If you have an e-mail address, there’s a good chance that you are already familiar with spam. As of 2006, over 40% of the e-mail sent on the Internet was unsolicited, junk e-mail intended for commercial purposes, better known as spam. The average person receives over 100 spam e-mail messages every day. E-mail service providers have done a good job at figuring out how to filter spam out of inboxes and send it to a junk mail folder, but even with incoming messages being screened and filtered, spam continues to be a nuisance to most people.

Although it may be impossible to avoid spam entirely, there are several things that e-mail users can do to reduce incoming spam, including:

Control your E-mail address

The more frequently an internet user enters or posts an e-mail address online, the greater the chance of spammers adding that e-mail address to their list. Avoid posting an e-mail address on a message board. Many people create a disposable e-mail address, one that they use when they need to enter an address to sign up for something online. Their personal e-mail address, or the main address that they prefer to use, is given only to people and businesses that are known and invited to use the address.

Watch out for check boxes

As our world becomes more electronic, we are often asked to register in order to use certain websites that we need access to. Quite often, the registration process includes questions regarding the registrant’s desire to receiving related offers via e-mail. In most cases, these check boxes are already checked for you, and you need to un-check the boxes to avoid being barraged with junk e-mail. Much of the spam that is received in e-mail boxes is invited because of these check boxes.

Disguise your E-mail address

There are times when users have to post their e-mail address in a place that could be seen by other web users. One way to avoid attracting spammers is to disguise the posted address. For example, instead of posting your actual e-mail address of joeblow@hotmail.com, you would post “joeblow AT hotmail DOT com.” Programs that scan web pages for e-mail addresses will not detect this disguised address. It’s also a good idea to search online for your e-mail address. Typing your actual e-mail address into Google will tell you whether or not it can be found in public places online.

Read Privacy Policies

Many of the websites that Internet users register for have terms and conditions that most people never read. Within these terms and conditions, there is a privacy policy that should state ways that your information will be kept confidential. If you are not satisfied with the measures being taken to protect your information, you should not register at the site.

There are several other tricks and tips to avoid spam e-mail, but taking the above steps will be a good start. If spam is a problem for you, consider starting over with a new e-mail address and practicing the above habits.

There are several types of computer viruses that Internet users need to be aware of. These viruses can be contracted and infect a computer in a variety of ways, ranging from mild annoyances to destructive forces to computer files and hardware. Viruses can enter your computer in a number of ways, but are generally avoidable with a combination of effective anti-virus software and safe surfing habits when online. However, it’s good to know of what types of viruses and other threats could impact your computer.

Viruses

A virus is a computer program that is written to enter your computer, overwrite existing program data, and replicate itself without the knowledge of the owner of the computer. There are several varieties of viruses, including boot sector viruses, companion viruses, link viruses, and macro viruses. Viruses can enter a computer in various ways but they all have one thing in common: they must be executed by the computer user to affect a computer. The amount of damage done by a virus varies greatly, some viruses are never even detected while others erase program data, destroy information on hard drives and disks, and are a hassle to detect and remove.

Worms

A worm is similar to a virus, but it spreads from computer to computer over a network connection. A worm is not likely to afflict a single computer, but is a common and troublesome problem in some computer networks. Worms are designed to enter computers and then scan systems for security flaws and look for areas that are unprotected. A classic example is the ILOVEYOU worm, an E-mail that had a subject of “I love you” and an attachment inside. When the attachment was opened, the worm entered the computer and destroyed several different types of files. The worm also sent itself to the user’s entire Outlook address book, afflicting computers all along the way. In 2004, an estimated 45 million computer were hit with the ILOVEYOU worm in just one day.

Trojan Horses

A Trojan horse is a program that is downloaded by a computer user that does not destroy data or files. Instead, a Trojan horse allows files to be accessed by outside parties. The problem begins with a download of a file that seems innocent - perhaps a song or small program file. Trojan horses are a serious concern because of the rising seriousness of identity theft and the importance of protecting the privacy of sensitive information. The key to avoiding a Trojan horse is to download only content that you are 100% certain is from a credible and safe source.

The best way to avoid viruses, worms, and Trojan horses is to make sure anti-virus software is reliable and up to date. Many computer owners take the first step of purchasing good anti-virus software, but they fail to install patches and updates as they become available. Because the creators are viruses are getting more and more creative, it’s essential to keep security measures up to date on your computer.

One factor that is curbing the growth of identity theft that we have seen for so many years is that the word is finally out on how to protect yourself from having your identity stolen. Education has been the key to making it difficult for identity thieves to operate. The problem has not disappeared by any means, but criminals are finding it necessary to be more creative in order to get the information they seek.

There are several new scams that are important to understand.

Most people are familiar with phishing. Phishing is a technique used by identity thieves where they send consumers E-mails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or credit card company. The E-mail will ask the consumer to verify some important pieces of information, such as account numbers, credit card numbers, or even social security numbers. When the e-mail is returned with the information that was requested, an identity thief has all he/she needs to start buying things and spending money in your name.

Phishing was much more effective in the early part of this decade when fewer people were aware of the scam, but twists have been added so that the phishing scam still works for criminals. A common twist is for the E-mail to warn consumers of phishing scams, remind them not to send sensitive information online, and instead ask the consumer to call a toll free number to verify important account information. The provided phone number is routed to the scam artist, who poses as your bank to take the information that is sought.

Another newer scam being used via the Internet is among people searching for employment at sites like monster.com or careerbuilder.com. A “perspective employer” will make contact with an individual who has posted a resume and ask the applicant to submit to a background check.

Job seekers thinking that the information is being requested by a legitimate source gladly provide a social security number and any other information that is requested. The lesson is to never trust anyone with your sensitive information unless you are 100% sure that it will be protected.

Spoofing is an attempt made by an identity thief to gain access to a secure website or secure information by posing as an authorized user. Spoofing is a tool the identity thieves have found some success in using. One example is creating a website that mirrors an existing website that users feel comfortable sharing information within.

There are several variations of spoofing, but the less remains the same. Internet users should refuse to enter sensitive information anywhere online where they are not 100% sure that the information is secure.

There are countless other scams used by identity thieves to gain access to information, but the basis for each idea is the same. Identity thieves get information from consumers by first earning their trust. Being aware of these scams will help people to avoid them and avoid the damage caused by identity theft.

One of the most alarming elements of identity theft is that it’s a crime that can very often go on for weeks, months, or even years before it’s detected. By the time the victim realizes what has happened, the amount of damage that has been done is catastrophic.

Financial losses can add up without a consumer realizing it, and victims of identity threat often see their credit scores adversely impacted, leading to more financial stress in the future. The key to minimizing the negative consequences of identity theft is discovering early on that someone is using your personal information for their financial gain.

There are several red flags to watch for that will help keep damage to a minimum. Some of these include:

1. Unidentified Items on Credit Reports: There are three major credit reporting agencies that consumers should be aware of: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. It’s a good idea to pull your credit report at least annually to make sure that there is nothing unfamiliar open in your name. There are also agencies that will monitor your credit report in your behalf on an ongoing basis for a small fee. Alerting these agencies of any red flags you find is also a good idea.
2. Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts and credit charges: Unfortunately, there are many people who receive bank statements in the mail and either fail to open them or fail to check them thoroughly. It’s important to be able to account for every transaction with your bank account. It’s easy to monitor most bank accounts online, an activity that could become a weekly habit to keep identity theft damage to a minimum. Credit card statements should also be examined thoroughly to ensure all of the charges are accounted for.
3. Unknown Collectors Calling: If you hear from a collector asking about repayment on a bill that you’ve never heard of, there’s a chance that an identity thief has opened an account and spent money in your name. Do not assume these calls are a mistake. Ask for all of the information that the collector can provide in writing, including a history of the debt, to get an idea of how long the problem has existed.
4. Missing Statements and Other Mail: Once an identity thief is using your credit card or bank account, a common practice is to change the mailing address on your accounts so that statements don’t arrive in your mailbox. Pay attention to when monthly statements normally arrive and investigate if you’re statement is missing. When possible, elect to receive bills and statements online to minimize chances of stolen mail leading to your identity being stolen.

Identity theft can cause serious problems in your financial life today and in the future, as identity thieves will not only spend money in your name now, but ruin your credit for years to come. Paying attention to the above red flags will help you to keep problems to a minimum if your identity is stolen.

One of the most heavily avoided software programs that computers are susceptible to is spyware. Although there is spyware on the market that serves useful purposes, such as logging internet and keyboard activity for parents, most spyware is little more than a nuisance.

Spyware is designed to track a user’s online activity and send messages to advertisers that should target that particular user. Spyware can create much slower computer performance or even cause a hard drive to crash if it consumes too much processing power. Most computer users are eager to get rid of and avoid spyware as much as possible. There are several factors that computer users who wish to avoid spyware should consider.

There are several signs that may indicate that a computer is infected with spyware. First, there may be an unusual increase in pop up ads. These advertisements open in new windows and may even pop up on your computer when you’re not surfing the web. Second, if your internet browser settings change unexpectedly, such as a new home page, there is a good chance spyware is involved.

In addition, some spyware will add toolbars to your internet browser that you don’t remember downloading or adding. Some spyware comes in the form of hardware rather than software, as some companies will give away new keyboards that contain spyware internally. Finally, increasingly slow performance may indicate that spyware is taking memory from your computer, reducing speed and performance.

Spyware is difficult to remove by nature. Software makers who produce spyware are good at hiding files so that many times the user doesn’t even realize that the spyware is on the computer. Once the spyware is detected, removing it can prove even more difficult. Many Internet Service Providers are including anti-virus and anti-spyware software in their standard Internet service, reducing the likelihood of spyware causing problems today compared to in the past. Microsoft’s Vista operating system also comes with a program called “Windows Defender” to help deal with unwanted spyware. This program can be downloaded for free for XP users.

If you know that spyware exists on your computer, some can be removed simply by visiting the “Add/Remove Programs” screen and deleting programs that are unfamiliar or unnecessary. Most spyware is hidden more effectively than that, however, and a software solution needs to be purchased to deal with the spyware and eliminate the problem completely. Most of the major anti-virus software makers have programs that specialize in spyware. There are also free downloads online, however these are generally less effective and may actually install more spyware on your computer.

Some of the programs that are most well known for handling spyware problems include Ad-Aware, eTrust Pest-Patrol Anti-Spyware, and Spybot Search and Destroy. With spyware, it’s essential to download security patches and updates as they become available to guard against new spyware threats. Some spyware is programmed to disable anti-virus software so that it can run undetected, so it’s important to stay vigilant in keeping unwelcome spyware off of your computer.

One of the most basic and important elements of Internet security is to have a firewall in place. A firewall is essentially a barrier that protects a computer from being accessed by other Internet users. In today’s world, one in six people has Internet access, and the technology that allows users in Beijing, New York, Paris, Sydney, and just about everywhere else is amazing. Unfortunately, there are also destructive forces online that seek to enter computers connected to a network in a search for information or to plant software that can do great harm to a computer. As Internet use becomes an even bigger part of life, the use of firewalls to protect systems from unwanted, outside access is more important now than ever before.

A firewall can be either an actual hardware device or software placed on a computer. Its job is to be a filter and only allow information through that meets the standards and requirements set by the user. Incoming data that does not meet the guidelines set forth is not allowed into the system. While this may restrict users from accessing some information, its primary function is to protect users from potentially harmful intrusion into their computer.

There are several types of Internet users that should use firewalls. Individuals with a computer connected to the Internet should have firewall protection, especially those with high speed DSL or cable lines allowing their computer to stay online at all times. Most Internet Service Providers have basic firewalls in place already to keep unfriendly visitors away. Firewalls are also used very often in business. Companies that want to control the types of information that can be accessed or transmitted from their company network can do so by adjusting firewall settings. While employees may complain about the restricted access to information, the company is acting responsibly by controlling the flow of information within their network of computers.

Firewalls work in a few different ways. The most common method is for information that is attempting to be accessed to be divided into “packets” and filtered, looking for keywords, IP addresses, or domain names that are not allowed in the system. Firewalls also look for packets of information that could contain viruses, spyware, or other potentially harmful programs, and blocks suspicious information from gaining access to the network. There are different levels of security that can be set on a firewall, from blocking literally everything to turning the firewall off and letting all information flow freely. Each user needs to determine for themselves an appropriate level of filtering and protection.

There are several types of attacks the firewalls protect against. Some of the more common problems that are avoided include remote login, denial of service attacks, viruses, and spam. The use of a firewall on its own should not be considered a reliable defense against these types of problems, but it’s a great first step. Using reliable anti-virus software and practicing safe computer habits in conjunction with a firewall will help to keep users out of trouble.

One of the problems with the detection and elimination of computer viruses is that there are many hoax viruses that exist that make computer users believe that legitimate virus threats are also hoaxes. Thousands of e-mails are sent from one person to another everyday warning of new computer viruses and how they are contracted. Many of these warnings are the equivalent of “crying wolf” to computer users, and the problem is that once enough hoaxes have been passed along, users begin to automatically dismiss all warnings of viruses as hoaxes.

Part of the problem with virus hoaxes is that many computer users pass them to their entire contact list before checking the legitimacy of the message. There are several websites devoted to exposing hoax viruses in an effort to stop the spread of false information and help people to focus on viruses that are real threats.

Another problem with hoax virus alerts is that many computer users spend a great deal of time checking their system and deleting questionable files for a virus that is nothing more than a rumor. Network administrators may shut down entire networks, rendering thousands of computers useless while they check the validity of a virus hoax. Again, a quick check of one of several websites can quickly determine whether or not a virus warning is legitimate.

There are several well known virus hoaxes that have been circulating for years. Chances are, you may have received messages with warnings related to these hoaxes at one time or another.

One famous hoax is the Budweiser Frogs Screensaver Hoax, an e-mail claiming that downloading the screensaver would steal all usernames and passwords and erase the user’s entire hard drive.

One of the oldest and most well known virus hoaxes originated in 1994 and is called the “Good Times” Virus Hoax. The e-mail would warn recipients that any e-mail with the phrase “good times” in the subject line would expose the computer to a virus if the e-mail was opened. Users were told to delete the e-mail without opening it.

There are a few ways to make sure that users don’t waste time and energy on virus hoaxes. First, common sense and reason should be enough for a computer user not to worry about outrageous warnings. Some virus hoaxes claim that opening certain E-mails will, for example, cause a computer to “explode.” There is no known virus that will cause a computer explosion, but some users waste their own time and their recipient’s time spreading concerns such as this.

Many of the virus hoaxes that are sent to E-mail boxes are sent by spammers who are simply flooding the Internet with as much useless garbage as possible. Hackers are getting more creative every day, and an effective virus hoax can be nearly as crippling to a computer network as a legitimate virus. The best policy is to have effective anti-virus software, trust that software, and do your part to stop the spread hoax virus E-mails.

If you’re concerned about identity theft over the internet (and everyone who uses the net should be!) you can download a free ebook by Todd Feinman called “Scared Safe: Life’s Little Identity Protection Handbook”.

It covers a lot of information that everyone who’s online should be aware of.

You can get more information and download the book from here:

Free e-book: “Scared Safe: Life’s Little Identity Theft Protection Handbook”

One of the most important things you can do if you connect to the Internet at all is to make sure that you have internet security in place. Internet security leads to prevention of several problems that can harm or even destroy your data. Some of the security issues for Internet users to be aware of include:

- Hackers: Hackers are users who work to find loopholes in Internet security systems and exploit those loopholes. Their intentions could be anything from a desire to copy confidential information to generally just trying to cause trouble. Regardless of a hacker’s purpose, Internet users are at risk and should ensure that they safeguard their computer and personal information.

- Viruses: Viruses are computer programs designed to infiltrate unsuspecting user computers, replicate themselves, spread to other computers, destroy data, and interfere with the operation of your computer. Viruses are most commonly spread through attachments in E-mails, instant messages, or other downloads.

- Spyware: Spyware is software that plants itself on your computer and collects personal information, usually for the purpose of targeting advertising. Adware is spyware that allows advertisements to pop up on your screen based on the information it has gathered from your hard drive. Not all spyware is harmful, but it generally ends up on your computer without your consent and users need to be aware of it, as it can disrupt your computer’s performance.

- Worms: A worm is a program that replicates itself and sends itself to other computers on your network, usually undetected. While a virus has to attach itself to an existing program, a worm does not–it can replicate and spread on its own. Worms can shut down computer function because of the bandwidth they use.

- Phishing Scams: Phishing is essentially tricking a computer user into giving away valuable personal information such as bank account numbers, social security numbers, and credit card numbers. In a phishing scam, the user may receive an E-mail that appears to be sent from their bank asking for the user to confirm personal information. The goal of a phishing scam is to use this information against the victim of the scan.

- Spam: Spamming is the act of sending messages to multiple users indiscriminately in an attempt to flood the Internet with advertising or other information. While spam itself will not likely harm your computer, it can be a nuisance and distraction from the web content you’re really looking for. It’s also easy to hide viruses in links provided through spam messages.

There are ways to protect yourself from the above internet security issues. First, make sure that your computer is equipped with anti-virus software to detect and eliminate security issues. Second, make passwords difficult to guess and change your passwords often. Third, install updates as they become available. Finally, be smart about your online activities. Refuse to click on links that are from unfamiliar or suspicious sources. These issues can be hard to detect, but the available security measures should take care of most issues.

There are more and more kids getting their own websites these days. Whether it’s for a blog, learning how to design websites or even for budding internet business moguls, it’s getting more and more common.

But if you’re thinking of registering a website for your kids, there are a couple of things you need to consider.

First, when you register a domain (”domain” in www.domain.com) you need to enter the contact information of the person registering it. This includes an address, full name, phone number and email address.

This information is publicly available to anyone who wants to look it up, so it’s important that you either use an office address, a post office box or some kind of privacy protection. Otherwise anyone can look up the full name and address of who owns the site. Whether it’s in your name or your child’s, they can be tracked down with that information if it’s your home address & phone number.

Most domain registrars offer privacy protection that will shield that information from being viewed publicly. Some charge a couple of dollars extra for the service while others include it automatically.

Second, if you’ve already registered a domain with personal information you can change it through your domain registrar. But you need to be aware that the historical information will always be available to anyone willing to pay to get it. It’s not expensive ($15-$30) to get this service, and there’s nothing you can do to block it.

Even if you add privacy protection now, the historical data is already stored.

I came across a website today that was being run by a 12 year old boy. He had put a lot of work into it, and was doing a great job of it. But on one of the pages he specifically said that his parents wouldn’t let him post his last name because of the risks that can come from the internet.

At the same time, the website was registered in his name with his home address, phone number and email address out there for anyone who knows how to find it.

All the effort his parents went to to protect him was out the window from the start.

You always, always need to remember that once information is “out there” on the internet, it’s next to impossible to get it back. Make sure you’re safe in the first place.

One of the crimes getting a great deal of publicity recently is identity theft. In 2007, over 8.4 million adults in the United States were victims of identity theft, with over $49 billion in damages and fraud committed by these identity thieves. Identity theft happens when someone uses another individual’s personal information, such as a social security number, banking information, or a credit card number, without permission to commit fraud. Identity thieves are doing anything from shopping online to opening credit card or cellular phone accounts to renting apartments with information obtained illegally about strangers. There are several steps that individuals can take to prevent themselves to becoming a victim of identity theft.

One of the common misconceptions about identity theft is that most of the problems begin with information that is gathered online. While some identity theft crimes are committed online, according to recent surveys where the source of the stolen personal information is known, nearly 70% of victims reported that their information was stolen without the use of a computer. Methods criminals use to steal valuable information include stealing wallets and purses, stealing mail, and gathering information from victim’s associates. Many of the steps that should be taken to prevent identity theft are common sense, but important nonetheless.

Some available measures to protect your information may include:

1. Be Secure: Many neighborhoods are converting from traditional rows of unlocked mailboxes to mailboxes that require a key to access. Stealing mail is a favorite method of identity thieves. If possible, receive statements and pay bills online to prevent sensitive information from being accessed by criminals digging through your mail.
2. Be Smart: Tricks like looking over your shoulder as you enter a PIN number into an ATM machine work well for identity thieves. Criminals are also willing to look through garbage for the mail you’ve thrown away. For instance, most Americans receive several credit card applications in the mail each week. A shredder can be purchased for less than $20 now and is a great investment when it comes to protecting your identity.
3. Be proactive: Once a criminal has your information in hand, it can take less than 5 minutes for fraud to occur. A stolen purse with a credit card and other personal information inside is a great find for an identity thief. Call your credit card company the minute you think your card may be lost or stolen - the hassle of waiting for a new card to arrive in the mail is nothing compared to the hassle of dealing with the consequences of identity theft, as victims spend an average of 600 hours each dealing with the problems caused by the theft of their identities. Monitor your credit report regularly to ensure nothing suspicious has shown up in your name.

Anyone can be a victim of identity theft, but the above steps can help make sure that it’s difficult if not impossible for criminal to get their hands on your personal information.

One of the chief concerns among Internet users is knowing that their privacy is safe and that the computers and personal information are secure from internet security threats. As more personal business is completed online, including shopping, travel planning, blogging, paying bills, web surfing, and sending E-mail and instant messages, Internet users are more and more likely to send confidential information online. Most Internet users enter their address, telephone number, bank account number, or credit card number as they participate in e-commerce without thinking twice. However, it’s essential to safeguard this information and make sure that confidential information stays out of the wrong hands.

Most Internet users assume that the information they search for online and the personal information they enter is private. There are several factors to be aware of when using the Internet that call internet privacy into question, including:

• Cookies: Cookies are a tool used to track a users web surfing. When a user visits a website, that site’s server receives the request for information, and sends the web content to the user’s computer. The user computer stores cookies on the hard drive without the knowledge or permission of the user. The information stored on cookies can be as simple as the name of a website, and as complex as credit card numbers to help automatically fill out forms later. Cookies have useful functions, such as helping web pages load faster, but it’s important to be aware that messages are sent between user computers and servers without the consent of the Internet user.
• Internet Service Providers: Because the only way to get online is through a provider of Internet service, everything you do online can potentially be logged by your ISP. Your provider should have information on how they protect your privacy.
• Data Logging: Many computers are set up to log all computer activity, which could risk a user’s privacy if the information got into the wrong hands through outside access to your computer.
• Spyware: Spyware enters a user computer without warning or permission to monitor activity and steer advertising and other web content toward the user. Spyware is more than a nuisance that hinders computer performance; it can gather and transmit potentially confidential information to third parties.

There are several reasons why other individuals, companies, or even computer programs would want to violate your Internet privacy. In some cases the goal is to target advertising tailored specifically for your interest. In others, people may be trying to steal your information for their personal gain. In today’s ago of information, information is power.

Protecting your computer and your personal information by changing passwords regularly, using effective anti-virus software, using only websites that have taken precautions to ensure your privacy, and screening your system regularly for potentially harmful activity is the only way to safeguard your Internet Privacy. The Internet is an amazing tool, but it can also be dangerous if users fail to take steps to protect themselves.

One of the most important parts of protecting your operating system and personal information is the proper use of internet security software. There are several options available and there are different types of protection that users should have in place for different types of computer usage. A user who spends time downloading music, movies, games, or software from Internet sites will probably need more sophisticated protection than a user who generally does nothing more than E-mail when online. Regardless, it’s good to know what options are available to protect your computer and your information.

One of the most important pieces of internet security software that all users should have is firewall protection. A firewall enables a user to make sure that only approved information can be sent between a home computer or a computer network and the Internet. The Firewall will not allow certain content from the Internet to reach the user’s computer. A personal firewall is used to protect stand-alone, individual computers that are connected to the Internet at all times, through DSL, cable, or some other high speed Internet service. A firewall’s job is to let the user know when information that is questionable is trying to reach the user’s computer.

Another important element of internet security is the use of reliable anti-virus software. One of the most discouraging things that can happen to a computer owner is to have their computer infected with a virus. A virus can be severe or mild, from a mild inconvenience to the complete destruction of your computer. Anti-virus software works in two separate ways. The first is through the use of signature files. When the software reports a virus, a signature file is created, the virus is inoculated, and the inoculation becomes available to identify and fight off that virus in other instances. The second way viruses are dealt with is called heuristics, a process where computers are scanned for programs behaving like viruses, the problem is isolated and the file is destroyed. This is probably the future of anti-virus software, but the process is imperfect at this point.

Most computer viruses are made to affect computers running the Windows operating system. Some users of other operating systems feel that anti-virus software is unnecessary, but the truth is that users of all types of computers and operating systems need to take measure the ensure internet security.

When purchasing anti-virus software, it’s important to use only software that can automatically receive updates. As more virus prevention becomes available, it’s important to make sure that your software stays up to date. Look for software that runs routine checks on your system to make sure no virus slips through the cracks. Finally, look for names that are widely known and respected, such as Norton/Symantec and McAfee, even if you have to pay a few extra dollars to use them. The cost of protecting your computer effectively is much less than the cost of trying to restore or replace lost information and equipment.

One of the crimes getting more attention than many others it today’s high-tech, electronic world is identity theft.  Identity theft is that act of taking someone’s personal information and using that information to commit fraud.  This personal information can be obtained in any number of ways, but regardless of the source of the information, identity theft can have negative financial consequences and be a major inconvenience.   About 10 million Americans become victims to identity theft every year, and the financial damages exceed $50 billion a year in fraud.  The average identity theft victim spends over 600 hours cleaning up the mess that identity theft and fraud can cause, so it’s wise to take precautions to protect your personal information.

Congress finally passed laws regarding identity theft in 1998, but well before that year criminals were still finding ways to steal information and profit at the expense of their victims.  The common scenario finds the identity thief posing as someone else, withdrawing funds from bank accounts or piling up charges on credit cards, and in some cases even buying homes or apartments in the name of someone else.  Eventually, the criminal can disappear, leaving the debt and negative credit consequences in the victim’s name to handle.

There are several things that individual’s can do to protect themselves from falling victim to identity theft.  Although the Internet has opened new doors for criminals looking to steal information, such as phishing scams, nearly 70% of identity theft still occurs the old fashioned way.  Activities such as stealing mail, digging through garbage cans, or even looking over a consumer’s shoulder at an ATM machine can lead to a wealth of information for criminals.  Some measures that you can take to protect yourself include purchasing a shredder to destroy all documents containing sensitive information, using a mailbox that can only be accessed with a key, and being careful not to send confidential information electronically.

Individuals who become identity theft victims may be forced to spend huge amounts of time getting their lives back together.  It’s critical to immediately cancel missing credit cards and contact your bank to put a stop on stolen checks and disable debit and ATM cards when you suspect that someone could be authorizing transactions in your name.  The first step that should be taken if you suspect that someone has stolen your identity is to contact the Federal Trade Commission, the government body assigned to handle identity theft cases.  It would also be a good idea to report the crime to your local FBI office.  Next, you should contact the three credit rating agencies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) to report that fraud may have been committed in your name.

Fortunately, identity theft has actually declined in frequency over the past couple of years as more people have become aware of how easy it is for criminals to access unprotected information.  However, it remains a serious problem with serious consequences for victims.  It’s vital to be vigilant in protecting your information to ensure you don’t fall victim to identity theft.

The Internet is an amazing tool that people rely on more and more in several aspects of their lives. One of the fastest growing demographics of Internet users is children. Unfortunately, children are also one of the demographics most vulnerable to being taken advantage of online, making protecting children a chief concern of both parents and software developers. There are several keys to making sure children are protected when using the Internet.

The most important thing that can be done to help a child stay safe when using the Internet is to educate the child of the dangers that exist online. Children should know that while sites such as chat rooms seem like a lot of fun, that there could be dangerous people looking for pictures or personal information of children. Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are becoming increasingly popular among teens, but users should take precautions such as setting profile pages to “private” to control who is authorized to view the child’s page. Personal information such as phone numbers and addresses should never be posted in a public place on the Internet.

One of the tools that parents often turn to in order to keep their children safe online is filtering software. This software is designed to examine web pages for content that might be offensive, inappropriate, or unsafe for children and to block the site from being accessed from a user’s computer. This software is effective and helpful, but should never be considered a replacement for supervision from parents. There are often sites that somehow find loopholes in even the most effective filters, so parents should still monitor computer activity. One of the downsides to filtering software is that pages that are inoffensive may be blocked, hindering the user’s ability to access needed information from a harmless website. Filtering software should be password protected so that children can’t give themselves access to the entire Internet.

Many parents monitor children’s Internet activities by tracking where they have been online. Checking browser history and other files stored on computers as users surf from web page to web page is a good way to make sure your children are staying away from harmful or offensive sites. However, many children who use the Internet are smart enough to know how to cover their tracks, so relying on tracking the history of web sites visited is not enough in most cases. Several filtering programs send parents a weekly report of web sites visited and time spent online, a more accurate way to track a child’s Internet activity.

Setting house rules for computer and Internet use is another effective way to protect children who use the Internet. Some rules could include keeping the computer in a public room in the house, limiting the time and hours each day that the Internet can be used, and maintaining a list of approved websites for children to visit.

A parent’s responsibility is to use a combination of all of the above tools and ideas to make sure their children who use the Internet are protected.