5 ways to protect your-digital-self
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The best way to protect yourself online is to use common sense. The best rule of thumb states that If it’s questionable, don’t do it. However, there are some more specific steps you can take to protect yourself from spam, viruses, and potential stalkers.
1. Think twice before posting pictures of yourself, family or friends.
If you’re worried about anyone viewing your picture, it’s best to just not post it. You never know who could be viewing those pictures. Potential employers, ex-boyfriends, your pet rabbit, who knows?
2. Don’t open unexpected email attachments or click on links found in them.
The easiest way for a virus to enter your computer is through curious clicking. If you don’t recognize an email address or subject line, delete the email. Under no circumstances should you ever open an email attachment that you were not expecting, even if it’s from someone you know. Spammers can take control of neglected email accounts, which could include friends, and use them to send you viruses.
3. Do not click the ‘Unsubscribe’ link found at the bottom of spam messages.
Most of the time that unsubscribe link is fake and will actually inform the bad guys that your email account is active. Thus, you’ll receive ten times more spam. The best way to combat spam is to keep deleting it.
4. Lock your computer when you leave your computer unattended.
If you’re using Windows, press the ‘Windows Key’ & ‘L’ Key at the same time when you leave your desk. If your keyboard doesn’t have a Windows Key, press Cntrl, Alt, Delete, then click ‘Lock Computer’. Make sure you know your user name and password before you lock it or you may end up with a worse problem.
5. Never leave your USB flash drive or camera laying around.
This is one of the easiest ways for your files and personal data to be stolen. Always keep your Flash Drives, cameras and other storage media out of sight. That way, no one is tempted to blackmail you with last night’s party pics. You might not remember, but you kept taking pictures of yourself while you were in the bathtub…
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