Keep Out e-Ghouls and Goblins – National Consumers League

In obervance of National Cyber Security Month, the National Consumers League is cautioning consumers about how best to guard their computers – and personal information – from the e-goblins and ghouls that may be trying to steal it. Follow this advice year-round to protect yourself from phishing scams and other hazards:

  • Don’t click on links within emails that ask for your personal information.
  • Never enter your personal information in a pop-up screen.
  • Protect your computer with spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall, and keep them up-to-date.
  • Only use secured browsers when entering personal information. Look for a lock symbol to appear at the bottom of the Web page, and for the URL in the browser window to change from “http” to “https” to ensure that the page you’re on is secure.
  • Don’t shop online or do online banking while using an unencrypted or open wireless network, like those provided for free at coffee shops or some airport hotspots. Secure your own wireless network at home by encrypting it with a password. This will keep out your neighbors, but more importantly, it will keep out hackers and thieves who look for open/unencrypted wireless network to capture others’ financial information.
  • Visit www.fraud.org to learn more ways to avoid email and Web-based scams.