- Install Anti Virus and Spyware Removal software, keep them up to date and run regular weekly scans of your system to check for unwanted guests.
- Never open any emails without subject headers, or from people you don't know.
- Don't follow links from emails you weren't expecting, or from companies you haven't signed up with.
- Don't submit your email address to websites unless absolutely necessary.
- If you're buying online make sure the eStore you're buying from displays their secure site logo, and that there's a padlock icon in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Without it, your credit card details could be copied.
- If you've got kids, keep the computer in a room where you can see it and keep an eye on their surfing habits. Encourage them to use the net safely and NEVER to give out personal or identifiable details about themselves.
- Gaming, gambling and adult sites are the most dangerous for spam and anti virus attacks - so only ever use them from links that advise of secure surfing.
- Always use a pop-up blocker - both Internet Explorer 7 and Safari come with one built in.
- Never follow a link directly from your email requesting you to log into a website (such as your bank,paypal or eBay) - manually type in the web address (or use your favourite links) and log in. This is how phishing websites gather data.