It’s always been the same story. Everyday people get connected to the internet and they are not the ‘paranoid’ group who uses ‘noscript’ or ‘Diaspora’ (you probably fall in that category if you don’t know what I am writing about). Even ‘experts’ can get into trouble once in a while.
Instead of going into a bunch of very technical discussion of information security, this post will just list a couple of simple, easy to understand ways to prevent losing that Facebook account (or any part of your life) of yours to bad guys.
1. Do not click at links shown in email.
Ok, that is too extreme. Sometimes you might get a terrific offer from some mailer which requires you to click at. But do you know if it’s safe?
2. If you DO click at the link, do not log in with your user ID and password.
One way I deal with with this if any of them asks for my password. If I am presented an offer from my bank via email, I DO NOT log in via the link from email. What I do is to launch my bank’s URL directly e.g. “http://www.maybank.com.sg” and then look for that promotion or report a fake email.
3. No free meal.
Better still, no such thing as winning that multi-million lottery that you never try for in some far off continent. Try not to contact the person in the email, your life could be at stake (probably not that serious but the mind is susceptible to weaknesses).
4. Change your password regularly.
How regular? As long it’s not the same since years ago. Even once a month is good enough. However if you think your Facebook (or whichever service e.g. Hotmail) is compromised, change your password as soon as possible.
I hope these 4 simple steps (sounds like Special Agent Oso, except I have 4 steps) will prevent you from corrupting your life and PC.