The Internet has a dark side that can put each of us in harms way - browse the news, and you'll see headline after headline about record numbers of viruses, along with the latest phishing attempts, malware attacks, and other cyber thievery. Seeing how rapidly cyber crime is progressing can become pretty depressing, not to mention discouraging, for all of us who depend on the Internet as a daily part of our lives.

But, the good news is - you don't have to be the next victim of an online scam. All it takes to stay safe is a little precaution and knowledge about cyber security. Right now is the perfect time to take a long, hard look at how your online behavior may be putting you at risk - October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

How can you get started on promoting cyber security awareness? The National Cyber Security Alliance has put together a list of "Top Ten Security Tips for 2008." Here's a look at a few of the helpful hints on their list:

• -Subscribe to the National Cyber Alert System from the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team at www.us-cert.gov. Through the Alert System, you can receive timely information about current cyber security problems to protect home and office computers."
• -Reach out to people that you know - your co-workers, friends, even your kids - and remind them to practice good online safety and security habits, including protecting their personal information and their online reputation.  For more information and tips go to www.staysafeonline.org and www.us-cert.gov."
• -Print cyber security posters and cards from www.OnGuardOnline.gov "post cyber security tips near your computer at work and at home near the family computer. Review them with your colleagues, classmates, employees and family members."

For more information on how to brush up on your online skills, visit StaySafeOnline.org.