Safe-surfing quiz
You may think you always practice safe surfing, but don't be too sure. Your surfing habits may unwittingly expose your personal data to the myriad cracks and holes in Internet security. Take this quiz to find out just how safe you really are.
1.
I'd know right away if my PC were infected with, say, the SirCam Virus.
False. Many viruses behave stealthily, so you need to buy antivirus software or regularly update the virus killer you already own.
2.
I am 100 percent safe if I use my credit card only for purchases from large, established e-tailers.
False. Even large online stores can be hacked and have customer data stolen.
3.
If someone steals my credit card number, I am responsible for paying the bill.
False. Except for a US$50 deductible, which many banks waive for victims of online fraud, you aren't responsible for that shipment of computer parts Igor made to Lithuania on your Visa and MasterCard. Amex and Discover have their own rules, but they usually follow the other guys' lead. Many banks will waive the fee if you ask, and some just waive the fee by default.
4.
I don't care if I get spam; I don't need to protect my email address anyway.
False. Spam itself is only part of the problem; the volume of spam you receive can make reading email a chore, and your in-box can quickly fill up with these unnecessary messages. Your employer may get suspicious if you start receiving a lot of unsolicited mail about porn sites, for instance.
5.
I get lots of messages from strangers in my instant-messaging program, and there's no way to stop them.
False. See our tips for specific instructions.
6.
Hackers cannot steal my credit card number if I send it to a site that uses SSL encryption.
True. Your number is safe while it travels between your browser and the store's server. However, a hacker could break into the company's servers and steal the numbers long after you receive your product if the company's machines aren't well protected. If you have questions about this, email the retailer to ask about how it secures purchase record archives on its servers.
7.
It's OK to let my health insurance company/bank/mortgage company use my Social Security number as my user ID on their Web site.
False. In many cases, your Social Security number and name are all a criminal needs to open bank and credit card accounts in your name. To prevent identity theft, never give out or use your Social Security number on a Web form. Ask your bank or insurance company to change your account to another number immediately.
8.
Anyone can read my email over the Internet--even before I click the Send button.
False. Email resides only on your computer until you click the Send button. After that, it's anybody's guess how many people have an opportunity to read your message as it travels to its destination. Use encryption software if you don't want anyone but the recipient to be able to read it.
9.
The locked padlock icon at the bottom of my browser means that my computer is completely protected from privacy risks on the Internet.
False. It means only that the site is encrypting data sent between you and the site, and that applies only to the page you're using at the very moment you see the locked padlock icon.
10.
Once I start receiving spam messages, there's no way to stop them.
False. In virtually all cases the way to stop spam is not to reply. When you reply to a spammer, he or she knows that the address is still valid and will continue to send mail to that address.
Best time for burglary?
Windows XP user might as well advertise the best times for burglars to come round their place.
But then again, if you have nothing to hide (because you do not have any property), then way worry about.