Generally I try to ignore President George W. Bush when he makes proclamations. But when he came out today and urged everyone to “use and regularly update their anti-virus software and firewall,” I felt I had to say something.

On Friday, Bush proclaimed the week of Feb. 5 through 11 as National Consumer Protection Week, urging “Government officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates to provide citizens with information about how they can be responsible consumers, and I encourage all citizens to take an active role in protecting their personal information.”

As indeed they should. But I just wonder if he even knows what anti-virus and firewall software are? Or when is the last time he touched a computer?

During National Consumer Protection Week, we highlight the importance of consumer education in the ongoing fight against fraud and encourage consumers to make wise decisions.

Each year, nearly 25 million adults are victims of consumer fraud. These crimes damage lives and shake consumer confidence. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other organizations recommend several steps that Americans can take to help protect themselves against fraud. First, consumers should be cautious about giving out personal information such as Social Security and account numbers. Second, they should be aware of the credentials of an organization before making a transaction, especially through the mail, over the phone, or on the Internet. Third, before finalizing a purchase or agreement, the FTC suggests considering offers with care, avoiding immediate decisions, and requesting to have information in writing. In addition, when using the Internet, the FTC recommends that consumers exercise caution in responding to solicitations and that consumers use and regularly update their anti virus software and firewall.

My Administration is committed to vigorous enforcement of the consumer protection statutes, and the Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Litigation and other Federal agencies are working diligently to that end. The FTC is working to fight unsolicited e-mail under the Controlling the Assault of Non Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act and is establishing new rules under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act to further protect against identity theft. We are protecting American consumers through the National Do Not Call Registry.

Millions of Americans have registered already, and individuals may call 1 888 382 1222 or visit the Do Not Call website at www.donotcall.gov to have their number added to the list. Citizens can learn more about ways to fight fraud from the National Consumer Protection Week website at www.consumer.gov/ncpw. By actively guarding against fraud, consumers can protect themselves and enhance the strength and integrity of our Nation’s economy.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 5 through February 11, 2006, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon Government officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates to provide citizens with information about how they can be responsible consumers, and I encourage all citizens to take an active role in protecting their personal information.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. — George W. Bush

I try not to recommend particular brands of Internet security software, as they are generally for Windows, and Windows tends to be the source of computer security problems; the security suites are like plugging holes in your boat if you run Windows. That said, here’s my list of things you need to do to increase your security and avoid fraud:

• Add your telephone numbers to the National Do Not Call registry.
• Get your free credit report (this is the real deal).
• Don’t use Internet Explorer to browse Web sites. Use Firefox (or another browser) instead. Once you’ve installed Firefox, disable access to Internet Explorer (Windows 2000 SP4 and Windows XP).
• Ensure that your operating system and other software is kept up-to-date by visiting Microsoft Update regularly.
• Install personal firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
• Beware of offers you receive via e-mail. Some spammers send fake e-mail messages which appear to be from a legitimate company; this is called phishing. If you click a link in the e-mail message, you will be taken to a fake Web site where the criminal intends to capture your personal information and use it to commit identity theft. To avoid this, always type in the real Web site address yourself.
• In addition, never respond to any offer in e-mail which is of poor quality, has large numbers of misspelled words, etc. This is spam, and you’re likely to be a victim of fraud if you respond to these messages.

I’ve covered this issue in more depth: Is your computer endangering homeland security?