Protect your privacy and use the internet safely!
Dont let news about internet risks deter you from taking full advantage of its benefits! The web is such an amazing and useful resource for connecting with friends and family, shopping, banking, catching up on current events, and getting help in a myriad of ways. Let AARPsProtecting Yourself Online For Dummies arm you with the information you need to use the internet with confidence. Youll learn:
How and why risks can occurSteps to protect yourself from identity theft, fraud, and e-mail scamsExpert tips for creating strong passwords and storing them safelyInformation you need to keep your online banking and shopping accounts safe
By reading this guide and following a few safety precautions, you can be confident and risk-free as you enjoy a connected, digital life online!
Introduction 1
About This Book 1
Icons Used in This Book 2
Where to Go from Here 2
Chapter 1: Safeguarding Your Identity 3
Assessing Your Information 4
Protecting Your Privacy 5
Dealing with Privacy Thieves 6
How thieves obtain your info 6
What to look for in privacy policies 8
Responding to Identity Theft or Fraud 9
Knowing Your Resources 10
Chapter 2: Protecting Yourself from Viruses, Spyware, and Scams 13
Identifying Common Ways Information Is Compromised 14
Viruses 14
Worms 15
Macro viruses 15
Trojan horses 16
Bots 16
Spyware 16
Rootkits 16
Protecting Yourself 17
Recognizing Scams 18
Gone phishing 18
Looking for love 19
Health care scams 19
Bogus charities 20
Bogus invoices 20
Phony investments 21
Temporary account suspension 21
Job scams 22
Chapter 3: Password Secrets 23
Where Do I Use Passwords? 23
Choosing and Protecting Passwords 24
Storing and Recalling Passwords 25
Understanding Password Vulnerabilities 27
Using Encryption 28
Appreciating Password Enhancements 29
Answering Security Questions 30
Chapter 4: Risk-Free E-Mail 31
Following E-Mail Safety Basics 32
Creating Safe E-Mail Aliases 33
Hiding Your Name in E-Mails 35
Opening an Attachment 35
Managing Spam 36
Using Spam Filters 36
Filing a Spam Complaint 37
Recognizing Fraud and Scams 38
Avoiding the Latest E-Mail Scam of the Day 39
Avoiding Phishing 39
Chapter 5: Shopping and Banking Safely 41
Vetting Websites Critically 41
Considering Online Versus Offline Banking 42
Evaluating an Online Shop 43
Guarding Your Card Online 44
Ordering stuff without sharing your primary account information 44
Embracing safe shopping practices 45
Chapter 6: Ten Things You Can Do Today to Protect Yourself 47
Use Two-Factor Authentication 47
Stay Safe While Gaming 47
Secure Your Public and Private Wi-Fi Connections 48
Understand and Use Privacy Settings on Social Media Sites 48
Protect Devices with Passwords 49
Choose Carefully Whom You Share Personal Info with Online 49
Give Up On Safe Ways to Back Up Your Files Online 49
Consider Location Settings on Devices 50
Create a Google Alert for Your Name 50
Surf Privately in Public 51
