If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Regardless of what the email claims, there are no wealthy strangers desperate to send you money. Beware of grand promises – they are spam, hoaxes or phishing schemes. Remember that anyone can publish information online so before accepting a statement as fact, verify that the source is reliable. It is also easy for attackers to "spoof" email addresses, so verify that an email is legitimate before opening an unexpected email attachment or responding to a request for personal information.
Don’t take candy from strangers.
Finding something on the internet does not mean that it is true or safe. Be wary of advertisements for free software downloads – they may be disguising spyware. Check out the reputation of the provider and of the website hosting the download before you act.
Close the door behind you.
Your personal information is only private if you work to keep it so. Lock your computer (using Ctrl-Alt-Del) when you step away. Pick strong passwords and keep them safe. Put a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on your computer and keep them all current. Be smart when browsing or using email.
Don’t tell everyone when you’ll be away from home.
The email "Out of Office" function lets you create an "away" message that is automatically sent to anyone who emails you while the autoresponder is enabled. This is helpful especially in business because it lets people know that you will not be able to respond right away. Be careful how you phrase your message. You do not want to let potential attackers know that you are not home, or, worse, give specific details about your location and itinerary. (Also, if your away message replies to spam, it confirms that your email account is active and will increase the volume of spam you receive.) If possible, restrict the recipients of the message to people within your organization or in your address book.
Always tell the truth.
What you write in email, you may have to live with it forever. Be honest, be trustworthy, be tactful and think twice about what you wrote before you hit send. Never write anything that you’d be embarrassed to see on the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper.
Hold hands when crossing the street.
We’re all in this together. What affects you affects me, too. If you see something suspicious or if a caller strikes you as a bit fishy, ask a co-worker or supervisor for help. Help each other be safe.
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