Cyber Crime Security .... Continued

Update your browser
When you use the internet, you view websites in a browser. A browser is a program that accesses and displays files and other data available on the internet and other networks. IE (Internet Explorer), Mozilla Firefox, opera, are some popular internet browsers around. Browser programs are frequently updated to add functionality and address problems. If you are using an older version, there could be security issues.

So download the latest or updated browser you are using from the company's website over the internet. This is very important to update your browser as the hackers or frauds try out new ways to scam you. Recently there has been some serious security issues with IE7. To update IE7 go to the Microsoft's website update the browser.

Cookies
While you browse the internet, information about your computer may be collected and stored fraudulently. To increase your level of security, adjust your privacy and security setting to block or limit cookies in your web browser. Make sure that other sites are not collecting personal information about you without your knowledge by choosing only to allow cookies for the website you are visiting. Block or limit cookies from any third-party. If you are using a public computer, you should make sure that cookies are disabled to prevent other people from accessing or using your personal information. If you are using Fireforx then press [Shift] + [Ctrl] + [Del] and use the dialogue box that pops up to clear all personal data and history. In IE go to Tools > Internet options, and delete the cookies. Anyway if you delete your cookies while surfing the internet then, incase you are viewing email or forum, they may ask for your username and password again. So it is better to remove cookies before and after you surf the internet.

Spoofing attacks
* Spoofing attack are as common as phishing frauds. The spoofed sites is usually designed to look like genuine site, using a similar look and feel to legitimate the site. The best way to verify whether you are at a spoofed site is to verify the certificate.

* "Lock" icon- check for lock icon in the lower-right or along the address bar of the browser window. This tells you that the website uses encryption to protect sensitive personal information -credit card number, ATM PIN, Social Security number, etc. The lock only appears on sites that use an SSl connection, which is typically used only on sites where you enter sensitive information. The secure site lock icon when closed means that the site uses encryption. Double-click the lock icon to display the security certificate for the site. This certificate is the proof of the identity for the site. While checking the certificate, the name following "Issued to:" should match the site you are on. In the even of the names not matching, you are on a spoofed site and should quit.

Counterfeit Websites
Often you are guided to fraudulent websites via email and pop-up windows in order to collect your personal information. You can detect such web sites if you type the said URL into a new browser window. If it does not take you to a legitimate website, or you get an error message, it is a fake web site. Never click on an email to a site involving financial transactions. Either enter the URL of the website by hand or use your bookmarks.

Some Downloading tips
* Download programs from legitimate and trustworthy sites. Enter the program in a search engine to check whether the program has been reported for spy ware issues.
* Be cautious while downloading free music, movies, software, and surfing file sharing sites.
* Read the privacy statements and licensing agreements of the software you download.
* Never enter financial information in pop up windows.

The first part