Image by Darwin Bell via Flickr
Archaically referred to as the World Wide Web, the Internet is exactly that: a wide world. You can do almost anything in this world: date, shop, communicate, be entertained, work, anything you could do in a brick-and-mortar shopping mall. However, you can also be mugged, robbed, and cheated in the online world, and you need to be ready to defend against that.
Passwords:
Many websites require a password for you to access your account. Be sure to keep your passwords to yourself, and make sure they are not easily guessed by others. Mix it up: instead of using the word “Owlhouse” as a password, try “0wLH0us3″. It’s a little bizarre to type in, but it’s much safer.
Credit Cards:
The second you type in your credit card number online, it can be nabbed. Whether or not you’ve approved the transaction or sent it yet, the number has existed in cyberspace. Even typing it in puts you at risk. If you do a lot of shopping online, have a dedicated card that is only for online purchases. This card should be separate from your main checking account or credit line.
Adult Content:
Many people want to avoid pornography online, especially if young people use the same computer. The best way to cordon off adult content is to buy a blocker software that will not allow access to those sites, so even if you mistakenly visit one, you will be unable to access it. Setting search limitations of search engines is an excellent option as well.
