A Certain Level of Skepticism is a Good Thing
Every day people browse the web, and every day they click on the blinky that says, “You are the 1 millionth visitor – get your prize” or “You won a free car” or “Just send this link to your friends and have them send it to their friends and…. you will get rich”. And every day, Spike gets sadder.
Internet security and safety is not just about the tools you install, the browser you use, or the operating system you run. It’s also about a healthy dose of skepticism. I may be only 4 inches tall and have to run around the keyboard to type these (Yes, my owner finds that very amusing), but even my little rodent brain knows that I really didn’t win a free car. (Side note: How cool would it be if I could even drive?!)
So when you browse the Net or play in your favorite social media site, be skeptical. Ask yourself “why” before you click.
Most attacks on the Internet involve you doing something. Yep, you, yes all of you, and yes, even you, the guy looking around for someone else. Yes, you all click on stuff on a web page and start the attack rolling. And sadly, these attacks are very, very clever. They can hide the attack start button to look like the “close” button on the window.
Some tips on how to avoid launching your own attack:
1) Don’t click on strange ads on the edges of the screen. These are often loaded with issues. Many have issues that the advertiser is unaware of, so don’t blame them right away.
2) If it is too good to be true in real life, it is STILL too good to be true on the Internet.
3) If you get a pop up, do not click on any button. If it shows up in your “window bar” at the bottom of your screen, right-click and close it. If not, use the “X” to the right of the window.
4) Be skeptical. Before you react, ask yourself “why”, then ask again. Look for the catch, the flaw, the vile fly hiding in the ointment, the thing you most fear in the dark recesses of.. umm. Sorry, got into writer mode there – my owner left the TV on SYFY channel all day…but really, ask yourself questions and count to 10 before you click.
The Internet is full of scary alien monsters who will eat anything; don’t let them get you! (I wish my owner would change the channel!)
Spike