IQ Fifty Plus Guide

Computer Savvy

Keeping Computer and Personal Information Safe and Secure

The news daily reports viruses and other pests that can attack your computer and put your personal information at risk. These resources can help you keep you computer and your personal information secure.

The IQ Report Enhancing Your Online Privacy and Protecting Your Personal Information provides tips and tools.

The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) reading room has these articles on securing your computer.

Home Computer Security describes the protective software needed and other techniques to keep your computer safe.
Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet provides recommendations on steps to take to make sure your computer is protected before connecting to the Internet.
Home Network Security describes the steps to make a home network secure especially if using a high-speed (broadband) connection such as DSL or a cable modem.
Securing Your Web Browser describes the steps you can take to make your browser more secure.

Take the How Safe Are You? quiz from staysafeonline.info, which is sponsored by the National Cyber Security Alliance. Then read their Eight Cyber Security Practices to Stay Safe Online.

OnGuard Online provides practical tips to help you protect yourself against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. The site is provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the technology industry.

The FTC also offers numerous fact sheets and consumer alerts related to computers and the Internet. Articles include:

GetNetWise is provided by the Internet Education Foundation. It includes sections on Online Security, Privacy, Spam, and Spyware.

In addition to the articles listed above, US-CERT also provides numerous cyber security tips including:

IQ links to sites provided by a variety of sources. We review sites for credibility and reliability, but IQ, of course, can't control advertising and other links on these sites. We advise ignoring pop-up ads, links to sales of products or services, and the like.