How To Surf The Internet Safely

Many, many times I am asked, "How do I surf the Internet safely". There never has been or will be a completely safe way to use the Net. As long as you can reach millions of people and their links, they will be able to reach you. There is no such thing as complete Internet Security, it is an illusion. The best you can do is be vigilant on your updates and patches for your preventive maintenance software. Here are the steps, again, that I and many of my "security penetration associates" use. And always keep in mind "for every lock there is a key"...Butch.

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Never, Never, Never...

1. NEVER click on a link that is contained in an e-mail, instant message, or post to a Usenet or other group.
2. NEVER open or install a program directly from the Internet. First, download it to your hard disk, scan it with your anti-virus software, and only then, if it is clean, install it.
3. NEVER open or install a program directly from a CD-ROM or DVD. First, scan it with your anti-virus software, and only then, if it is clean, install it.
4. NEVER enter any personal details in forms on unknown sites.
5. NEVER type your User ID or password unless you see the LOCK icon at the bottom of the screen and the Web address starts with https://
6. NEVER click on a pop-up, no matter what it says! Don't click on it even if you want to close it.
7. NEVER open attachments that you receive by e-mail. If in doubt, save the attachment to the hard disk, scan it with your anti-virus software, and only then, if it is clean, open it. Try to read all your e-mail messages in text format, rather than HTML.
8. NEVER visit unfamiliar Websites. First, go to Google (www.google.com) and check whether the site is legitimate and does not carry malware. Only if it is clean, visit it for the first time using the Opera browser.
9. CHANGE your passwords frequently; use complex passwords (example: 7Yby89IfD); never give your passwords to anyone.
10. UPDATE your Operating System, Antivirus, Firewall, Antispyware, and computer manufacturer's utilities DAILY.
11. SCAN your computer for malware every time you use the computer, after you have used it.
12. ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS? Stop everything you are doing, disconnect from the Internet, and scan the computer for malware. Examples of suspicious behavior: persistent pop-ups; the computer or connection slow down considerably; repeated re-boots; mouse or keyboard freeze; strange messages and alerts.
13. Remember NOTHING you get off the Net is "free". NOTHING!

14. DO NOT use Internet Explorer. Reference: 
15. DO NOT use the same Web Browser all the time. (Google, Opera, Firefox, etc.) Try not to become predictable. Change up.