Just as it is important to protect your system from viruses, it is also important to protect your personal information. The following tips will help you protect your privacy on the Internet.

Use Passwords Effectively
An effective password should be at least eight characters long and consist of letters, numbers and symbols. Do not use obvious passwords such as birth dates, names, phone numbers, or common words. Change your passwords on a regular basis as well. Never give your passwords to anyone. More on Passwords.

Check Privacy Policies
Look for privacy policies on web sites asking for your personal information and read these policies carefully. They should explain what personal information is being requested, why, and how it will be used. A web site asking for sensitive information like Social Security Numbers or Birthdates should only be requesting such information if it is essential to the transaction being conducted. Be cautious about doing business with sites that request personal data and do not post detailed and legitimate privacy policies.

Use Secure Connections
Never submit a credit card number or other highly sensitive personal information without first making sure that your connection is secure (encrypted). In Netscape, look for a closed lock in Windows () or unbroken key (Mac) icon at the bottom of the browser window. In Internet Explorer, look for a closed lock icon at the bottom in Windows () or near the top (Mac) of the browser window. In any browser, look at the URL (web address) line, a secure connection will begin with https:// instead of http://. If you are at page that asks for such information but shows http:// try adding the "s" yourself and hitting enter to reload the page. If you receive an error message that the page or site does not exist, be aware that others can see any information you send.

Handling Unsolicited E-mail
Spam, or unsolicited bulk e-mail can be a nuisance. The best way to deal with SPAM is also the simplest - just delete it. If you get spam mail DO NOT RESPOND. You run the risk of being added to more bulk distribution lists.