Hackers use programs that can rapidly determine passwords based on words in the dictionary in different languages, even common words spelled backwards. If you use a common word as your password, you might think you're protected if you replace letters of that word with numbers or symbols that look like the letters such as M1cr0$0ft or P@ssw0rd. Unfortunately, hackers know these tricks too. A strong password is one that is at least eight characters, includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.
The easiest way to create a strong password that you won't have to write down is to come up with a passphrase. A passphrase is a sentence that you can remember, like "I like eating Dairy Queen in the summer" You can make a pretty strong password by using the first letter of each word of the sentence. For example, ileDQits. However, you can make this password even stronger by using a combination of letters, numbers, punctuation and special characters that look like letters. For example, using the same memorable sentence and a few tricks, your password is now 1leDQ1t5. If you're using a common phrase make sure to inject at least one number or symbol into the password.
Phishing and ID theft
Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' e-mails and fraudulent websites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social insurance numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them. Once your personal data has been compromised, the door is open to steal what is left of your identity and possibly open new accounts, credit cards, etc.
(CNN article) or try this (Can you spot a phishing email?)
What you should know before giving out your credit card/banking information - Secure Shopping
Viruses, Adware, Spyware
Viruses are everywhere but typically have to be activated by opening attachments through email or accessing an email link to a website. If you do not recognize the sender and if the subject line is short or vague and directs you to open the attached file - it's probably a bug. By deleting the file and not opening it, the virus cannot harm your computer.
Spyware appears mostly with downloaded programs from the Internet. Especially on music sharing sites like Kazaa and Morpheus. Dial-up or modem spyware consists mainly of installing auto-dialer codes onto your computer. This can run up the phone bills if left unchecked but can be addressed easily with a program like spyblaster or spybot search and destroy.
File Sharing and Peer to Peer (P2P)
This is mostly music, videos and some programs. Kazaa, Morpheus, E-donkey and Limewire are among the most popular file sharing programs. There may be multiple spyware and viruses embedded into these files because they are often opened or launched immediately after downloading, thus releasing the virus or spyware. If you choose to use such programs, be sure to run ad-aware afterwards to eliminate the bugs you may have picked up. Torrents also represent file sharing but are typically used with larger files including videos and software.
