|
|
For Immediate Release |
| January 28, 2003 | |
| Contact: Carol McKay | |
| 202-835-3323 | |
| media@nclnet.org |
Beef up Your Computer with Security Tips from NCL
National Consumer Protection Week 2003 (Feb. 2-8): Information Security
WASHINGTON, DC--As more consumers rely on their personal computers to shop,
pay bills, keep track of their accounts, and communicate with others, it’s
crucial for them to know how to protect sensitive personal information from
intruders and how to block viruses and other damage to computer systems. In
recognition of National Consumer
Protection Week (Feb. 2 – 8, 2003), which this year focuses on information
security, the National Consumers League has released new tips on home computer
security.
“People regularly lock doors, place valuables in safes, and invest in
alarm systems to keep intruders out of their homes or cars. Protecting one’s
computer, and the valuable information in it, is just as important,” said
Susan Grant, NCL vice president of policy. NCL’s basic tips will help
consumers learn about picking an effective password, building a firm firewall,
avoiding viruses, backing up important records, keeping their computer security
systems up-to-date, and controlling use of their computers. The new information
at www.nclnet.org/safecomputing
also includes links to more detailed information from government and other
sources. NCL suggests many easy steps consumers can take to beef up their
computer security, such as these tips for choosing effective passwords:
Use
a combination of letter and numbers.
Avoid
obvious things such as your birth date.
Pick
passwords that you can remember.
Don’t
write passwords down where others may find them.
Keep
your passwords private and be suspicious of people who ask for them claiming
to be from companies that should already have them.
In
addition, NCL offers tips on how consumers can protect themselves from identity
theft (www.nclnet.org/privacy/idtheft),
shop safely online (www.nclnet.org/shoppingonline),
and guard their online privacy (www.nclnet.org/essentials).
During National Consumer Protection Week, NCL’s Susan Grant will
participate in a press conference at the National Press Club to make consumers
aware of what they can do to protect their computers from intruders. Speakers
will also include FTC Commissioner Orson Swindle; Dave McCurdy, executive
director of the ISAlliance; and Visa’s Mark McCarthy.
When:
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003
10:00
a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Where:
National Press Club
529
14th Street
Lisagore
Room
For more information, contact NCL’s communications
department at 202-835-3323 or media@nclnet.org.
The
National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is
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