We all like to have fun online, but it’s important to be wary of security threats like fake websites or emails, and misleading messages and links. Losing your account is no fun, so to help keep you from falling into a virtual trap, here are some important safety tips and signals to keep in mind while browsing the web:
Ignore phishing and hoaxes
Hoaxes are false and usually alarming messages that attempt to persuade you to forward them to others. If you do so, you end up spreading a lie. Phishing is an attempt to steal personal information through fake emails or websites. To know when you should immediately delete or ignore these messages, here are some common signs of phishing and hoaxes:
Get a safe lock
You wouldn’t protect your house with a toy lock, right? It shouldn't be any different on the Internet! Always use a strong and unique password for all your online accounts, including orkut and your email service. Check out some tips on how to create a strong password, and remember to change it periodically, especially for important accounts whenever you suspect one of them may have been at risk.
Say no to codes and scripts
Don’t ever click or enter any code/script in your browser’s address bar when signed into orkut or other services. That is one of the most popular methods used to steal information from your account. Usually they promise some miraculous outcome if you run their code or click a link to automatically run a script, but be cautious — most of the time the code will actually do something else that could be harmful.
Keep your browser and anti-virus updated to browse safely
Navigating the Internet on an outdated browser is like driving in a broken old car — not only are you unable to speed up, but it’s also more likely that something bad may happen. If you always keep your browser updated, websites will load much faster, and you will be safer because the more recent versions contain the latest security updates. Don’t forget that updating your browser is always free and takes only a few minutes. Also, if you use Google Chrome, your browser is already updated for you — no more action required on your part.
Another important way to keep your computer safe is by always having an updated anti-virus program. The good news is that you can get quality anti-virus software for free. If any virus is found on your computer, get rid of it first, and then remember to change all your passwords, as they could have already been stolen.
Close the door when leaving
Finally, remember to always click the sign-out link on the top of the page when you’re done using orkut, especially if you’re on a shared computer or using a friend’s computer. If you simply quit the browser but don’t sign out, anyone can reopen orkut on that browser later and access your profile.
Keep these instructions in mind to browse the web more safely! To find out more security tips, don’t forget to check our other posts for Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Posted by Natalia Gerassi and Ariel, orkut operations team
Ignore phishing and hoaxes
Hoaxes are false and usually alarming messages that attempt to persuade you to forward them to others. If you do so, you end up spreading a lie. Phishing is an attempt to steal personal information through fake emails or websites. To know when you should immediately delete or ignore these messages, here are some common signs of phishing and hoaxes:
- Messages about security or sensitive issues which ask you to forward to friends
- Sites that try to look like orkut but are not at our official address (www.orkut.com/ or www.google.com/)
- External sites that request your orkut or Google account password for any reason
- Messages about amazing (or terrible) changes to orkut or your account if you do (or don’t do) something
Get a safe lock
You wouldn’t protect your house with a toy lock, right? It shouldn't be any different on the Internet! Always use a strong and unique password for all your online accounts, including orkut and your email service. Check out some tips on how to create a strong password, and remember to change it periodically, especially for important accounts whenever you suspect one of them may have been at risk.
Say no to codes and scripts
Don’t ever click or enter any code/script in your browser’s address bar when signed into orkut or other services. That is one of the most popular methods used to steal information from your account. Usually they promise some miraculous outcome if you run their code or click a link to automatically run a script, but be cautious — most of the time the code will actually do something else that could be harmful.
Keep your browser and anti-virus updated to browse safely
Navigating the Internet on an outdated browser is like driving in a broken old car — not only are you unable to speed up, but it’s also more likely that something bad may happen. If you always keep your browser updated, websites will load much faster, and you will be safer because the more recent versions contain the latest security updates. Don’t forget that updating your browser is always free and takes only a few minutes. Also, if you use Google Chrome, your browser is already updated for you — no more action required on your part.
Another important way to keep your computer safe is by always having an updated anti-virus program. The good news is that you can get quality anti-virus software for free. If any virus is found on your computer, get rid of it first, and then remember to change all your passwords, as they could have already been stolen.
Close the door when leaving
Finally, remember to always click the sign-out link on the top of the page when you’re done using orkut, especially if you’re on a shared computer or using a friend’s computer. If you simply quit the browser but don’t sign out, anyone can reopen orkut on that browser later and access your profile.
Keep these instructions in mind to browse the web more safely! To find out more security tips, don’t forget to check our other posts for Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Posted by Natalia Gerassi and Ariel, orkut operations team
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