Protecting Your Personal Information & Your Computer

"If someone tells you they have something for you
and it sounds too good to be true, it's a scam".

That's how a lot of people get into trouble on the Internet. An idea or deal that sounds so good is promoted. People want to believe they found the best deal. They want to believe that no one would try to scam them. Unfortunately, there are some individuals that will.

Another way people get into trouble on the Internet is by not protecting their computer against harmful viruses and worms. These computer programs get into your computer and you may not even know they are there. But, they can harvest your personal information, send e-mails out in your name, and sometimes even crash your computer so that you can't use it anymore.

What can you do? Many agencies of our government are working together to educate computer users about what the issues are and how to protect yourself. Below are links to information that can help you recognize scams, recognize if your computer may be compromised, and can help you protect your personal information and your private information.

We encourage caregivers to promote Internet use for homebound older family members to keep them mentally engaged and socially connected. However, it is important that they be taught basic safety measures. We provide the following information to help you keep them safe online.

Stay Safe

GetNetWise.org

Protect Your Privacy and Your Computer

Automatically Update Your Protection Software
Before Your Click on an E-mail Link
Cyber Security Tips From US-CERT (see below)
Detailed Instructions for Securing Your Home Computer
Foreign Lottery Scams, Check Overpayment Scams, Money Orders
Government Information on Identity Theft
Investing Online
Is There an Intruder in Your Computer?
Online Shopping
Phishing
Privacy Tips for Protecting Your Personal Information
Software License Agreements - Ignore at Your Own Risk
Spam Scams
Spyware
Staying Safe on the Internet - FTC
Staying Safe on the Internet - Video Tutorials
Using Firewalls, Anti-Virus, & E-mail Filters - How To
Virus Basics
What to Do If You Get a Computer Virus
Your State Attorney General's Office

If you think someone is misusing your personal information, call:

What is the National Cyber Alert System?

The National Cyber Alert System alerts citizens to computer vulnerabilities and threats. They rank the severity of the threats like Homeland Security does for other threats. Anyone can sign up to receive free e-mail notifications of threats and vulnerabilities along with ways to address the identified issue(s).

This service is offered through the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) which is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the public and private sectors. Established in 2003 to protect the nation's Internet infrastructure, US-CERT coordinates defense against and responses to cyber attacks across the nation.

US-CERT also provides a way for citizens, businesses, and other institutions to communicate and coordinate directly with the United States government about cyber security.

These governmental agencies are working together to keep you safe and to provide you with updated and relevant information on protecting both your privacy and your personal information.

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