Beware Common Pitfalls

Know your Computer Security Responsibilities

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Beware of These Common Pitfalls

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Do not click on unsolicited URLs in emails or instant messages, as they can link to malicious content that may be executed on your computer without your knowledge. They can scan your system for weaknesses or to learn more about you and your internet surfing habits. A common scam known as "phishing" uses a misnamed URL to get you to visit a spoofed web site that looks like a legitimate web site, like your bank. The goal is to get you to give sensitive personal or financial information such as passwords or account numbers to commit crimes against you. The latest generation of phisher web sites also install spyware and Trojan horse programs on victims' computers. Never give this information out over the telephone or web unless you initiate the transaction and you are sure of whom you are dealing with.

Do not download, install, or run software unless you are sure of whom it came from and you trust them.

Watch out for attachments to e-mail or text messages even if you recognize the apparent sender. Many viruses spread by spoofing the sender to appear to be someone you know to get you to open the attachment. Once you open the unusual looking or unexpected attachment, your system becomes infected and spreads to others who may be in your contacts list.