8 Essential Tips for Internet Security

Since my kids have reached a certain age, I've had to start making sure they stay safe when they're out with friends. I've emphasized that it's not so much the stuff in your pocket that keeps you safe -- cell phone, whistle, emergency money -- but your overall behavior. Where you go, who you hang out with, what time you get home.

It's the same with Internet security. Your overall behaviors are more important than what anti-virus program you happen to use. Lifehack has a list of 8 keys to Internet security, and it serves as a good reminder about how to keep your PC your data, and your identity safe online.

Be sure to check out the article for all the details, but here are the best bits:

• Use a router. It's a hardware firewall and offers strong protection against intrusion.
• Don't open attachments. This one is super-obvious but often ignored anyway. Unless you know who sent you the email, you should discard the message and fastidiously avoid opening the attachment.
• Don't click links in e-mail. Honestly, is there any reason to click a link in a message from your bank? Open your browser and navigate to the Web site from your favorites. Links are just way too risky.
• Install security updates. Make sure that your machine is always up to date. Let Windows Update do its thing, and keep your anti-virus definitions current as well.

Photo by CarbonNYC