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  • Use the Internet Safely

    • Clear Your Browser Cookies, Cache, and History
      Many public computers have software installed to automatically clear browser cookies, cache, and history. Look for the Deep Freeze icon (polar bear) in the System Tray or Task Bar. If...
    • Cyberscams Capitalize on Tragic Events
      Unfortunately, malicious attempts to exploit high-profile events, anniversaries of significant events, emergencies, tragedies, and even major political events, are not uncommon: New...
    • Enhance Web Browser Security
      Improve the security of your web browser. Set preferences to ensure software updating is enabled. Use the built-in browser security settings. Disable popups in your...
    • Identify Risky End-user License Agreements (EULAs)
      When you’re online, be particularly wary if you are asked to install software—even if it appears fairly harmless. Before downloading and installing any new software, always read the EULA,...
    • IT Security Vocabulary
      Adware – software that displays advertisements; you may see popup ads or a small window or bar that displays ads in your browser. Back door – a means of accessing your computer that...
    • Keep Malware (Viruses, Trojans, Worms) Off My Computer
      Malware = Malicious Software There is no guaranteed solution to prevent malware from invading your computer, since criminals spend a lot of time finding new and innovative ways to break...
    • Opt Out of Market Research
      Companies use a variety of market research techniques to understand the needs and wants of consumers. Your privacy can be at risk when you participate in surveys, online communities, focus...
    • Protect My Privacy
      Just as the Internet makes it easy for you to find all sorts of information, you risk others finding out things about you that you don’t intend to be public. As an experiment, search for...
    • Protect Yourself Against a Two-Factor Phishing Attempt
      Fraudulent emails (see how to spot them) are a common way to steal Cornell NetIDs and passwords, and gain access to your private information. Even with two-factor authentication enabled, criminals have found ways to trick users into giving away their login credentials.
    • Read Web Addresses (URLs) in Email and Online
      You can learn information about web addresses (URLs) by looking at some of their components. Finding the Important Parts of a Complex Address In a complicated address, like http...
    • Recovering From Google Docs Phishing Malware
      How do I know if I've been affected? If you clicked "allow" when prompted by the "Google Docs" app to connect to your Google account, you have been affected. If you didn't click the link,...
    • Stop Websites From Installing Software Without Approval (Drive-By Download)
      Websites you visit can download and install software without your knowledge or approval. This is called a drive-by download. The objective is usually to install malware, which may:...
    • Verify if a Website is Who it Claims to Be (EV Certs)
      Verify that a web site you are visiting is who it claims to be. If you see green in the address bar in your browser, the web site has an Extended Validation (EV) Cert and it’s encrypted....