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Chapter 2 Protecting Your Online Identity
Phishing
Phishing is the use of fraudulent e-mails
and copies of valid websites to trick people into
providing private and confi dential personal data.
The most common form of phishing is done by
sending a fake e-mail to a group of people. The
e-mail message looks like it is from a legitimate
source, such as an employment agency. The e-mail
asks for certain information, such as a social
security number or bank account information, or
it provides a link to a web page. The linked web
page looks real, but its sole purpose is to collect
private information that is then used to commit
fraud. Never open an e-mail attachment that you
are not expecting. It is better to send an e-mail
asking about the attachment before opening.
Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, is a
term given to software programs that are intended
to damage, destroy, or steal data on a computer.
The purpose of malware can be to disrupt your
productivity, gain access to all of your personal
data, or to compromise your online identity.
Malware comes in many forms, including viruses,
spyware, Trojan horses, and worms.
Beware of an invitation to click on a website
link for more information about a job advertisement.
A large percentage of websites contain malware.
Cookies
Cookies are bits of data stored on your
computer that record information about the
websites a user has visited. Cookies contain
information about where you have been on the
Internet and the personal information you enter
on a website. Some advertisers place them onto
your computer without your knowledge or consent.
Most cookies are from legitimate websites and
will not harm your computer. Marketers use the
information for research and selling purposes.
If a hacker gains access to the cookies stored on
your computer, you are at risk. They can be used
to steal personal information you have entered
on a website. Cookies also can be used to target
you for a scam based on your Internet history.
As a precaution, there are ways to protect your
computer from cookies. One way is to opt out of
accepting them. Some Internet browsers allow
you to opt out of cookies by setting a preference
that says to accept cookies or never accept cookies.
Check your browser for specifi c instructions.
Another way to protect your computer is to
delete cookies on a regular basis. They can be
removed by selecting the
Tools
or
Settings
menu
from your browser, and then Options. Depending
on the version of the browser, you can select an
option that will automatically delete the cookies.
Still another way to remove them is to run a disk
cleanup from the
Start
menu.
Social Media for Your Career
YouTube is a video-sharing website where you can learn and
share just about anything. There is a wealth of professional and
business information contained in videos posted there. YouTube
allows you to search by keywords, such as career skills, and view
the search results. You will find a variety of career-related tips and
techniques, such as “how to develop a personal brand” or “how to
prepare an elevator speech.” YouTube allows you to gather ideas
for your chosen career field while learning how to increase your
technology skills.