Top Things That Computer Users Should Fear in 2010

By Stacy Whelchel

Can the Internet be a scary place? Yes, and it may be an even more dangerous place this year, according to this MSNBC story. The daunting story makes predictions including:

1. Anti-virus products will have more difficulty screening out viruses

2. Increased buying of fake anti-virus software

3. Social networking sites will continue to be platforms for impersonation/identity theft

4. Spam numbers will keep climbing

Even though this may not be the most uplifting news, it’s important that the Internet always be treated as a powerful communication tool of seemingly endless possibilities - both positive and negative.

Caution is always the key to safe surfing. If something seems suspicious, avoid it and take precautions to safeguard all your confidential information, both online and during in person interactions.

It’s one thing to hope that these predictions don’t come true; it’s quite another to ignore the warnings and not take steps to protect your identity and leave the door wide open for cyber criminals.

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Stacy Whelchel is a Corporate Writer at Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. Pre-Paid Legal's signature products, including the Life Events Legal Plan and Identity Theft Shield, serve more than 1.5 million families in North America.