Entry Details

7 online mistakes



These common blunders can compromise your computer or put you at risk for identity theft.

The cyber world is fraught with danger. From malignant computer bugs to fraudsters looking to steal our money and our identities, it pays to be vigilant. Here are seven dangerous mistakes people make online, according to Consumer Reports.

Blunder #1: You assume you're protected when you're not

Your computer is fully protected only when your security software is activated and up to date. In a recent poll, the National Cyber Security Alliance and software maker McAfee found that nearly half of their users thought their software was protecting them when in fact it had not been updated. (For an annual fee, most products can update automatically.) And keep in mind that security software bundled with a new computer can expire within weeks.

How to protect yourself: First of all, make sure your computer security is activated whenever you're online. Check to see if your software has been updated recently (within the past week or so). If it's not, verify its automatic updating feature is enabled and that your subscription has not expired. If you have any questions, you can always contact your software company support line.

Blunder #2: You access an account through an email link

Criminals can easily copy logos and other information from legitimate businesses' websites and place them in phishing emails or bogus websites. So while the email message from your financial institution may look official, you're still taking a risk if you access an account by clicking on an embedded web link. If the email is indeed fraudulent, a cyber thief could use the account number and password you enter to empty your bank account or steal your identity.

How to protect yourself: Access a financial account only by using your existing browser bookmark or by typing in the institution's web address. (Read more on email safety.)

Blunder #3: You use the same password for all online accounts

Still use the same password for all your accounts? It may be more convenient, but it's also risky. If someone manages to get a hold of your password, it means they can steal your money or your identity more easily by accessing all your online accounts.

How to protect yourself: Create different passwords for your various accounts. To make the process less cumbersome, consider using variations on one password. Experts advise that the well-crafted password uses a combination of at least eight letters, numbers or punctuation symbols.

Blunder #4: Downloading free software

Free downloads can be hard to resist, especially for teenagers who are lured by cool screen savers or cute smiley faces. The trouble is that computer-clogging spyware is often packaged with free software.

How to protect yourself: Download freeware only from reputable sites (such as SnapFiles.com and Download.com). Let your kids know the risks of downloading free software. (See Stop scammers from targeting your teen.) To eliminate most spyware from your PC, you can download Microsoft Windows Defender for free. If you use Windows Vista, there should already be a copy of Defender on your computer.

Blunder #5: Assuming your Mac shields you from all risks

According to a recent State of the Net survey, Mac users fall prey to phishing scams at nearly the same rate as Windows users – yet far fewer of them protect themselves with an anti-phishing toolbar. The browser of choice for most Mac users, Apple's Safari, currently offers no phishing protection.

How to protect yourself: Mac users may want to consider using a browser with phishing protection, such as the latest version of Firefox or Opera. Also try a free anti-phishing toolbar such as McAfee Site Advisor or FirePhish.

Blunder #6: You click on a pop-up ad that says your PC is insecure

Clicking on pop-ups (and it's easy to do so by mistake) can lead you to a spyware site, or worse, have malware automatically downloaded onto your computer. A Consumer Reports survey found that 13 per cent of people who tried to close a pop-up, ending up launching it instead.

How to protect yourself: To close a pop-up, carefully click on the X on the upper right or left corner, not inside the window. To avoid pop-ups altogether, enable your browser's pop-up blocker or use a free add-on blocker such as Google Toolbar.

Blunder #7: Not taking precautions when shopping online

Online shopping requires special precautions since you need to disclose more personal information (such as your home address) to the retailer. Cyber crooks can sneak in undetected between you and the retail site. (See Tips for shopping safely online.)

How to protect yourself: Designate a separate credit card just for your Internet shopping so you can keep track of purchases more easily. Look for sites that display "https" before their address when you're entering sensitive information and those displaying certification symbols from TRUSTe and other organizations. When in doubt, ask your credit card company about getting a virtual account number that's good for only one purchase from a specific vendor.