1. Keep your Web browser and e-mail software up to date.
2. Use an anti-virus program. There are free versions that can be used for home purposes.
3. Don’t click on e-mail attachments unless you are expecting them. Malicious attachments can be hidden in the format of pictures, text documents, etc. Verify any unexpected attachments before opening them.
4. Be suspicious of e-mails requesting that you verify your personal information – these are almost always fraudulent and are known as phishing.
5. Use complex passwords (8+ characters with numbers, letters of upper and lower case) and symbols. Make sure you use different passwords for each account.
6. Never post your real date of birth online.
7. Don’t answer security questions with real answers. For example, if you're asked for your high school's name, give your dog's name.
8. Be suspicious anytime someone asks you to wire money. If you get messages asking for money, verify it before acting on it. Make a phone call or send an e-mail or ask a question that only the real requestor would know.
9. On social networking sites, like Facebook, be friends with only people you know. Or, if you are trying to gather friends, don't put personal information on the site.
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