- In this report
- Overview
- The recession connection
- Social networks
- Phishing costs millions
- Online shopping dangers
- Corporate culpability
- Federal and state action
- State of the Net 2009
- Just in the past year...
- 5 ways to stay safer online
- Also in This Issue
This article was featured in the June 2009 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
5 ways to stay safer online
Last reviewed: June 2009
This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in June 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.
- Regularly back up important data.
- Make sure your security software includes antivirus, antispam, and antispyware components.
- Control the privacy settings on your social-networking sites. If you include your birth date, at least leave out the year.
- To avoid phishers, don't click on links in e-mail from financial institutions to access your account.
- To avoid viruses, update application software only at the software publisher's site. Don't click on any e-mail attachment unless you expected to receive it.
Get more important online security tips and advice free of charge at ConsumerReports.org/security.
