Today we’re going to talk about clicking on things. Since the integration of the mouse in computing in 1970, mankind has slowly developed a sixth sense. Along with Sight, Touch, Smell, Taste and Hearing, humans have become Clickers. Pop-ups on web pages beckon us to click, attachments in emails taunt us, and we lose sleep over the millions of links we didn’t get a chance to click on web sites throughout the course of the day. We’ve become a click-happy and gleeful race because humans are inquisitive and, for the most part, trustworthy.
But the truth about the Internet is that it’s a cesspool of crime, greed and mischief of all various sorts. It’s still a valuable resource with a lot of good–such as our site. There is little regulation, however, and anyone can create a virus or exploit, put it in an email or website and then sit back and wait for the click that will give them total control over someone’s bank account or computer.
Knowing this, we must be careful what we click on.
- Never open email attachments unless you are expecting one–if you see one, call the person and ask if they sent you something. Never open an attachment from a stranger.
- Never click on links in emails. Links can be spoofed. If your bank sends you something, manually type in their address to visit their site. Your bank will never send you an email asking you to change your password.
- There is no Prince in Africa that needs your help, so don’t send him money.
- If you get a security pop-up on your computer, do not click it. Restart your computer, update your anti-virus and make sure you’re not infected.
Resisting the urge to click on everything the Internet throws at you is tough. I am a recovering compulsive clicker myself. So realize you’re not alone and spread the words “Think before you click.” Your computer will be more secure and you will value the things you do click on even more.
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