It takes all kinds. There are:
·
Web
links that you click on, and something dreadful installs on
your computer, with redirecting every time you try to go to your favorite
website.
·
Email
attachments that creep deep into your computer,
hunting down your personal information.
·
Cute puppy or baby photos that have malicious software that gets installed and locks
your personal files until you pay a ransom.
This has resulted in everybody having to be their own
detective. Here are some helpful tips to increase your “Spidey Senses”:
Search Engines
– when searching the web, pay attention to the web address. Most valid websites should end in .org or .com. Results that come up with a strange ending should be avoided.
Emails – before clicking
links received via email, hover over the senders name to verify it is a valid
email address. Scammers have gotten creative and can make it look like the
email is from someone that you know. Don’t forward a suspicious email to anyone
to review, it’s best to just delete it.
Downloads
- If you’re downloading something off the web, watch for the word “Ad” next to
the big download button – that one is fake. Make sure the download site is a
reputable one. Before clicking on some tempting cute photo out there on the
web, hover your mouse pointer and see where it’s going. Is it going to a place
you’re going to regret?
Until SCAMMERS get a real job don’t be a crazy
“double-clicker”! Use your “Spidey Senses” to protect yourself.
Further tips can be found here
(it’s valid, we promiseJ).
Karen
Cabana
Senior
Computer Programmer
Finance
& Information Technology Division
Clinton
County Health Department
