<!-- Notes *Once upon a time Scoobidiver wrote a section called "How can I improve my privacy and security?" in part of a revsion to the private browsing article. We talked about basing a new article on this info https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/knowledge-base-articles/704973 - Let's do that. *We should limit the scope of the article to the top sane, easy, common sense things you can do. We should not go into full-paranoid, I-need-to-disappear-from-the-grid-mode. --> * Keep all of your software and operating system up-to-date<br />Software updates contain vulnerability patches. * There are a lot of [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/extensions/privacy-security/ Firefox extensions] that may help you to improve some parts of your privacy and security. * You may also be interested by security options available in Firefox. For more details, see [[Options window - Security panel]]. * If you are aware of your privacy and security, here are some handy tips: ** '''Remember that YOU decide what information about yourself to reveal, when, why, and to whom:''' don't give out personally-identifiable information too easily; set your privacy settings in your social networking account; beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details. ** '''Be conscious of Web security:''' never submit a credit card number or other highly sensitive personal information without first making sure your connection is secure (encrypted); [[[[Is my Firefox problem a result of malware|be on the lookout for "spyware"]]; [[Choosing More Secure Passwords|use secure passwords]] and [[[[Protecting stored passwords using a master password|protect them with a master password]]; try to use Javascript only on trusted sites. ** '''Keep a "clean" e-mail address''': use some pseudonymous or simply alternate address, and keep your main or preferred address only on small, members-only lists and with known, trusted individuals. ** '''Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.''' ** '''Realize you may be monitored at work:''' avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer. ** '''Be conscious of home computer security:''' Turn off your computer when you are not using your Internet connexion; secure your Wi-Fi network with a strong encryption (WPA or WPA2) ; use a [[Firewalls|firewall]]. ** '''Examine privacy policies and seals:''' Does the site provide offline contact information? Does the site have a prominently-posted privacy policy? If so, what does it say? Do you have a reason to believe it? Have you ever heard of this company? What is their reputation? And are they backing up their privacy statement with a seal program? If you see a seal, is it real? =See Also= * [https://www.eff.org/wp/effs-top-12-ways-protect-your-online-privacy EFF's Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy] * [http://www.google.com/goodtoknow/online-safety/ How you can stay safe and secure online] * [http://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx Get Cyber Safe] * [http://lifehacker.com/5576927/how-to-stay-safe-on-public-wi+fi-networks How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks] * [http://blog.usa.gov/post/3747186942/how-to-stay-safe-with-wifi How to Stay Safe With Wifi] * [http://mashable.com/2012/10/09/ecommerce-security-tips/ How to Stay Safe on Ecommerce Sites]

• Keep all of your software and operating system up-to-date
  Software updates contain vulnerability patches.
• There are a lot of Firefox extensions that may help you to improve some parts of your privacy and security.
• You may also be interested by security options available in Firefox. For more details, see Security and passwords settings.
• If you are aware of your privacy and security, here are some handy tips:
  • Remember that YOU decide what information about yourself to reveal, when, why, and to whom: don't give out personally-identifiable information too easily; set your privacy settings in your social networking account; beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details.
  • Be conscious of Web security: never submit a credit card number or other highly sensitive personal information without first making sure your connection is secure (encrypted); be on the lookout for "spyware"; use secure passwords and protect them with a master password; try to use Javascript only on trusted sites.
  • Keep a "clean" e-mail address: use some pseudonymous or simply alternate address, and keep your main or preferred address only on small, members-only lists and with known, trusted individuals.
  • Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.
  • Realize you may be monitored at work: avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer.
  • Be conscious of home computer security: Turn off your computer when you are not using your Internet connexion; secure your Wi-Fi network with a strong encryption (WPA or WPA2) ; use a firewall.
  • Examine privacy policies and seals: Does the site provide offline contact information? Does the site have a prominently-posted privacy policy? If so, what does it say? Do you have a reason to believe it? Have you ever heard of this company? What is their reputation? And are they backing up their privacy statement with a seal program? If you see a seal, is it real?

See Also

• EFF's Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy
• How you can stay safe and secure online
• Get Cyber Safe
• How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks
• How to Stay Safe With Wifi
• How to Stay Safe on Ecommerce Sites