Whenever a deal sounds too good to be true, you investigate it thoroughly. You don’t walk down dark alleys at night. You keep your wallet in a secure place. All of these security precautions may be second nature to you. No doubt that you also want to be safe and secure when using the Internet. Here are a few tips that you should get in the habit of following to protect you as you are surfing the Web.

Keep your software up to date.

Last year Microsoft issued more than sixty security advisories that indicated that the security of their software had been compromised. These are opportunities that hackers look for. If you have Windows XP, your computer notifies you when a software update is available. Be sure to install these updates as soon as you are notified. If you use a Windows operating system that does not notify you automatically, be sure to visit Microsoft’s web site often or choose Start-Programs-Windows Update, which will lead you through the update process. If you use another operating system or Web browser, visit the manufacturer’s Web site often and download any necessary updates.

Keep your Social Security number private.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes because computers and the Internet make stealing an identity from an unsuspecting victim easy. So don’t be an unsuspecting victim!  Your social security number is the golden key to your identity.  Never keep your social security number anywhere in your computer. Never give it out over the Internet, even in a secure site. Some sites, like online banking, may require you to use your social security number as a password. Take a pass on any site or service that makes you send your social security number over the Internet. Keep your identity secure by keeping your social security number as private as possible.

Install a firewall and anti-virus software

It doesn’t take a genius or any high tech skills to hack a computer. Just go to any search engine and enter the words “hacking tools”, you will be presented with a myriad of Web sites that will give you the necessary tools as well as in depth instructions. By the way, there are instructions for hacking Apple computers as well as PCs, so although Macs may seem more secure, they can still be hacked.

Hackers are looking for easy prey and an unprepared home computer user makes an unsuspecting target. Use a good anti-virus software program. Keep it running at all times, and keep it updated.

Broadband connections like DSL and cable Internet are more susceptible to hackers because they have an "always-on," static IP address that can more easily be accessed. Even dial-up users, however, can gain some added comfort by installing a firewall. Zone Alarm is an excellent free firewall program. Although both Symantec and McAfee charge a fee for their firewall programs, the added security of any of these programs is worthwhile for all.

Shop at Secure Sites

If you shop on the Internet, enter your personal information and credit card number only on a secure Web page. If you use Internet Explorer, a secure site will show a yellow padlock in a closed position on the toolbar at the bottom left-hand side of the screen. Netscape will show a closed darker colored padlock somewhere on the bottom toolbar. In both browsers, a secure site will have https: rather than http: in the Web site address at the top of the page.

Don't Fall for Phishing Scams

There are bad guys out there who are looking to steal your personal information. Read my article about Phishing Scams for more information.

Remember, better safe than sorry!