Many of the warning phrases you probably heard from your parents and teachers are also applicable to using computers and the internet.

Why are these warnings important?

Like the real world, technology and the internet present dangers as well as benefits. Equipment fails, attackers may target you, and mistakes and poor judgment happen. Just as you take precautions to protect yourself in the real world, you need to take precautions to protect yourself online. For many users, computers and the internet are unfamiliar and intimidating, so it is appropriate to approach them the same way we urge children to approach the real world.

What are some warnings to remember?

Don't trust candy from strangers - Finding something on the internet does not guarantee that it is true. Anyone can publish information online, so before accepting a statement as fact or taking action, verify that the source is reliable. It is also easy for attackers to "spoof" email addresses, so verify that an email is legitimate before opening an unexpected email attachment or responding to a request for personal information (see Using Caution with Email Attachments and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information).

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - You have probably seen many emails promising fantastic rewards or monetary gifts. However, regardless of what the email claims, there are not any wealthy strangers desperate to send you money. Beware of grand promises—they are most likely spam, hoaxes, or phishing schemes (see Reducing Spam, Identifying Hoaxes and Urban Legends, and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information). Also be wary of pop-up windows and advertisements for free downloadable software—they may be disguising spyware (see Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware for more information).