Keep office virus-free
Most business people communicate through e-mail these days, making their computers extremely valuable tools. However, one false click can render a computer useless (until you run a virus scan).
Be very wary of clicking on any links in an e-mail unless it comes from someone you know. If you aren't expecting an e-mail attachment from someone, don't open it. If the attachment comes from a trusted source but you weren't expecting it, confirm the person sent it to ensure the e-mail was not virus-generated.
Your second-best defense — after confirmation — is virus scan. A virus-scan program will tell you if something you are about to open contains a virus. If you do accidentally download a virus into your computer, running the scan can get rid of it.
Beware of Phishing Banking Scams. The Consumer Reports National Research Center estimates that people lost $630 million in 2005-06 to phishing scams.
Phishing e-mails are sent to thousands of people every day. Many are made to look like they are from banks and credit unions. The bogus e-mails tell recipients to update their account information by going online and providing bank account, credit card or Social Security numbers plus passwords or PIN codes.
Don't take the bait. Once you follow the link and provide the requested information, it is used to empty your bank account.
Another form of phishing is a congratulatory letter supposedly from an online business indicating the recipient has something — usually a credit toward purchases from the business. To claim the credit, the recipient must take part in a survey designed to elicit his or her personal information.
Don't supply anyone with your personal information unless you confirm that you trust the party on the other end.
Original: Philly Burbs
