OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.

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Adware

A type of software that often comes with free downloads. Some adware displays ads on your computer, while some monitors your computer use (including websites visited) and displays targeted ads based on your use.

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Stop · Think · Click

You can minimize the chance of an Internet mishap by adopting these practices:

  1. Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
  2. Know who you're dealing with.
  3. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
  4. Make sure your operating system and Web browser are set up properly and update them regularly.
  5. Protect your passwords.
  6. Back up important files.
  7. Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online.

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Stop · Think · Click™