When you use online services, check that the web address is what it is supposed to be. Clearly-provided contact information and conditions of use are also a sign of an authentic service provider.
It is handy to use credit card to pay for your online shopping as long as the data is transferred via an encrypted connection. When the connection is secure, the address field of the browser displays a lock symbol and the address begins with https://
Credit card information, online banking usernames or passwords must never be sent by e-mail.
When you register as a user of online services, read first from the file description how your personal information is used.
Own identity worth its weight in gold
Consider carefully what sort of personal information you publish of yourself and who your audience is in online communities.
It is up to the members of a network community to decide how outsiders see their profile. However, do not put too much faith in privacy settings.
Your name and photo are public information, but, for example, be more careful with your home address, e-mail address, personal photos and other private matters.
Take other people's privacy into consideration, too. Do not reveal more about them than what they wish.
Be careful with your passwords. Ensure that they are sufficiently difficult and don't tell anyone of them.
E-mail is a common and popular communication method
You should never open unfamiliar attachments because they may include malware.
Unexpected messages requesting personal data must not be replied to. Neither is it necessarily secure to click any links or open files attached to them.
Do not reply to e-mails with advertisements or other propositions because replying will only increase the amount of junk mail you receive.
Protect your computer and be safe online
Ensure that your computer has updated anti-virus software and operating system. Also, other programs must be updated in good time. Automated program updates are recommended.
Backup copies should always be made of important files.
Be careful with memory sticks. If you lose or misplace a memory stick, valuable or secret information may get into wrong hands. Memory sticks can infect the computer with a malware.
Malware and money scams also spread in the services of the social media. A scandal video link can be a trap you should avoid although the sender is seemingly your friend.
Internet offers information and entertainment
All information presented on the internet is not true. Question and compare different sources.
Please do not support piracy. The internet offers several downloading and direct recording services of music, games and movies. Copyrights are valid also on the Internet.
