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INTERNET SECURITY |
| Why do you have locks on doors? Why do we put our money in a bank? Why do we use alarms? |
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| Because we do not want others to have access to our private property. | ||||||||||||||
| So then why do the vast majority of the computers on the Internet have no SECURITY? In effect it is the same as leaving your house unlocked with your money left in an easy place to find! | ||||||||||||||
| The fact is your PC is a goldmine of information, personal letters, credit card transactions etc. Without security almost anyone could access this information. | ||||||||||||||
| What you need to do is install a FIREWALL & ANTI-VIRUS Software | ||||||||||||||
| A FIREWALL is your main form of Security. It is a device or a software package that checks connections to your PC from the Internet and decides whether or not to allow access to your PC to anyone that asks for it. (Like a bouncer on a pub door.) | ||||||||||||||
| An ANTI-VIRUS program keeps a watch on any software that arrives on your PC via e-mail or by downloading from the Internet. Should the program be dangerous to your PC it will remove the threat, although it is not infallible. New viruses come out daily, if not hourly, so never open an attachment you are not 100% sure about, even if you have a virus checker. | ||||||||||||||
| Keeping your PC's operating system updated | ||||||||||||||
| Many PCs use Microsoft Based systems, Windows® 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, and now, Vista. | ||||||||||||||
| You should check Microsoft's website for any security updates called "Patches", these will fix holes in the system and make the PC more secure. Better still, enable 'Automatic updates' in the Control Panel. | ||||||||||||||
| Apple Mac & Linux users also should visit the relevant pages for updates. | ||||||||||||||
| Getting into Good Habits | ||||||||||||||
| Amazingly simple steps to help you keep safe. | ||||||||||||||
| You must keep your Anti-Virus program updated at least once a week, and make regular checks for updates for your Firewall. | ||||||||||||||
| Banks NEVER EVER ask for personal details via e-mail, delete the e-mail, then ring your bank to check if you suspect an email may not be genuine. Remember e-mail scammers can be very convincing. | ||||||||||||||
| If you haven't entered a competition on-line, don't reply to suspect e-mail telling you you've won - even to say you have deleted the message. | ||||||||||||||
| NEVER open an attachment on an e-mail unless you are positive you are expecting it and know exactly what it is, even if it is from someone you know - they might have a virus that has sent you an attachment without them knowing. | ||||||||||||||
| NEVER send your bank details/credit card numbers in an e-mail, e-mail can be seen by anybody. | ||||||||||||||
| If buying from the Internet check the following: | ||||||||||||||
| 1) IS there a full address of the shop, NOT A PO BOX? | ||||||||||||||
| 2) IS there a telephone number, NOT A MOBILE NUMBER? | ||||||||||||||
| 3) IS the payment page secure? CHECK FOR THE PADLOCK ICON | ||||||||||||||
| 4) Paying via e-mail. NEVER DO THIS | ||||||||||||||
| NEVER download software that you do not know, such as a program offering to allow access to material if you install their browser or Internet tool. Some of these can change your Internet set-up and can dial 0900 numbers usually at a rate of £1.50 or more a minute. (Most Anti-Virus software will detect these dangerous programs) | ||||||||||||||
| SPAM, SPAM, SPAM! | ||||||||||||||
| The Internet's very own junk mail, it can be very annoying and offensive, but remember DO NOT REPLY to the messages or use the remove link, it just confirms that your email address is valid. However offended you are just delete the messages. | ||||||||||||||
| Help is at hand ! You can buy software that will filter your e-mail and automatically delete Spam messages for you, but you should never buy or accept any software from an unsolicited spam e-mail. | ||||||||||||||
| Some Internet companies automatically check your mail for you, you will need to check your provider for details. | ||||||||||||||
| Spyware and pop-ups | ||||||||||||||
| Like Trojan horse programs, SPYWARE secretly installs itself when you download software like file-swapping applications; it tracks your movements online and delivers ads based on where you surf. POP-UP ads can also exploit security flaws in Internet Explorer, like the recent Qhost Trojan that hijacked users' browsers after they viewed an ad on the Fortune City Web site. Fortunately, there are tools that can protect you: For example, AD-AWARE (free) blocks spyware and StopZilla takes care of pop-up ads. Some antivirus software and security suites also stop spyware and pop-ups in their tracks. Some browsers like the brilliant OPERA have built-in pop-up stoppers. | ||||||||||||||
| Scams | ||||||||||||||
| Although not strictly security related you should also be aware that there are many "scams" on the internet, many of them originating in Nigeria. If it sounds too good to be true - it usually is. | ||||||||||||||
| F.A.Q. | ||||||||||||||
| Q, "You have to keep paying each year for firewall and anti-virus software." | ||||||||||||||
| A, Although most of the big names require you to re-subscribe for a fee, there is very good free software such as Zone Alarm Firewall and AVG Anti-virus. (I use both of these and neither requires a fee.) | ||||||||||||||
| Q, "But Windows XP® has a built in Firewall" | ||||||||||||||
| A, Yes, but this is a very basic one, and can be easily by-passed by an intruder. | ||||||||||||||
| Q, "I use a Linux/Macintosh® Based Computer, am I safe?" | ||||||||||||||
| A, Linux is not affected by Windows® Viruses and most versions of Linux have an installed Firewall, please consult your Linux provider for details. | ||||||||||||||
| Macintosh systems are not affected by Windows® viruses, but should use an Anti-Virus/Firewall program (there are fewer viruses that affect Macintosh). | ||||||||||||||
| Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Emails and Websites | ||||||||||||||
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Recently, PayPal members have reported suspicious-looking emails and fake websites. These emails are not from PayPal and responding to them may put your account at risk. Please protect your PayPal account by paying close attention to the emails you receive and the websites you visit.
Please use the following tips to stay safe with PayPal:
Greeting:
Email Attachments:
Request for Personal Information: Often, fraudulent emails will request details such as your full name, account password, credit card number, bank account, PIN number, Social Security Number, or mother's maiden name. If you think that you have received a fraudulent email (or fake website), please forward the email (or URL address) to spoof@paypal.com and then delete the email from your mailbox. Never click any links or attachments in a suspicious email. |
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| Site designed, funded and maintained by Glyn Hale ©2004/7 |