Internet security becomes more crucial every day. There are some things to keep in mind that will help to keep you and your computer safe when out on the World Wild Web.

If you normally connect your computer through a router and then to your Internet modem, your system is most likely protected by a built-in NAT firewall in the router. However, if you take your laptop computer out with you and connect via a WiFi hotspot, it's a very good idea to install a software firewall on your laptop to prevent unwanted access to the contents of your computer. There are several very good firewall programs available at reasonable cost, and some are even free. Another aspect of Internet security that you need to keep in mind when you are away from your home or office computer system, is that when using public computers, be very careful that you do not leave login or password information for your webmail or online banking type accounts on the public computer. There is an issue with Internet Explorer 7, particularly, which seems to remember what you type in to forms, even if you do not ask it to. If you determine that the browser version is IE 7, you might want to wait to access protected content until you are back at your own computer.

Another Internet security issue you should be wary of is the possibility of malicious code on web sites that can infect your computer. Be sure that you are running an up-to-date antivirus software on your computer. It is also very important to set the antivirus program to scan your incoming emails, as well. Speaking of email, although you might not think of it as being a security issue, be careful to whom you provide your main email address. It's a very good idea to have an email address that you can use when you need to sign up for something or give to someone you don't know very well. If you have access to a service that allows you to make "throwaway" type email addresses, that will really help you avoid getting your "real" email address on every spammer's list in the world.

Just as a reminder, the maxim that "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" applies to anything you receive in email or read on a web site. The greatest security tool that you have is your own brain. Be wary of giving out any of your personal information on websites or in forms online. If you are ordering a product from a reputable online store, of course you will provide your name and address details. However, for other types of situations, it is safest to keep personally identifiable information to yourself. That leads to thoughts of the popular social networking sites where so many people participate. Evaluate anything you propose to post on those types of sites for anything you would not like an enemy to know about you. Do not give details that would allow random people to locate you in real life. Do not post anything that you would find embarrassing or worse if your employer or fellow employees were to find it. Internet security is a matter of protecting yourself from the malicious intent of computer hackers, as well as stopping yourself from being too generous or open with information you provide about yourself to anyone who can access the World Wide Web.