1. Be careful about your info and passwords
Be very cautious about entering your password and user name. Make sure the site you are logging into is one you use and trust. For a safer experience try using
Virgin Media PCguard.
2. Don't be over anxious, stay informed
Don't let fears stop you from enjoying the Internet, but make sure you are aware of the risks. Just like driving your car or getting on a train - you can't imagine life without these, but you need to know what the risks are.
3. Be aware of spammers
Virgin Media uses automatic spam controls as should most email programs. Some spam may get through filters, however, so do be vigilant. If it's not from someone you know, or regarding something you have requested, it may be spam.
4. Use a strong password
Make sure you use passwords that are not obvious so they can't be guessed. The best ones use a mixture of letters and numbers. Also, don't make life easy for hackers by using the same password for all the sites you use.
5. Learn how to tell if a site is secure
When you are paying for something you should make sure the site you are on is a secure site. You can see this by checking that there is a yellow padlock on the browser and the web address begins with 'https' rather than 'http'.
6. Be scam aware
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are inventive and can be very professional-sounding. Fake lotteries, lucrative jobs, great prizes, even fake dating sites are all examples of scams.
7. Use Privacy Manager
Privacy Manager tools such as Virgin Media PCguard Privacy Manager spot when your personal data is being sent over the Internet and will alert you.
8. Internet cafes
Make sure you always log out when you've been shopping online, doing online banking or even checking your email. Be especially careful in Internet cafes They can be notoriously unsafe so cut down use of your credit card or banking to a minimum.
9. Online banking
Most high street banks have an Internet service and this offers great convenience. However, make sure you keep your logon details safe and follow our tips for banking safely online.
10. Don't get phished!
Phishers (pronounced 'fishers') create fake websites that pretend to be a legitimate company. They generally try and get you to enter your passwords or credit card information and steal your identity.
