Internet - 61
sensitive data. Another sign that you have a secure connection is the
small lock icon in the bottom of your web browser (usually the right-hand
corner).
• Pay attention to privacy policies on Web sites and in software. It is
important to understand how an organization might collect and use your
personal information before you share it with them.
• Guard your email address. Spammers and "phishers" sometimes send
millions of messages to email addresses that may or may not exist in
hopes of finding a potential victim. Responding to these messages or
even downloading images ensures you will be added to their lists for
more of the same messages in the future. Also be careful when posting
your email address online in newsgroups, blogs or online communities.
Online offers that look too good to be true usually are
The old saying "there's no such thing as a free lunch" still rings true today.
Supposedly "free" software such as screen savers or smileys, secret
investment tricks sure to make you untold fortunes, and contests that
you've surprisingly won without entering are the enticing hooks used by
companies to grab your attention.
While you may not directly pay for the software or service with money, the
free software or service you asked for may have been bundled with
advertising software ("adware") that tracks your behavior and displays
unwanted advertisements. You may have to divulge personal information
or purchase something else in order to claim your supposed content
winnings. If an offer looks so good it's hard to believe, ask for someone
else's opinion, read the fine print, or even better, simply ignore it.
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