3 Steps to Stop Scams and Virus Problems

It’s Not the Internet’s “Fault”

Watching how the media covers the latest virus or scam would make one think we are all innocent victims. But instead, it is the “evil Internet” at work once again.

The media’s perspective and how they choose to portray these events always make me chuckle. As if the Internet has a mind of its own…

Knowledge is… Knowledge

Partly at issue is that there has been very little progress in addressing online users’ desire to acquire just enough information. The knowledge to know how to protect themselves.

They throw up their hands, claiming, “I’m not a techi!” while they still want to participate in “techi-nology.” The truth is, these issues are part and parcel of participation.

Many people have issues because they do not keep their antivirus software up to date. Stop now and double-check that your antivirus software is set to auto-update.

Then, there are those who fall for some of the most gratuitously ridiculous offers. Free, cheap, and easy sells, right? As long as those “offers” insinuate easy riches with little effort or expense, they jump to click through.

And don’t forget the phishing attempts to get usernames and passwords (Please tell me you don’t use the same password for everything!). To that end, that is your weakest link—the propensity to believe misinformation that caters to one’s inner desires — or fears.

When did plain old common sense go out the window? Why do the natural rules of trust, common sense, and due diligence, for some reason, not seem to apply online? Unfortunately, I don’t have a clear answer to that.

Offline, if these tactics were used, most would probably laugh the salesperson right out of the building. But online, we enter the surreal world of possibilities. Combined with the perception that some of the most critical issues are ours to ignore or disregard if we please.

When it comes to impending scams and viruses, there are three simple solutions:

1. For Scams:

Simply don’t believe it; none of it. If it comes in an email you didn’t request — just hit delete.

If it’s on a website, do your due diligence to verify claims and ask for recommendations and supporting evidence. Investigate how long the site has been online. Read their terms and conditions.

Email them with any questions you have before giving them a single red cent of your hard-earned dollars. Only proceed if you receive timely and concise answers.

Not willing to make these efforts? Then plan on getting ripped off, and you deserve it. Buyer beware? More like buyer beware!

2. For Viruses:

Put updates on autopilot or update your virus software every time you log on. Simple.

Most antivirus software has an automatic scheduler that updates and scans at specified times. Once this is set up, you will no longer have to update manually.

Then, keep your update subscription current. Remember, your computer doesn’t know what to protect you from without these updates!

3. Do Not Click On Email Links:

Don’t click on any links in emails you don’t expect. When unasked-for emails with deals, offers, or alerts, or requests for login credentials or personal information, land in your inbox, do not click any links.

You may be surprised to see that when you hover over those links, the displayed domain does not match the site being portrayed. Worse, it leaves your site vulnerable to infection or security compromise.

Be Smart: Double and Triple Check

Make an effort to understand the tools and resources available to you so you can participate thoughtfully and informatively. You can check anything online by searching Google for reviews, warnings, accolades, and recommendations.

Take the time to use and absorb the information available to you. This effort is part of participating in *information* technology.

If we all follow the three steps above, those who create viruses wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. In addition, the scammers would not be in business if they didn’t take advantage of what folks don’t want to take the time to understand or verify.

As long as Netizens do not try to be informed, someone will be willing to take advantage of them. So don’t blame technology; don’t blame scammers and hackers.

The blame should be placed on those who can easily avoid these situations but choose not to be informed enough to do so.