Internet Safety Sound Advice
Internet safety is important, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Awareness is a powerful first step in protecting yourself.
- Keep in mind that government entities, such as the IRS, will NEVER call you
- Social Security office will NEVER call you or ask for your social security number, nor will Facebook, Microsoft, Dell, Norton
- Never give your password to anyone over the phone. No One should ever ask!
- If someone calls, and sounds threatening, HANG UP!
- Don't click on or respond to suspicious links, pop-up messages or attachments
Create Strong Passwords
- Mix upper and lower case, numbers and symbols (*,!,@,&)
- Use different passwords for important accounts
- 8 or 9 characters long
When creating passwords
- AVOID using sequential numbers like 123456
- AVOID using identifiable information like your name, phone number, favorite team, pets name
- Never sign into accounts or use banking information on public Wi-Fi (Starbucks, hotel lobby, a library, a friends house)
The URL
- Look for a padlock in the URL to make sure its secure
- Make sure the HTTP has the S for Secure
- Don't open attachments unless you know the sender
