Safe Internet Alliance

Mary Jane Popp, of KHAI radio, interviewed Safe Internet Alliance's president Linda Criddle on what it takes to implement internet hygiene, and how to apply common sense when online. Mary Jane asked if it is just laziness on the part of consumers that gets them into trouble with scams and malware, and what the key actions consumers should be taking to protect themselves. Linda answered by saying it's more a lack of skills and understanding than laziness, though laziness certainly plays a role. Consumers need to learn to apply healthy skepticism online instead of taking information from any source, including email, blog content, websites, etc. at face value, and practice defensive computing. Criddle said this includes having security software installed and up to date, using a website review tool to see whether websites contain malware before going to the site, using strong passwords, and avoiding clicking on links sent to you in email, in blogs and micro-blogs, and on social networking sites. Instead, Criddle recommended users find the information themselves using a search engine to ensure the site they land on is a real website and that it's free of malware.