Protect yourself: 12 ways to keep online predators at bay

WASHINGTON -- According to the Federal Trade Commission, if you tweet or update your status on a social networking page, you should read these 12 short messages about how to keep online goblins, ghouls, and ghosts away from your computer.

1. Are cyber ghouls and online scammers feasting on your computer? This Halloween, learn how to stop them at OnGuardOnline.gov.
   
   
2. Don’t let someone decide to be you for Halloween. Read more about online identity theft at OnGuardOnline.gov.
   
   
3. Don't let computer security worries haunt you at night. OnGuardOnline.gov says download software updates and patches often.
   
   
4. Garlic? Stake through the heart? OnGuardOnline.gov says only the latest security software protects you from online vampires.
   
   
5. Zombie warning! Update your security software often to protect your computer from zombie bots. Read more at OnGuardOnline.gov.
   
   
6. Don’t let old security software spook you. Keep firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software updated, and visit OnGuardOnline.gov.
   
   
7. Beware of online tricks this Halloween and enable your computer’s firewall. Find out more at OnGuardOnline.gov.
   
   
8. Don’t let a virus ruin your computer’s Halloween spirit. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for tips to keep your computer virus-free.
   
   
9. Don’t be a “phish” for Halloween. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov to learn how to spot computer scams that try to hook your personal info.
   
   
10. When you tell kids about Halloween safety, tell them about online safety too. To learn how, read Net Cetera at OnGuardOnline.gov.
    
    
11. If you leave your laptop for ‘just a sec,’ it could become someone else’s Halloween treat. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov to learn more.
    
    
12. Can you spot an internet scam dressed up as a great deal? Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for tips on how to spot online frauds.