How to protect yourself online

Whenever you’re online, internet criminals want your data – they will send fake emails with links to fraudulent websites that look just like the real thing to trick you into giving them your information (phishing). Or they will forge email messages to acquire a valid password, so they can hack into your computer (spoofing).

At Microsoft, we take your security very seriously. To help you protect yourself when online, here’s our advice on how you can stop internet criminals spending your money:

• NEVER give anyone your Windows LIVE ID password. We will never ask for your Windows Live ID password, except on Microsoft-branded sites (billing.microsoft.com, xbox.com) that are protected via secured/encrypted pages. There should be a lock icon in the address bar at the top of the page (see below), and the address typically starts with https://login.live.com.

• Block unwanted spam email – this will also block most phishing emails.
• Use a modern web browser that will warn you against known phishing websites.
• Avoid sites that offer you free points – some look very professional and convincing, but this is a common way of getting hold of your personal information. Remember, don’t give away your password or any other personal information, unless you’re on a Microsoft branded site with an encrypted page and a lock icon in the address bar.
• Always use strong passwords - using a mix of several words, letters, numbers and punctuation. Use different passwords for different sites to make it harder for identity thieves.
• Don’t give away too much personal information on blogs and social networking sites like MySpace, FaceBook or Bebo.
• Be careful not to share any personal information over an Xbox LIVE voice chat or game session.

Remember – NEVER give anyone your Windows LIVE ID password unless it’s via a secure Microsoft site.

As a parent, you can manage the sites your children can access by setting up parental controls for Xbox and LIVE. When playing offline, Family Settings can be set to grant or restrict access to games based on the PEGI rating. When playing online, Family Settings can be used to restrict access to content and contact based on the parent's choice. See here for more details.

Remember, there’s no delete button on the internet. If you publish something, even if you delete it later, you have no control over how it is stored, copied or archived. Think twice about publishing something you might later regret. Identity thieves can piece together your identity from public information piece by piece like putting together a jigsaw.

Useful links:

• www.getsafeonline.org
• www.getgamesmart.com
• www.xbox.com/en-GB/playsmart
• http://www.microsoft.com/protect/family/default.mspx