Ryan C. Williams

Everybody’s password to access internet sites (or PIN or passphrase or whatever you use) is different, or else there wouldn’t be any reason to use them. That said, there are some common pitfalls that anybody with passwords should avoid, so let’s list the most common (and the most troublesome). Keep these scenarios in mind as you navigate the internet, and don’t let yourself be an easy target!

As you read about viruses and all the other critters used on the internet to ferret out your passwords and personal information, you should remember that they’re really just a means to an end. So what’s the end? That depends on the goal of the program writer. Some critters are written to annoy; others are written to destroy.

You are your username on the internet. For most of the YouTube community, that’s all you are. This means you do not have to share personal information. Registering with YouTube is an anonymous procedure — you don’t need to give your name, just your e-mail address. YouTube keeps that information private, so really, all that other YouTube users know about you automatically is your username.

Keep your eyes open and you’ll avoid a lot of what the internet has to throw at you attempting to access your passwords and personal information. Basics of phishing scams Eventually, you’ll receive an email that says it’s from your bank, eBay, PayPal, or a similar website announcing a problem with your account.