the time to update your security settings. Depending on your computer use, this could be once a day or once a week.

There are also times that you should double-check that all of your security is the latest available:

• Always check for security updates before going online for any online financial transaction, or a transaction when you will be providing personal information, such as renewing your licence or automobile registration


• If you get have access to a new application, update your security settings before downloading it. This will lower the chances of downloading an app with nosey or malicious code embedded into it.

Watch Your Cookie Settings

Most everyone needs to use cookies: many sites won't work without them, including Google.com's search engine.

Most cookies are innocuous, but many companies not only information about where you may have visited any given day, other cookies can track your surfing habits for as long as they remain on computer.

It's no coincidence that search engine results ads and sometimes results often mirror the site's you've recently or regularly visited. Some companies maintain tracking data for several years based on a cookie that may have been on your harddrive for only a few hours. It's called data mining and the databases are stocked fill with information.

Here are some ways to reduce how much your activities are tracked online:

Limit your Cookie Settings

Most browsers give you the option of downloading "all cookies," "no cookies," or a combination of "First Party" and "Third Party" cookes. First Party cookies are generally used by the primary site, but you should turn off automatic download of Third Party Cookies. Most of them are downloaded by advertisers or affiliated parties of the site you visited.

Regularly clear out your internet cache, which includes deleting all cookies, every time you initiate and right after you complete an online purchase or online banking or payment transaction.

It's a good idea to just delete all cookies every time you close a browsing session. These cookies just clutter up your computer and provide additional information to others. They have no positive impact on you in any way.

Even though regularly cleaning out cookies vastly reduces the amount of information anyone can learn about you, computers around the world (and most certainly at Google) know a lot about your viewing patterns.

This includes what sites you visit, how often you visit, what news sites you like, and your general age, location and sex. And if you've ever provided it to anyone, they may also know your average household income.

Which brings us to the next good security habit: be vigilant with your personal data.

Use Caution When Giving Out Personal or Financial Info

They can ask whatever they want, but you control your answers. Think before you disclose information. Once you give it out, it could be available to a variety of parties for a very long time.

Think about who you are giving the information to.

• Why do they want it?
• How will it be used?
• With whom can this information be shared?
• Do they really even NEED this information?

Bottom Line: Unless there is a legitimate and business reason that a company needs information (such as a store needing your credit card data, address, phone number and email) don't provide it.

And, you should NEVER provide information that makes you the least bit uncomfortable. Some information is necessary, most is not.

For example, lots of sites such as Facebook and email services, ask your age. This makes sense because there are age limits for services.

On the other hand, you'll often be asked for information that service providers and marketers would love to know. But, you don't need to tell them and they can't make you.

If you look closely at any online registration form, you'll note that some questions are subtly marked as required, the others are subtly marked as optional.

The optional information is not required, but many people just fill the answers in without thinking about what will happen to the data. Here are some examples of common questions you should think about before answering.

• Ethnicity or religion
• Marital /Relationship Status
• Sexual Preference
• Personal or household income
• Number of children in the home
• Household education levels

Other information that you should be very wary about sharing includes your social security number, or any banking information.

There are very few things online that can only available in one place. Any information requests that make you uncomfortable mean it's time to leave the site. And make sure you delete your cookies after you do!

Submit Financial or Private Info Only on Secure Sites with HTTPS Prefix

This one is pretty easy if you look at the address bar of your browser.

Servers with secure socket layer protection, encryption and other critical measures that protect your information as it flies through cyberspace should start with HTTPS.

Here's an example: you are viewing a website and for most of your visit the browser begins with "HTTP." When you choose your product and start entering your purchase information, look back at the address bar to make sure that the new address begins with "HTTPS."

Note: Merchants that process payment cards are severely limited to the information they share about customers. Along with stringent security measures, the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS) require that merchants protect information such as customer names, payment preferences, addresses and email addresses, for example.

Don't Expect Your Emails to Remain Private

No matter how secure your computer, email is inherently an unsafe way to transmit certain information. The most extreme caution: never put anything in an email that you wouldn't want your boss, mother, son, or husband to read.

On the serious side, some things just should not be transmitted or stored in emails. These included:

• Banking information, including routing and account numbers, but especially online banking user names and passwords
• Credit Card information, including numbers, expiration dates or security codes and passwords to your other email accounts
• Passwords to any online accounts.

Another note: many faxes these days actually end up in an email inbox, which may or may not be better than laying on an unattended desk.

If you're faxing information, know who is monitoring the machine at the other end and ask that they call to let you know they have safely retrieved and stored the information transmitted.

If they can't do this, send the information by certified mail or FedEx.

Don't Stay Logged to Online Sites Or Store User Names/Passwords Online

It's sure convenient to stay logged into to your favorite sites without having to remember your user name and password on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, it's not that safe and it's a habit to avoid. Hackers and others can piggyback these accounts, and take advantage of any lapses in your security to access other accounts.

Know Who You're Doing Business With

Alway be especially cautious when you provide information to any site that does not provide contact information clearly on their website. (Our recommendation: if they don't give you a name, email or phone number, don't give these to the site.)

And don't rely on a contact form. Make sure you see a telephone number and an email address.

Never worked with the company before? No big deal, just email them or give them a call and see what type of response you get. A company you want to do business with will gladly speak with its customers, before and after any sales.

If you're calling a smaller store, you may not get in touch with a human right away, but odds you'll hear from their soon enough and should be able to answer any questions you have about the products you're buying and why they need any information that you might not usually provide.

And if you don't like what you hear, just move along.

AM McElroy has over 20 years experience in corporate communications, technical writing and marketing/sales within the banking/US payments, civil/environmental engineering, internet security, and natural sciences (physics) arenas.

She has an e-commerce sites, http://www.SolarFlairLighting.com and a blog on solar and other renewable energy http://www.SolarLightingSmart.com.

Copyright 2012, AM McElroy, SolarFlairLighting and SolarLightingSmart.

People may copy article in whole or in part from EzineArticles.com ONLY if, in accordance with EzineArticles.com policy, this full Author's Resource box is included with the article, including working links to the two sites noted above. Please note that she aggressively protects her copyrighted articles. Violators will be notified and legal action will be taken when necessary.

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Windows XP - Security and Privacy

Today, every second computer in the world has Windows XP installed in it. This operating system is most popular and oldest operating system. Its popularity makes it a constant target of cyber criminals and the threat is increased because many people are unable to deal with them.

You constantly need to update your Microsoft applications with latest updates to increase security of your Windows XP. Microsoft's engineers are aware of all the security threats; they come up with new updates and patches to deal with almost all the security threats. Microsoft websites provide information regarding these threats you must visit their website regularly and get information about latest updates and news for your Window XP. The option of Automatic updates from your control panel must always be switched on to get recent updates.

Windows XP can be protected from the threats by taking online computer help. The reputed companies offering computer troubleshooting service always work with team of experienced and Microsoft certified technicians who provide outstanding service for your online network security, computer security, laptop security and other important computer support service.

Different computer support services provided by the companies include:

- Firewall security- Configuration and installation
- Updating the firewall security
- Judging the potential threats
- Scheduling Online Virus Scanner
- Setting up common Virus Scans

Antivirus help has become imperative these days as there are an increasing multitude of virus, malwares and spywares that are harming our PCs. You should never close the eyes to computer internet security as there are many malicious programs that keep on increasing in your PC. It is very essential to protect your computer from the virus attack. Some of these are very subtle and not easy to detect, an antivirus defense becomes must in such situation. PC security is essential because there are many nasty programs which can have an effect on your Windows XP's functionality and security.

Another measure to escalate the security of your Windows XP is to set a strong password. The password should be of minimum eight characters and a combination of numbers, symbols and letters. In addition, strong passwords should also be set for all the important services that may be at risk for example your online bank account, email or for your other commercial accounts.

Nowadays, computer support service by many companies provide you full-fledge computer security, they have team of network security professionals who are skilled at solving all problem that a PC owner faces. These companies not only provide security to your PC but also solve all your online security concerns; they also upgrade the software and provide other tune ups.

James is a technician working for askpcexperts.com for many years. Ask PC Experts provides Computer Support, remote technical support and computer tech help that are useful in repair, maintenance and tune up of your computer. Read the article to know more about Ask PC Experts and its services.

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Internet Security - 10 Ways to Improve your Personal Privacy on the Internet

Are you wondering how you can keep your private life offline? Here are ten tips for personal privacy on the Internet.

1. Set the Ground Rules:

Make protecting your privacy a regular and important part of the online habits for your entire family. If you spend even a little bit of time thinking about the best ways to protect your personal privacy online, then it only requires a small amount of effort for you to prevent large problems from occurring. Create a written use agreement for the Internet and have your entire family sign it, so there will be less debate about what family members can and cannot do online.

2. Use Security Features:

Make use of the security features that your wireless network affords you. By taking advantage of these built-in security features, you can better control who has access to your Internet connection and when.

3. Control Pop-Ups:

Use the capabilities of your web browser to control the pop-ups and cookies that you are exposed to. Pop-ups may not be capable of causing harm by themselves, but they tend to also be associated with aggressive forms of advertising that can fraudulently attempt to obtain your financial and personal information. Use your browser capabilities to control what pop-ups and cookies you deal with while browsing the Internet.

4. Use Security Software:

Use privacy protection software applications, including anti-spyware, anti-virus and firewall programs. These kinds of programs are often bundled in when you purchase a brand new computer. Some are even offered by your Internet service provider for free. If you do not already have them, they are well worth the investment if it means protecting your privacy online.

5. Schedule Regular Updates:

Update your operating system and your privacy protection applications on a regular basis. These updates tend to be free to download, and can mean a lot for increased protection on your computer.

6. Use Strong Passwords:

Learn how to create the right types of passwords. Passwords should not be dictionary words, and should combine letters, numbers and special characters as well in order to be the most effective.

7. Keep Passwords Safe:

Keep a private record of the passwords, usernames and other vital information for every member of your family. Keep this information away from your computer, rather than storing it online where other people can potentially get a hold of it. I recommend using RoboForm, a password management software program - not only does it generate passwords for you but it will store them all in one place that you can access with a master password.

8. Don't Share Personal Information:

Do not volunteer any personal information for any reason. If it is not required of you, simply do not provide it.

9. Use an Alias:

Use online aliases and nicknames whenever you can. Unless inputting your name is legally required, there is no reason to use it. Do not give out your true name, your phone number or your address to someone online unless you absolutely must.

10. Keep Family Internet Use Transparent:

Review the activities of your family as often as you can. If you find out that a family member is practicing bad habits for online security and privacy, set them straight and change those habits before a problem is born. You do not want the wrong people to find out important information about you or your family, so act accordingly when you spend your time online.

Jeff Wilson writes extensively about computer related issues like how to protect your personal privacy on the Internet, fixing those annoying Windows errors, and speeding up your PC. To get a free download of Jeff's favorite Internet Privacy tool go to [http://www.pcdatakiller.com]

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Online Security and Privacy - The Facts!

Ever got your Facebook or Gmail account hacked? If not, it's only a matter of time before it happens, with the increasing amount of data we share online and the type of people who have access to it

The questions is, how do you maintain your online lifestyle while keeping hackers away? You can easily protect yourself from data theft using these three simple guidelines:

1) Learn to Recognize Phishing E-Mails

"Phishing" the the act of disguising emails and communications to make it appear as if it's coming from a reputable source. Most PayPal users are already bombarded with hundreds of fake emails that appear to be official PayPal ones.

If you notice closely however, the site is a fake PayPal look-alike, and it's there solely to capture your login info. Nothing can stop a hacker from wreaking havoc once he has your password.

Please don't click on the links in the email. Open your browser and type in the site address directly instead.

2) Always Backup All Your Data

I've lost all my data once, and it was horrible. Not more than twelve months later, it happened all over again. Most people will never back up their data, and all it takes for them to lose everything is a hard disk failure.

External disk drives that you can use to backup your information is pretty cheap nowadays.Just a simple and inexpensive step that works. There are also a lot of online backup programs available.

No matter which method you follow, just make sure you backup every once in a while.

3) Never Use The Same Password for Everything

If you're using the same password to access everything online, you're making a big mistake. All a hacker need to do is find out that "universal" password, and he'll have access to all you personal data.

Creating a unique password for everything is extremely important. By doing that, you make it difficult for hackers to simply guess your login information based on one or two sites.

Using a password manager software to create and manage unique passwords for each website you visit is still the best option. A good password manager should allow multiple ways to access your passwords, not just via your computer.

There you go - three easy but important things to do to make sure your online data is protected and readily available.

Gobala Krishnan is an online marketing expert. If you're looking for a password manager software that is effective and easy to use, read his RoboForm review here: http://www.gobalakrishnan.com/roboform-review/

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Online Security And Privacy - Are We Fighting A Losing Battle?

Recently, it was reported that the question of internet service providers and online privacy is more complicated than it may seem at first glance. Many social networking sites like Facebook require their users to sign up with their real names, which some say makes it easier to be watched by government agencies.

Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, seemed to echo that sentiment in a recent interview with Hong Kong reporters, in which he stated that the internet has become "the most significant surveillance machine that we have ever seen". But some say that the requirement of real names is not the root of the issue.

The aim of most social media sites is to keep in touch with those on your friend list by posting to that list. And it's what some are choosing to post that is causing concern for many. Much personal information is being shared by individuals; look through the lists of posts from your friends on any given day, and you may see information about their neighborhood, children and places traveled to posted and spread throughout interconnected newsfeeds. This information can be put together like the pieces of a puzzle over time, and be used by anyone for any purpose.

But could there also be some redemption for society as a whole with the requirement to use real names? Studies have found that incidences of online harassment, including homophobic and racist remarks occur far less when an individual is required to post using their real name.

That's because it's been proven that the attachment of a legitimate identity to online postings carries with it a sense of responsibility. When you know your name will be revealed, chances are you will think twice about what it is you are posting before you hit the 'submit' button.

On the other side of the coin, the posts of those who use pseudonyms contain a much higher amount of indecent language, threats and hurtful statements. Cyberbullies will often use pseudonyms to harass their targets, sometimes with deadly consequences, such as a teenager who commits suicide due to a large number of anonymous online attacks on social media sites.

The government cannot regulate that everyone use their real names, as this goes against first amendment rights. In light of this fact, many sites are taking it upon themselves to require their members or guests post with a real name and not a pseudonym.

Some sites are taking this a step further in saying that all sites that offer users the opportunity to comment should require that all sign up with legitimate information before they post in order to prevent harassing and racist comments.

Although some site owners believe this will help to make the internet a more civil environment, others feel that this is only a band-aid to a problem that won't go away that easily. After all, Big Brother is still watching. And so the more real information you post online, the more information that others can procure from your messages.

Some solutions begin with the user. Ask yourself whether you really need to tell the world that your whole family will be out of the country for a month. And when you get the urge to respond to an article with anger, remember that the ability to comment on a piece is not a right; it's a privilege.

It may also serve you to think of yourself as a guest at each web site you visit, much like when you visit someone's home. Would you walk in the door and start insulting the way the homeowner has arranged their flowers or the color of their curtains? Probably not.

With the networks of internet service providers increasing rapidly, we will soon be a very well-connected, and much smaller world.

Ruth Suelemente is dedicated to helping consumers save money on their high speed internet service plan through the use of resources available on the internet.

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