October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Microsoft and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) have teamed up again this year to help increase awareness about Internet security issues.
With a campaign that focuses on public relations activities, educational programs, and events for home users, small businesses, education audiences, and child safety forums, we want to encourage everyone who uses a personal computer to keep one idea in mind: protect yourself before you connect to the Internet.
Here are the four steps you should take before you go online:
Protect yourself against rogue security software
Rogue security software, also known as "scareware" produces fake security warnings, which might appear in pop-up windows as you surf the Web. These warnings designed to trick you into downloading malicious software or paying for software that you don't need. For more information, see Beware of rogue security software.
If you take these steps before you go online, you can help prevent criminals and identity thieves from getting personal information and accessing your computer. While nothing can guarantee complete safety in cyberspace, taking these basic precautions helps to minimize your exposure to risk.
About the NCSA
The NCSA is a non-profit organization with sponsors in education, the United States government, professional organizations, and private corporations like Microsoft.
The NCSA provides information, resources, and tools that enable people and small businesses to better protect their computers and their personal information from online threats.
For information about this year's events, visit the NCSA Web site at http://www.staysafeonline.info.