Safe Internet Browsing Practices

1. Make sure your computer is updated!
   • Updating Windows Computers:
     • Windows 7: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/311047/how-to-keep-your-windows-computer-up-to-date
     • Windows 10: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/instantanswers/c4a6d3df-d0d4-42b6-0018-ca48577f9909/update-windows-10
   • Updating Apple Computers:
     • OS X: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541
2. Browse the Web with an up to date browser!
   • If you have a Windows Computer, recommended browsers:
     • Firefox: Download Firefox
     • Google Chrome: Download Chrome
3. Run anti-spyware programs weekly.
   • The anti-spyware programs we recommend for a PC are:
     • Adaware
     • Malwarebytes
     • Spybot - Search & Destroy
   • The anti-spyware programs we recommend for a Apple are:
     • Malwarebytes
     • Sophos
4. Run Stinger to search for viruses.
   • NOTE: PC Users, you should already have Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection (Windows 7), Microsoft Defender (Windows 8/10), or similar program running. However, if you think your PC may be infected, run:
     • McAfee AVERT Stinger
5. Set your Operating System to always show file extensions.
   • PC Users: Go to 'My Computer' - 'Tools' - 'Folder Options' - 'View' tab - and take the check out of 'Hide file extensions for known file types'. 
   • Mac Users: Click on 'Finder' - and select the option to show all file extensions.
6. Other Safe Browsing Practices:
   • Stay on trusted web sites.
   • Never follow a link in an email that wants you to update account/personal information.
     See also; How to avoid Phishing Scams
   • Do not open unknown email attachments.
   • Links may not be what they seem:
     • Hold the mouse pointer over a link to see the actual link location (usually displays in the bottom left).
     • In some cases, holding the mouse pointer over a link will display the link next to the mouse cursor.
     • Another option, you may want to right-click (or for Apple OS X: control+click) the link, copy the link, and paste into a text editor
       • Windows: Notepad
       • Apple: TextEdit
   • Do not run programs that are of unknown origin.

For a more detailed explanation and analysis of home network security, see:

• http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html