If you've done any shopping over
the Internet, you've most likely seen the "secure server"
declarations by merchants. This means that the computer
hosting the Web page will transmit all information you enter
on the page in "encrypted" (or scrambled) form. For more
information about encryption, visit
http://netsecurity.about.com/cs/encryptionrefs/index.htm
.
Data traveling over the Internet
actually passes through many computers along the way;
therefore, the opportunity exists for someone to intercept
(or "sniff") information. When you're buying merchandise
online, you don't want your credit card number to be
snatched in transit as it goes from you to the destination.
If you're using a secure page which encrypts your
information, to anyone listening in the middle, the
communication is unintelligible garbage.
To tell if a Web page is secure,
look at the secure page icon at the bottom of your browser
window (outside the main Web page content area) on the
"status bar." If the lock is closed, you're using a secure
page. If the lock's open, you're not. Also, look at the Web
address: usually secure addresses will start with the
protocol HTTPS.
Keep in mind that millions of
people have already purchased billions of dollars worth of
goods and services via the Web. These shoppers have done so
with the confidence that their personal and financial data
is protected. And this is the case the majority of the time.
However, it is a good idea when entering credit card or
other sensitive information to be sure that you know the
company you're dealing with, and that any forms you submit
are on secure pages. EarthLink always uses secure Web pages
when asking for sensitive information like credit card
numbers or passwords.
Web Security: What's Your
Zone?
In addition to standard Web
security features, Internet Explorer includes the ability to
classify Web sites by security zone. Each zone has its own
security settings that control how Internet Explorer handles
potentially damaging content. You can use zones to control
how the browser sends information to Web sites. This feature
helps you guard yourself without having to get a lot of
warnings from sites you trust.
There are four zones that Web
sites can fall into:
-
Internet Zone: The
default zone for most sites.
-
Local Intranet Zone:
Sites within your organization's intranet, or internal Web
system.
-
Trusted Sites Zone: Sites
you know are safe and not likely to damage your computer—EarthLink's
homepage, for example.
-
Restricted Sites Zone:
Pages that may contain inappropriate content.
Each zone can be set to one of
four security levels:
-
High: All potentially
damaging content (like Java applets or ActiveX controls)
is blocked.
-
Medium: You will be asked
before your browser accesses this content.
-
Low: The browser will
load everything on a page without warning you.
-
Custom: Use this setting
to combine elements of the three security levels.
Often, "spammers" use special
computer programs that scan the Web and collect email
addresses from Web sites. They then use these email
addresses to send unsolicited advertisements and other junk
mail, often called "spam." In addition, there are malicious
people who collect email addresses for the purpose of
spreading email viruses.
To combat these "evil-doers," be
cautious of giving out your email address. And if you do
enter your email address online, make sure the Web page is
secure.
The more you give out your email
address, the more likely you may be to receive spam and
email viruses. Viruses can hide in email attachments. Don't
open an attachment from anyone you don't know. Even if you
do know the sender, you may want to scan the attachment with
anti-virus software before you open it.
You use passwords to connect to
the Internet, check email, and access various Web sites.
Maintaining a secure password is vital to preserving your
privacy. It's important to choose your passwords carefully
and to keep them safe. A Web site can only confirm that a
password is right, not whether the right person is using it.
Make it tough for prying eyes by following these guidelines:
-
Don't use passwords that consist
of easily accessible personal information, such as your
address, phone number, or date of birth.
-
Make your passwords at least six
characters and a combination of numbers and letters. They
should also include both capital and lowercase letters.
-
Avoid using words that can be
found in a dictionary.
-
Don't use the same passwords for
multiple sites. Reusing passwords, although tempting, is a
security risk.
-
Don't give out your password to
anyone.
-
Change your passwords
frequently.
To make your Web browsing
experience even better, many Web sites have added a special
type of message that lets them recognize you when you
revisit. These bits of information, called cookies,
are stored on your computer.
Usually this information can make
your next visit to a Web site smoother. Without
cookies, you would have to reselect all your preferences
each time you came back.
In online shopping, cookies are
used to create a virtual "shopping cart," which can remember
the items you have selected as you switch from one page to
another within your site. Even if you shut down your
computer, the cookie will remain, and when you return to the
site, your shopping cart will be right where you left it.
Advertising companies can use
cookies to keep track of which ads you click on, and if you
provide your name and address, create a profile of your
interests. Some people see this as the key to ad-supported,
free content on the Web. Others see it as an invasion of
privacy.
Cookies can make browsing more
convenient, but you should be the judge. If you are
concerned about cookies, a good alternative is to set your
browser to alert you before accepting cookies. This way you
can pick and choose which ones you want to accept. You
should also read a Web site's privacy policy before entering
any personal information.
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