Protect Yourself and Your Computer
An e-mail message looks authentic--it's even got the bank's logo. If you're smart, don't do it! In all likelihood, this seemingly innocent request is really from a ___________ looking to steal your personal--and valuable--financial information.
cyber thief
What can you do to prevent spyware?
scan you computer once a week with anti-spyware
How does encryption software work?
scrambles the data with a secret code so that no one can make sense of it while it's being transmitted When the data reaches its destination, the same software unscrambles the information.
Site___________________ who try to befriend them, then arrange to meet s like MySpace that appeal to teenagers are a magnet for.
sexual predators
Your password is prime defense against what?
unauthorized access to your personal account
Don't use passwords that consist of easily obtainable personal information, such as what?
your address, phone number or date of birth.
List 2 ways to prevent infection
1, Run anti-virus software and configure it to automatically download updates. 2. DO NOT OPEN an e-mail attachment unless you know the sender. To be completely safe, scan the attachment with anti-virus software BEFORE you open it.
List 3 warning signs of virus infection
1. Your computer starts running sluggishly. 2. It shuts down unexpectedly or crashes frequently. 3. Strange messages appear on the screen.
Typically, you get a virus when you do what?
By opening infected e-mail attachments or downloading and installing infected software.
How can you tell your computer is infected with spyware?
If it begins to run slowly or you are suddenly barraged by pop-ups, even if you're not on the Web,.
How can cookies be useful?
It is useful for things like storing a password so you don't have to enter it each time you access the site.
What is spyware?
Spyware is software programs designed to steal your personal information. This data is then sent to advertisers or possibly criminals.
How is spyware downloaded to computers?
Spyware is typically downloaded from the Internet without your consent. It can take the form of a virus or be part of a "free" program that you download,
6 programs that can harm your computer
Viruses, worms, Trojan horses, botnets, malware and spyware
How can you tell that your data is being encrypted?
When you see a small lock icon at the bottom of your web browser or next to the address bar, it indicates that your data is encrypted during transmission.
What is a cookie?
a small file created and installed on your computer's hard drive by a website that wants to collect information about your interaction with the site.
What two things do many websites require?
a user name and password
In the worst case, if you get a virus, what can happen?
all the files on your hard drive may be wiped out.
Devise passwords of at least six characters and consisting of what?
consisting of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols,
Sensitive data is protected by a technology called _______________.
encryption
What software protects personal computers against hacking?
firewalls
What is phishing?
is a high-tech way to lure you into revealing your bank accounts, passwords, credit card numbers, PIN codes and other sensitive data.
Use a different ____________ for each service you register with.
password
