Tip 1:
A new generation of malware has managed to surreptitiously place malicious JavaScript code on tens of thousands of popular Web sites. Fortunately, you can stack the odds in your favor by following these guidelines:

Step 1: Use a hardware firewall. Just having a router connected helps with firewall protection.
Step 2: Install a set of security software. Like AVG 8.5 or Avast - they are FREE
Step 3: SCAN YOUR SYSTEM REGULARLY with a software-update service. Run Spybot Search and Destroy; Malwarebytes; or Adware by Lavasoft.
Step 4: Use Mozilla's Firefox or Google's Chrome browser, both of which are more secure than Internet Explorer.
List of Misleading applications to AVOID
* Antivirus2009
* AntiVirusXP2008
* SpySheriff
* WiniGuard
* TheRegistrySentinel
* VirusRemover2008
* VirusDoctor

Tip 2: Computer Security

Account Security and Passwords

Keeping unauthorized users from accessing your account is the first and most basic step in protecting your personal information. Here are a few tips on creating a strong password:

- Make your password at least eight characters long.

- Include at least one number in your password, preferably in between letters.

- Vary between upper- and lower-case letters.

- Use acronyms or abbreviations instead of common names of family members, pets, sports teams, etc.

- Don't use the same password for every site or login.



How to Spot Email Scams

One of the most popular scams is called "phishing" or "pharming" and it works like this:

An email is designed to look like it's coming from a well-known and respected Web site. The email states that there's a problem with your account and tells you to click on a link within the email to update your customer information. When you click on the link, you're taken to a fake Web page, again designed to look like the official site, where any information you enter goes directly to the criminals who set it all up. Here are some tips on what to look for:

1. Where does the link take you? Fake emails usually hide the actual Web address within a linked phrase like "Click here" or "Log in". To be safe, always type the Web site address into your browser and log in from there.

2. Does the email ask you for information? Fake emails will ask you to reply with your personal information or to fill it into spaces provided within the email. Beware of any email that asks you to provide:

- Credit or debit card numbers
- Driver's License numbers
- Passwords - Bank account numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Your full name - Birthdate
- Email addresses

3. Is the Web page secure? Any time you're asked to give personal information online, the Web address should begin with "https:". The "s" stands for "secure" and is your key to knowing your information is protected.

4. Is the email addressed to you personally? Many phishers send fake emails that use generic greetings, such as "Dear Customer" or "Dear Sir/Madam."

5. Does the email read well? Fake emails are often littered with misspellings, poor grammar, etc. These mistakes actually help them avoid spam filters, but they should be a dead give-away that they are not from the real GoDaddy.com. All our emails are written with care and proofread by industry professionals.

6. Is the page a 'pop-up'? Fake emails and Web sites will use pop-up windows to collect information. Pop up windows appear without any action on your part and have no address bar or navigation buttons. 7. Is there an attachment? Many fake emails will include an attachment that, if launched, could install spyware, launch a virus or more.


Viruses and Spyware

They're two of the most common cyber threats, yet many people don't really understand what spyware and viruses are or how to protect themselves. Here's what you need to know:

Viruses: In general terms, a virus is a computer program or code that replicates on its own and spreads to other computers through email or open network connections. While some viruses are more dangerous than others, nearly all are designed to damage or destroy computer data, including files and software programs. Anti-virus software will screen suspicious files and either delete or quarantine them. There are several anti-virus options, from free downloadable programs to expensive professional software suites. GoDaddy.com email accounts include powerful, built-in anti-virus screening to detect and stop viruses before they ever reach your Inbox.

Spyware: Similar to viruses in the way that it often sneaks onto your system through innocent-looking emails or programs, spyware is different from a virus in that it doesn't self-replicate and will not generally damage data. Instead, spyware can cause a number of different types of problems - from monitoring and reporting which Web sites you visit to stealing your private and personal information (such as user names, passwords, credit card and bank account numbers and more) which allows them to steal your identity, empty your bank account, run up your credit cards and worse. Like virus protection, there are several effective anti-spyware programs available online for free and more feature-rich versions available for purchase at your local retailer.