National Cyber Security Awareness Month: Tips for Staying Safe on the WebConstable Mark Herman would like to remind you that October is recognized as National Cyber Security Awareness Month and would like to pass on a couple of tips to aid you with maintaining a secure computer and internet experience.There are numerous ways to protect and remove malware from your computers. No one method is enough to ensure your computer is secure so the more layers of defense, the harder it becomes for hackers to access and use your computer.Our High Tech Crimes unit recommends first and foremost that you have a reputable computer safeguarding program such as McAfee, Norton, or Kapersky to name a few. With an up to date safeguarding program you can stay protected from the latest threats, such as ransomware, viruses, malware, spyware, unwanted programs, and more.As new virus/ransomware/identity theft programs are created a reputable safeguarding program is constantly making patches to protect you from such threats as they come along.Secondly, never respond to any emails asking for personal information such as passwords, credit cards numbers, social security numbers, etc. Be wary of clicking on a link provided in suspicious emails. These can take you to a website that may look legitimate but is in fact fraudulent. Most of these emails may appear to be from a reputable source but are in fact malicious and phishing scams.Keep in mind. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Many online computer users today have navigated away from emails and are now utilizing social network software.Before accepting any messages or friends request, make sure the person sending you these requests are in fact your friends or individuals you know. Viruses such as key loggers can be uploaded to your device simply by you clicking on a link or watching a video that someone has sent you via a social network app.A key logger records all your web pages and what you type, keystroke for keystroke and this can be used to access private information such as online medical records or banking institutions by hackers.Follow these three simple steps to protect your computer from unwanted Cyber Threats:
1. Install a reputable safeguarding program on your computer
2. Use complex and secure passwords
3. Check the security settings of your browserThe internet is a vast place in cyberspace that can get you any information you need at the click of a button. By using good solid judgment and along with a reputable security program installed on your computer you can significantly cut your risk of exposure. Constable Herman hopes you have a pleasant day and stay safe surfing the web.