The openness of the Internet has dramatically changed global communications, making it possible for people around the world to easily exchange information.  Anyone can access the that great frontier called the world wide web.  Sadly, not everyone has good intentions. Some people maliciously release destructive software programs, while others view hacking computer networks as sport. Then there are people with criminal goals in mind.  These people often use malicious software, spam, and phishing scams to steal your identity.  In fact, identity theft happens to be one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA.  I was shocked to read that a 2007 study by Consumer Reports estimates the cost of cybercrime to U.S. consumers at $7 billion! 

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that you can take to greatly enhance your Internet security and privacy.  Below, are some Internet security tips, to guard you against Internet security and privacy threats and scams.

• When visiting a web site that you login to such as Hotmail or your financial institution web site, make sure that you log out and close the browser window. This is especially important when using public internet access, like libraries and Internet Cafe's. Otherwise the next person using the internet terminal could have full access to your account! 
• In fact, never use public or Internet café computers to access online financial services accounts or perform financial transactions. 
• Never disclose personal, financial, or credit card information to little-known or suspect web sites.  Your identity could be stolen and you could become yet another victim of identity theft. 
• Never use a computer or a device that cannot be fully trusted. 
• Use antivirus and anti-spyware software.
• Install firewall software.  Window XP and Vista includes a free firewall.
• Enable Windows Updates - To do this in Windows XP, right click on "My Computer". Select "Properties" followed by "Automatic Updates". Make sure that "Keep My Computer Up To Date" is checked.
• Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know.
• Don't even open an email attachment from someone you know, unless you know exactly what the attachment is. Those "cute little jokes" aren't always that "cute" and can be infected with a nasty virus.
• Use an alternative web browser such as Opera or Mozilla Firefox.
• Use passwords that aren't easy for someone else to guess, but at the same time easy for you to remember.
• Use passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and punctuation marks that are at least eight digits long. Memorize your password, not writing it down or emailing it. Use a different password for every site that you use that requires a password or at least use a variety of passwords. Change your passwords every 90 days. Finally, don't ever ever use your name, your spouse's name, the name of your pet, your phone number, your birthday, your favorite food, or any other personal information hackers could easily guess.
• Never click the hyper links in an e-mail, even if it looks perfectly legitimate. Instead, get into the habit of typing the URL directly into your browser.
• Use trusted software from reputable companies. Check carefully before you download, run, or use any software that doesn't come from well-known, trustworthy sources.
• Disconnect your computer from the Internet when not in use. The longer your computer is on the Internet the greater the chance of your computer being hacked.