Spam, Virus, Hoax, Phishing, and Spyware protection

Note: seminars are being given at the Tempe Public Library on a regular basis - please check the calendar

The Internet is a wonderful place.  In a short period of time the web and email have changed many of our lives and improved our quality of life.  Unfortunately, in recent years, the darker side of our society has started to use the Internet too, and for things that can make our lives a nightmare.

As a service to our citizens the City of Tempe offers the following information to help you protect yourself on the Internet.  It is impossible to cover each and every possible method that is used to spam, infect, or spy on you, but we will attempt to provide you with enough information to help you protect yourself and understand what to look for.  Their attempts to catch you off guard will constantly change so use this information as a base and fill in the rest with common sense.  Continue to pay attention to new threats as they are created.

Before going ahead it's important for you to understand that you are responsible for your own protection.  Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can't do it for you.  Your computer manufacturer can't, nor can Apple, Microsoft, or any other operating system vendor.  Some may help filter spam or do virus checks on your email before you get it and these are, of course, good features.  But, nothing will ever take the place of being aware of your surroundings and having the knowledge to be self reliant. 

Download the pdf version of the Computer Security Flyer.

Download the pdf version of the Computer Security Presentation.

Add common sense and stir until solution thickens.

Spam - can't live without it....no matter how hard you try...unfortunately

Virus - you could be a carrier and never know you have it

Spyware - are they watching what you buy, where you go, and recording what you like?

Hoaxes - the sky is falling, and it must be true because I read it on the net!  Pass it on!

Phishing - you're the one that gets caught!  Be the one that got away...

The Internet isn't the only threat to your personal security.  There are several ways your Identity can be stolen from you in the physical world too.  For example, anyone can walk into any post office and fill out a change of address card directing mail from your mail box to some anonymous PO box.  In the week it would take you to figure out you were not getting any mail the thief has several days worth of statements, pre-approved credit card offers in your name, and maybe even your social security number.

Other Gotcha's - The character who said "I'm your worst nightmare" was actually 2nd worst.

No product is endorsed by the City of Tempe even though some examples may be offered.  Tempe takes no responsibility in how this information is used nor for the security of the computers owned and operated by its citizens.

If you have any questions