4 tips for safely conducting research on the Web

Although from Microsoft at Work, this applies to the home user as well:

Surprisingly, basic safety is often ignored by people using the Web to research information quickly and efficiently. If you use the Internet for research of any kind, you could be exposing yourself and your company to hidden dangers such as the unauthorized transfer of confidential information. And no one wants to be the person responsible for a companywide computer network shutdown.

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The tips include

1. Update, update, update! -- Be sure you have the latest, updated browser

2. Get into the zone -- "By setting up Internet zones to meet your personal needs, your computer can help protect you as you surf the Web."

3. Limit your intake of cookies -- Using the "Medium" setting blocks 3rd party cookies that do not have a compact privacy policy.

4. Check for encryption before entering information on a site.

See detailed information at 4 tips for safely conducting research on the Web

You may want to mention Web of Trust and/or the various internet security link scanner systems.

I would say sandbox for this topic.