Safe Internet Browsing Practices

  1. Make sure your computer is updated!
  2. Browse the Web with an up to date browser!
  3. Run anti-spyware programs weekly.
  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:
  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: