12 Steps to Protect yourself Online

There’s no 100% protection that guarantees that you’ll never fall victim to some form of identity theft.

The current economic meltdown has also made some hitherto reputable online businesses result to sharp practices and many persons have sadly fallen prey to them. But there are steps you can take to shield your privacy, many of which are rather simple.

Online Safety

STEP 1: With many private telecom companies in Nigeria offering internet access as part of their service, try as much as possible to avoid using cyber cafes and other public systems because of the menace of these so called ‘yahoo yahoo boys’ that are on always on the prowl.

STEP 2: Destroy private records and statements. Tear or, if you prefer, shred credit card statements, solicitations and other documents that contain private financial information.

STEP 3: Now that more and more banks in Nigeria are introducing Automated Teller Machines (ATM) in their various branches, never leave ATM receipts behind and always make sure no one is lurking behind you trying to steal your pin.

STEP 4: When making an online purchase, look in the lower right hand corner of your browser window to find an SSL icon (the icon of a lock) If you see the icon, that means you’re dealing with a secure site. If you don’t see one, you’ll be safer finding another merchant.

STEP 5: Also, check out website privacy policies. Shy away from websites that don’t specifically say that they won’t pass your name and information around to others.

STEP 6: Stick to well-known retailers or sites that others have used to their satisfaction.

STEP 7: If you have more than one credit card, Use only one credit card for online purchases. That way, if something fishy seems to be happening, it’ll be easier to spot on your bill.

STEP 8: If you get an unwanted e-mail, don’t click the “remove me” option that many such mails offer. In many cases, all that means is that the mail has hit an active address, which only means more solicitations from the spammers. Just delete it or place the address in your ‘Junk Mail’ folder.

STEP 9: Set up an e-mail garbage address. Use one e-mail address for transactions and other activities that may lead to spam. Use another for all private communication.

STEP 10: Promptly check your bank statements regularly and report any discrepancies immediately to your bank.

STEP 11: Make sure you update your antivirus and other online security software regularly.

STEP 12: Ensure you have strong passwords on your systems, email etc and don’t divulge same to anyone.
copied from The Mauco Blog

If you implement the above steps you are off to a good start in protecting yourself online.
Do you have any other tips you feel we should have added to the above? Please feel free to share your comments below.