Email Alert and Online Security Tips

We have been hearing a lot about flu shots, H1N1 flu and various other health related topics lately. But what are you doing to keep your identity and computer safe from online hackers, viruses, spyware, and more? It is very possible to use the Internet safely through regular computer checkups and common sense just as you would do for your own health and safety.

Like our bodies, our computers are susceptible to many hazards when exposed to its surrounding environment. By protecting your own computer, you will also protect the computers of your family, co-workers, and friends.

Here is a recent email alert and a few tips to protect yourself and your computer from online hazards.

Email Alert - There is an official looking scam email circulating claiming it is from Microsoft to update your Outlook software. Do not click links in this email. 

Microsoft, other corporations, and the government do not normally send out email alerts and attachments with links to update software or enter personal information.

There are also phony emails from the IRS and various Banks. My bank asks me to forward email to their fraud email alias in regards to email related to their bank. Please don't forward questionable emails to anyone unless asked.

If you are ever in doubt, even if it is from someone you know, throw it out, then delete your "Deleted" items.

4 steps to protect your computer -

1. Keep your firewall turned on.
2. Keep your operating system up-to-date.
3. Keep your antivirus software up-to-date. 
4. Keep your antispyware technology up-to-date.

Online Security Tips:

1. To update your Microsoft Software use the software built into Windows named Windows Update. Click the Start Menu > Windows Update or you can find it in the Control Panel > Windows Update. If it isn't already set, you can enable the software to update your system automatically. Other operating systems have similar features.
2. Pause before you open attachments or click links in e-mail or IM even if you know the sender; they could be phony. Confirm with the sender that the message is real or visit the official Web site by typing the address yourself. *

3. Never give sensitive information in response to an e-mail or instant message (IM) request. *

For more information, check out the Security & Updates section of the Microsoft Corporation web site at www.microsoft.com/security where you will find Internet and computer safety tips and more.

Be safe online and everywhere!

Take care,

Mark Lawson
GreenSea Media

* Security tip from www.microsoft.com/security.