| "> | | | | involved with transmitting information across the |
| While there is no foolproof way to ensure that no one | | | | Internet is to use several different e-mail accounts, |
| will EVER access information you don't want them to, | | | | each with a specific purpose. To limit your exposure to |
| there are several very effective steps that you can | | | | unwanted spam and potentially dangerous viruses, the |
| take to minimize the risk. | | | | e-mail address provided by your ISP or Web host |
| When passing sensitive data like credit card numbers, | | | | should only be given to trusted parties, such as family |
| addreses, or social security numbers over the Internet, | | | | members, friends, co-workers, and business |
| be sure that the connection you are using or | | | | associates. If you frequently fill out online forms that |
| implementing is encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer | | | | require the use of an e-mail address, use a |
| (SSL). SSL is a commonly-used protocol for managing | | | | "throw-away" address, such as one that can be |
| the security of message transmissions over the | | | | obtained from Yahoo! or Hotmail. This will help stop |
| Internet. Essentially, SSL works by using a public key, | | | | your primary e-mail account from being flooded with |
| or password, to encrypt data that's transferred over | | | | unwanted mail, and it might reduce your exposure to |
| the connection. The receiving software, usually a | | | | viruses as well. |
| browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or | | | | Several other key preventative measures to |
| Netscape Navigator, decrypts the message into | | | | safeguard your personal information include checking |
| meaningful information for the intended recipient. The | | | | your credit reports regularly, paying by credit card for |
| encryption of the data prevents unauthorized access | | | | online transactions (instead of ACH bank account |
| while the data is being transmitted over the network. | | | | debits), and searching for your name at a good search |
| (By convention, URL's that require a SSL connection | | | | engine, like Google, to find out what information about |
| start with https instead of http.) | | | | you is online. |
| Another step that can be taken to minimize the risk | | | | |