• Be sure to protect yourself online.computer keyboard image by Tom Curtis from Fotolia.com
  
  There are many reasons why one should learn to stay safe online. Some of these reasons include identity fraud, cyber bullying and virus control. There are many things we do online without even realizing we do them that could compromise our safety online. Ensuring your safety online not only protects you but also your family.
  
  

Virus Protection

• Make sure you have up-to-date virus software.virus alert image by Pontus Edenberg from Fotolia.com
  
  It is very important that you have updated virus protection software installed on your computer at all times. This will help prevent hackers from entering your computer via a virus to crash your computer, rendering it useless. Another way hackers work is by installing programs that are meant to log all your key strokes. A key stroke program enables hackers to obtain your personal information including your credit card numbers.
  
  

Protect Your Personal Information

• Question yourself before giving out personal information.credit card image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  Make sure you know that the site you are on is legitimate. If you are unsure, then it is best to keep personal information to yourself. Always question yourself before giving out personal details. Do you know this company, do you know who you are dealing with, why am I being asked for this information, and who is asking for this information are all important questions one should ask themselves before giving out personal details. Remember that by giving out your full name, city and state, someone can easily make you a target for home invasion. There are many sites online that just require a name, city, state or even phone number to access a home address.
  
  

Deceptive Emails and Pop-ups

• Deceptive emails can cost you.email image by makuba from Fotolia.com
  
  Pop-ups are little browser windows that pop up while you are on a website. These pop-ups usually try to sell you something, but sometimes these pop-ups contain spy-ware or spam. Some look as if they scan your computer for viruses, and when you click to clean your computer, it starts to download programs onto your computer. These programs could include toolbars, spy-ware and virus protection programs that are useless. These fake virus protection programs ask for your personal information only to send this information back to the hacker who has created the pop-up window.
  
  As for deceptive emails, we all have probably received the type of email telling you a dead relative has left you a few million dollars, and they need your banking information to transfer funds. Whatever you do, do not send these people any information. It's best just to delete the email. Another form of deceptive email might coming from a site you bank with. The emails say your account has been compromised, and you need to follow the link and log in. It's best never to click the link but go to the actual site and enter your information. If your account has been compromised, it will tell you once you have logged in. If it does not, then you where just a victim of a deceptive email.