Software and Other Computer Safety Methods
Since the late 20th Century, two of the most noteworthy inventions that have changed our lives, have been the creation of the personal computer and the Internet. With the computer, and subsequently the laptop, tablet and smartphone, consumers have been able to easily access information online. Now people can use these modern technologies at home, work and everywhere else, the increased use of computers has also brought about an increase in computer crimes.
With consumers using computers and the Internet more frequently, criminals have taken the opportunity to gain access to this online information for illegal purposes. In order to protect themselves, computer users need to be concerned with keeping their passwords safe, watching that personal financial information is not given out, viruses are not accidentally downloaded and that they are not victims of online fraud. Because of potential dangers that center around computer usage, it is important that consumers keep up to date on their software and most importantly be alert to potential dangers.
To help computer users, we have put together the following information about possible computer dangers and what can be done to prevent being an unwitting victim. We hope this information is helpful to you and your family. Please feel free to pass along this information to others who can use it. And, most importantly, stay safe while using your computer.
- Password Safety – University of Miami article which outlines the reasons why password safety is important.
- Keep Safety with Strong Passwords – Article which discusses the importance of having strong passwords.
- Password Tips and Security - This article from the New York University outlines several important ways to have secure passwords.
- Preventing Abuse – Informative article from the University of Virginia which talks about ways to prevent computer abuse.
- Password Security (PDF) – Publication from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team which outlines measures that people can take to ensure password security.
- Personal Financial Information – This article from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency talks about how your personal financial information can be stolen.
- Online Financial Safety Tips – Article which informs the public about ways to offer tips for financial safety.
- Keeping Personal Information Safe Online – Information and suggestions on how to keep our information safe while online.
- Personal Information Safety – Article that helps consumers keep personal information safe
- Destructive Viruses – Article which provides information on ten of the most destructive computer viruses in the world.
- What are Viruses? – In this article from Indiana University you will find out what are viruses, worms and Trojan horses and how they can attack computer systems.
- Computer Virus Information – This article provides an overview of computer viruses and how they work.
- First Computer Virus – Historical article from the Wall Street Journal dates the use of viruses back to 1971.
- Computer Virus Types – In this Oregon State University article you will learn about the various types of computer viruses.
- Internet Crime Schemes – Informative page with information on most of the known frauds committed by criminals online.
- FBI Information – This page from the Federal Bureau of Investigation discusses about the problem of internet fraud.
- Computer and Internet Fraud – A legal overview from the Cornell University Law School explaining about online fraud.
- Warning Signs of Fraud Online – Useful page from the Washington State Office of the Attorney General which outlines the various warning signs of fraud to be on the lookout for.
- Online Scams – This page lists a number of the types of online scams that occur over the Internet.
- Identity Theft Information – A helpful web page from the United States Federal Trade Commission which defines and identifies the crime of identity theft.
- Identity Theft – This page provides readers with information and statistics about identity theft.
- IRS Identity Protection – Informative page from the Internal Revenue Service which offers tips and suggestions on how to protect from being an identity theft victim.
- Identity Theft and Fraud - A helpful page from the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation with information and resources about identity theft.
- Identity Theft Protection Tips – Website which provides a number of helpful ways to protect your identity from being stolen by criminals.
- Cyber Crime Prevention Tips – Informative page which lists the top ten tips that computer users can practice to prevent being a victim of a crime.
- Computer Scams and Prevention - This web page assists computer users by providing information on scams and how to prevent being a victim.
- Notes on Computer Crime (PDF) – Notes taken from a presentation on computer crime and how to protect yourself from criminals.
- Cyber Crime Prevention – Informative page which helps teach the public about the potential dangers of cybercrimes.
- Cyber Crime and You (PDF) – Page from the state of New Hampshire which lists a number of cybersecurity tips for readers.
- Staying Safe Online – Information from the Official White House website on staying safe online.