Are you Surfing Safely?

Flip on the news. Read the paper. Open a magazine. Odds are that you’ll be seeing something about Internet security. Just today I found the following articles plastered across Google News:

• “Sony Execs Apologize for Network Security Breach”
• “Customers Stay Despite High Profile Data Breaches”
• “Security Concerns Rise over Wi-Fi Networks”

All three articles have one thing in common – a warning that the Internet can be a very dangerous place. Yet is seems that each time users get the choice between security and convenience, they consistently choose the latter. You may say to yourself “Oh no, not me– I don’t access risky sites, I use a strong virus protection software, and my computer is password protected.” That is all well and good, but have you ever participated in any of the following activities?

• Saved your mailing address, e-mail, or *ahem* credit card number on Amazon or eBay so you didn’t have to enter it every time you logged in?
• Switched from Firefox to Internet Explorer as your preferred browser?
• Checked your bank account from a public Wi-Fi zone?
• Paid for something online using a credit card?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’re not being as safe as you thought you were. Yes, taking the aforementioned actions may make your life easier, but how much are you willing to risk?

Sadly, people seem to be willing to risk a whole lot these days. In the article titled “Security Concerns Rise Over Wi-Fi Networks” one woman stated “I’m somewhat aware that open wireless Internet networks can trigger security problems, but I tend to go with the option anyway because the Wi-Fi networks are much faster in data transfer compared to the 3G network on mobile.” James McCartney was quoted saying “I’ve accepted that all my information is out there and someone has it, and that’s just the way it is” in the article titled “Customers Stay Despite High Profile Data Breaches”.

I propose a different train of thought – like Obama stated, it is time for a change. We need to quit this lackadaisical type of thinking and protect ourselves. We shouldn’t grow to expect hacking, viruses and weak security, just as we wouldn’t tolerate an intruder breaking into our home, or a thief snatching our wallet. As has always been the case with technology, the laws and regulations always seem to be two steps behind, which is why, until the laws catch up with the times, we need to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves. René Mente, CEO of Neptune Consulting Group put it this way:

"Let’s consider your home, for example. It would be very convenient to leave and re-enter the house if you left the front and back doors unlocked, and left the doors open all the time. However, if you leave the house and go to work in the morning with the doors wide open and unlocked, it would not be very secure.

On the other hand, you could lock all the doors, lock all the dead-bolts, set the security alarm system, and have Doberman pinchers leashed to the front and back porch. It wouldn’t get any more secure than this scenario; however, it’s not very convenient when you’re coming back from the store with two bags of groceries in each arm."

So while I’m not proposing that you boycott the Internet, wrap your head in tin foil, and move to a hut in the woods, I am providing you with a few ways you can keep yourself safe when you’re online:

1. Delete your cookies on a regular basis. For more information on this, and how to delete them, click here and here.  
2. If your browser prompts you to “Remember Username and Password for this Site”, decline the invitation.
3. When using a public Wi-Fi, avoid checking your bank account, private e-mails or other confidential documents. To learn why, click here.
4. Use a secure browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when using the internet.

Remember, you take the time to secure your home, work, and office, so take the time to secure yourself online. Happy Surfing!