Play It Smart This Summer: Don't Give Cybercriminals a Key to Personal, Financial Information

NEW YORK, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- For millions of Americans heading out on vacations ranging from long-distance travel to short daytrips to the beach, or finalizing plans for them, the Internet is an important resource.  That's why this is a good time for vacation-goers -- and everyone else -- to reevaluate how they use the Web and re-educate themselves about how to avoid disclosing personal information when they use the Internet at home or on vacation.

With an assist from its Internet security partner McAfee, Verizon offers these 10 ways to make the Web work for you and not against you.

1. Education – Educate yourself about the types of scams on the Internet so that you are better equipped to defeat them.  Read up on the latest phishing scams, for example, and learn how to recognize them.
2. Use a firewall – Firewalls monitor traffic between your computer or network and the Internet and are your first and best line of defense.  Most operating systems come with a firewall, but it won't help you if you don't activate it.
3. Click with caution – When checking e-mail or instant messaging, be careful not to click on links in messages from people you don't know.  Such links could connect to phony websites designed to solicit personal information, or they could download Trojan horses or other malware designed to steal personal information.  Even if the message is from someone you do know, it could still contain a computer virus; check with the sender if you have any concerns about the validity of the message.
4. Surf safely – When browsing the Web for financial institutions or other sites, take steps to avoid fraudulent sites that ask for personal information.  Most legitimate sites don't ask for such information, but instead require registration ahead of time. Use a search engine that corrects misspellings so that you navigate to legitimate sites and avoid landing on a fake webpage.  Creating fake sites with a similarly spelled address is a fairly common scam known as "typosquatting."
5. Practice safe shopping – Shopping online or planning vacations via the Internet can be a terrific tool for consumers, but be careful when you're on sites you've never used before.  When on the checkout page, look for the lock symbol or some other indication, such as the prefix "https," that the page is encrypted or scrambled.  Use a credit card instead of a debit card; if the site turns out to be fraudulent, your credit card company may reimburse you for the charges.  And evaluate the site's security and privacy policies regarding the use of your personal data.
6. Use regularly updated security software – Use security software, such as Verizon Internet Security Suite powered by McAfee, that updates automatically and often to provide maximum protection from viruses, spyware and other cyberthreats, which also are being constantly updated.  Conduct regular malware scans of your computer, and update your operating system and browser with the manufacturer's latest security patches.
7. Secure wireless networks – Don't let your home network's wireless router be a welcome mat for hackers.  Enable the firewall on your router and regularly change the router's administrative password.  Check the support section of your ISP's website or your router manufacturer's website for instructions on how to take these precautionary steps.  And make sure your router has a strong encryption, such as WPA or WPA2.
8. Strong passwords – While short, simple passwords may be easier to remember, they're also easier for hackers to crack.  When banking online or accessing other sites that may reveal personal or financial information, use passwords with at least 10 characters and include combinations of letters, numbers and symbols.  Change passwords regularly.
9. Common sense – Cybercrime continues to accelerate and it's being fueled by common mistakes people make when online, such as responding to spam or phishing scams or downloading attachments from people or sites they don't know.  Use common sense and caution; never post personal information online; and be careful about clicking on links or prompts to download software.  If you're concerned about your children's online activity, use the Family Protection parental controls that come with your Verizon Internet Security Suite (VISS) and talk to your children about being safe online.
10. Be skeptical – Many victims of scams may have thought they were cybersavvy and let their guard drop long enough for a cyberthief to strike.  Back up data regularly in case a virus infects your computer, and monitor accounts and credit reports to make sure your identity has not been stolen.

Whether you are at home or away, the Internet is a dynamic resource that supports all of your activities.  Use it with the same degree of skill and caution you use when you drive a car and you'll be able to avoid the hazards that can spoil an online experience.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon