How do I protect my information on the Internet?

• Install a firewall to protect your information. You need current and up to date anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware, and firewall programs to be protected against identity thieves.
• Install reputable anti-spam and anti-virus software. Most reputable anti-spam software programs today are also programmed to identify known viruses, which could contain trojan horses as well.
• Keep your anti-virus, firewall and operating systems updated
• Verify BOTH the source AND content of each file you download! Don't download an executable program just to "check it out." If it's a trojan, the first time you run it, you're already infected!
• Use caution when dealing with pop-ups. This is a perfect place to plant a virus or trojan programs.
• Beware of hidden file extensions! Windows by default hides the last extension of a file, so that innocuous-looking picture "susie.jpg" might really be "susie.jpg.exe" - an executable trojan! To avoid being tricked, unhide those pesky extensions.
• If you are an online multi-gamer type, do not publish your I.P. address on websites or newsgroups, unless you are very sure that you are fully protected. You would be much better off logging into others' game servers, than inviting others to log onto your game server at a precise I.P. address.
• Backup your system!
• Turn off your computer when not in use. If you are not connected to the Internet, you cannot be infected, hacked or hijacked.
• Use common sense. When in doubt, assume the unknown attachment is a virus. Pay attention to virus alerts. Don't even consider trying to outsmart those who have created these malicious programs.
• Reconsider storing personal information in your computer. Transfer it to a CD and use the CD when you need the information. This is especially true of passwords, SSNs, tax and financial records.

In closing, jumping on the direct connection bandwagon can be safe and fun as long as you protect yourself adequately from unwanted intruders by using either a software or hardware firewall.  As well as practicing safe techniques and keeping anti-virus, spyware, malware protection updated.

Related links:

ITRC Fact Sheet 119  Computer Security
ITRC Fact Sheet 118  PC Perfect  A computer IQ test

For further information on firewalls visit the following links:

www.firewallguide.com  
www.howstuffworks.com/firewall.htm
www.greatcircle.com/gca/tutorial/bif.html

Also, you may want to learn more about a Secure Payment Agent.  This is a method of protecting your personal information that allows you to remain completely anonymous while conducting online transactions or signing up at web sites so you never give up your personal information. For more on Secure Payment Agents, see the ITRC White Paper. Shop Shield®, a product of Kemesa, is the first in a class of products identified by the ITRC as a “Secure Payment Agent” (“SPA”). To learn more about Shop Shield® works go to the Shop Shield website.