Better Business Bureau Advisory: Internet Safety is Serious Business

CHICAGO, IL – It’s unfortunate, but the internet is a dangerous place. Most users of the web understand that they must take precautions while shopping online, playing internet games or using social media. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports that even internet savvy individuals can get themselves into trouble by accidentally downloading viruses and malware to their computers.

While it can be done, it’s not easy for crooks and scammers to plant malicious programs on your machine. However, they do have ways to get you to do it. Using what’s known as “deceptive downloads”; they bait potential victims with free, real downloadable programs, and even music.

How does it work? You receive a file in an email or through social networking but when you try to open it you see a message that says you don’t have the right software to open it. You then search online and find free software to download that will open the file. You download that software, but unknowingly also download malicious software with it.

Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois says, “That’s where the danger lies. The downloaded malicious software might have the ability to access personal information or use your computer for cybercrime.”

There are less dangerous viruses but ones just as frustrating. Some report your internet browsing habits to unscrupulous companies, others can change your browser’s home page and keep changing it even after you re-set it.

Computer programmers and security experts advise you to pay attention to what’s happening on your screen, because it can give you a clue. If you already have a mainstream media player and standard programs like QuickTime or Adobe Flash and the programs are kept up to date, you shouldn’t need anything else.

To protect yourself and your computer:

• Think before you click.
• Only download programs from familiar sites that you know you can trust.
• Make sure to update the programs that are already on your computer.
• Have a good anti-virus program and keep it up-to-date.
• Use the most recent software whenever possible because it would be less vulnerable to malware attacks.
• Do not give anyone remote access to your computer.

If you think your computer has been compromised, run a full scan using your anti-virus software. If there is a problem that the anti-virus software can’t correct you may need professional assistance.

For tips on internet safety, visit bbb.org and for the latest, check out our blog, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.