Week 13: Clear to compute safely

Computing on a PC that is always connected to the Internet these days is relatively safe given the software that is meant to protect us. This software including virus projections and spy ware allows us to surf and download with as much protection as say Lebron James signing autographs. For most of us however our personal information especially financial information is important to us like keeping the president alive is to the Secret Service. That is why we must be detectives sometimes. Especially when it comes to making online purchases.

A wise man once said that if it seems to good to be true it probably is and another said that nothing is every free. There are many websites out today like Amazon and Ebay as well as airline and travel sites that can handle your information with the utmost security. Everyday however it seems like a new travel site or auction site is popping up with fabulous deals. It is very important for users to consider the source when dealing with these types of sites. Often the products or services offered are merely a hook for you to open the door. There is one particular scam running with what are referred to as "ghost sites". These sites are designed to look identical to the bank sites and purchasing pages that you frequent. They however are merely used to collect your password and credit card information to cause you harm down the road. According to securemyhomepc.com, it is very important to watch for certificates and do research on sites that claim to be offering something for nothing or deals that are extremely better than what you are able to get elsewhere. Taking the extra time to research these sites may be the difference between a stolen identity or a copy of Harry Potter.

The secret service does not take a step with POTUS unless it has been researched, planned, and rehearsed. Our personal information is that important to us. Don't rely too much on your software and remember, operator error can rarely be prevented with virus software.