How to Protect Yourself on the Internet

From Yahoo! News

The online threats posed by hackers and other security holes are enough to make you want to hide under your deskor find the nearest fallout shelter. But it turns out that's not necessary.  ABC News spoke to Google Security Princess Parisa Tabriz (that's her official title) and McAfee's Security Expert Robert Siciliano about some of their top security tips. There's no better day than today to heed their advice.

1. Use different passwords for every account.
Of course it's easier just to remember one password, but when has taking the easy route ever gotten you anywhere? When there is a large-scale password breech, as we saw with LinkedIn or Twitter, you can understand why having one password is the worst thing you can do. If the password and email address that you use for one account gets in the hands of the wrong person, they can start trying it on other sites and services. Make sure you use different passwords on different sites.

2. Make sure your passwords are strong.
You also have to make sure those passwords are good, hard-to-guess passwords. Siciliano suggests that you use a mix of upper-and lowercase letters and numbers. He also says that you should change your most important passwords at least once every six months and suggests using password-manager software so you don't have to memorize them all.

3. Set up two-factor authentication.
Google's Tabriz says two-factor authentication or two-step verification is something everyone should set up on his or her Google account. Other services provide similar security safeguards. (Twitter said to be setting some up soon too.) The service provides an extra layer of security. When you sign into your account it requires you to enter another code, which you can only get via text or a voice call. This way no one can get into your account unless they have that piece too.

4. Don't reveal too much on social networks.
"Fifty years ago, the bad guy was the KGB. They were the mole on the inside. Today we, with social media, are the mole on the inside," Siciliano said. Siciliano says we are often providing enough information via social media profiles for hackers to figure out our passwords or answer those questions in the password reset tools. He recommends being very careful about what information you share in your public profile. "Lock down your settings and don't friend everyone who connects with you," he said.

5. Protect your computer and browser.
This one used to be the most obvious and probably still is. Make sure if you are using a Windows PC you are using an up-to-date anti-virus or spyware program. Whether you are a Mac or a PC user, make sure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest security patches. Google also recommends using Chrome (naturally, it is its own browser) and making sure you have the latest version.

6. Secure your wireless connection.
Just as important is protecting the way you get onto the Internet. Make sure you have protected your home wireless network with a password and you have changed the default SSID (your network's name) -- that means changing it from "Linksys" to something else. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks be safe about what information you are sending over it. Siciliano recommends using HotSpot Shield, a program that determines the safety of the network.

7. Shop only at safe sites.
We went over some shopping safety tips around the holiday season, but make sure the site has a little padlock icon next to the address and it has an HTTPS address before putting in your credit card number. Siciliano also says keep a close eye on your credit card bills for suspicious charges. In addition, make sure to look at the site and make an educated decision about its legitimacy. Googling it also make sense to see if any others have had issues with it.

8. Think before clicking links.
Clicking links is second nature on the Internet, but Siciliano says we should be careful before we click those lines of text. "Anybody can create a template that looks like a bank and make it easy to click links and then access my computer or online account," he says. Be vigilant about what links you click in an email, especially when they come from companies. Also, don't click on odd direct messages or Facebook messages with links. If you're friends are sending exciting photos they aren't going to do it via a link.

9. Protect your phone with a password.
Your phone is now a computer and can have as much or even more personal information than your laptop desktop. Both experts firmly advised you password-protect smartphones. Siciliano said that Android users should also consider security software apps. McAfee provides an Antivirus and security app in Google's Play store.

10. Pay attention.
It might be obvious, but just remember that if you're using any Internet service or Web browser you have to be smart.

"You have to do the right thing and put systems in place -- you know it's raining, you put on a rain jacket," Siciliano said. "You're on the Internet, you protect yourself with the right tools."

JTF7 is a unique maritime law enforcement task force created to protect the vital infrastructure of the Greater Baton Rouge region and to respond to emergencies on the Mississippi River.  It is a collaborative effort between the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and seven Louisiana sheriffs from seven parishes along the river.

Louisiana Sheriff’s Honorary Membership Program

By Mike Cazes

As Sheriff of West Baton Rouge Parish, I would like to encourage everyone to get involved in the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program, a crime prevention program of vital importance to every citizen.  My office is committed to making our neighborhoods, schools and businesses a safer place for you to live and raise your children and family.  By getting involved in the Sheriff’s Honorary Membership Program you can help reduce the negative influences that crime has on our families and our children. 

In the past year, this office has made significant improvement in enforcement through community-based programs, intensified patrols and impromptu visits by members of my department in our schools.  We have worked tirelessly to raise the level of professionalism demonstrated by all members of my department through training and education. It is our goal to reduce the number of violent crimes, thefts and domestic violence through community involvement and conscientious and aggressive enforcement of the laws and ordinances and education.

As part of our crime reduction program and in response to the ever increasing numbers of citizens wanting to assist law enforcement, the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association is sponsoring the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program.  Individuals who choose to join the voluntary program can do so for as little as $20.00, while a business can show its support with a $35.00 contribution.  The funds collected will provide crucial technical resources, training, and legislative support on key criminal justice issues.  These funds are even more important in today’s ever increasing climate of budget cuts in both state and federal funding. 

If you are interested in a membership you may contact the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program at 1175 Nicholson Drive, Suite 101 Baton Rouge, LA 70802.  The phone number is 225-383-2871.