ONGUARDONLINE.GOV
"STOP - THINK - CLICK
You can minimize the chance of an Internet mishap by adopting these practices:
- Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
- Know who you're dealing with.
- Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly*.
- Make sure your operation system and Web browser are set up properly and update them regularly.
- Protect your passwords.
- Back up important files.
- Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online."
"Malware, short for "malicious software," includes viruses and spyware to steal personal information, send spam and commit fraud. Criminals create appealing websites, desirable downloads, and compelling stories to lure you to links that will download malware - especially on computers that don't use adequate security software. But you can minimize the havoc that malware can wreak and reclaim your computer and electronic information.
- If you suspect malware in on your computer:
- Stop shopping, banking and other online activities that involve user names, passwords, or other sensitive information.
- Confirm that your security software is active and current. At a minimum, your computer should have anit-virus and anti-spyware, and a firewall."
On Guard On Line. Retrieved February 28, 2008. http://onguardonline.gov/index.html
