Protect Your Internet

Securing Yourself
When you surf the internet, you have to prevent unauthorized access to and damage of your computer system. Thousands of internet hackers and other cyber criminals are lurking in the shadows, always ready to pounce on unsuspecting internet visitors with insecure systems. To prevent this from happening to you, there are two main areas where you have to beef up your internet security:
  1. Data Encryption
    Data encryption is the translation of data into a form that is unintelligible without a deciphering mechanism.

    For the casual internet user, this means employing a firewall and internet security software (like the AVG Internet Security bundle), using a good internet browser (like Firefox) and making sure to use encrypted and secure internet connections (SSL) where possible and necessary (for example online banking).
  2. Passwords
    A password is a secret word or phrase that gives you access to a particular program or system.

    It is important not to use a common, dictionary or easy password, but one that is made up from both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and unusual characters. The greater in length your password, the better. And do not write your passwords down on a sticky note on your computer screen! Keep them safe. Also change your passwords regularly. There is free software that can help you keep track of your passwords, and browsers such as Firefox can do that too. We also offer a free Password Generator to help create random passwords. Here are some other password resources:
To learn more about the some of the terms used above, check out our Security Glossary

There are of course further steps necessary for complete protection: Protect Your Privacy, Protect Your PC and Protect Your Data.