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Internet safety |
If you are using a computer that has been installed for use by the public (at an
Internet Café, College, Library etc.) then be careful about what you use it for.
If someone else is in charge of the machine then check with them before entering any personal details.
Ask them.
If you are entering a password make sure that the 'remember my password' or
'Sign me in automatically' box is clear(not ticked).
Hotmail, for instance, has a tick box with the message 'Do not remember my e-mail
address for future sign-in. (Select this when using a public computer.)'
However the question is phrased you want the one that means you have to enter
all the details everytime you use that machine. Non-automatic, not remembered
and not stored.
There should be support staff around to help you. Don't be embarrassed about
asking for help.
Every computer is slightly different so you can't be expected immediately to see
how it is set up.
Even experts need time to find out what is installed where.
If you have your own computer then there are some important things to do before you use the internet, or even copy files from floppy disks or memory cards.
Unfortunately some people are determined to be a nuisance for their own peculiar
delights, to cause havoc or to steal.
It is not difficult neither is it expensive to protect your computer.
What are the biggest threats? The biggest threats in 2005 were...
Software can check that your files are not infected and can also monitor file transfers to detect attempts to load virus-infected files either from other disks or from the internet. Infected files can cause your computer to perform unpredictable and possibly catastrophic operations. Viruses are being produced or modified continually and anti-virus software must be updated regularly if it is to do the job adequately. Reputable, acceptable software will include a regular update facility.
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) supply very good anti-virus software free.
A good anti-virus defence is the MINIMUM requirement.
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide you with a firewall automatically. Check with your ISP. Some ISPs provide firewall protection with Broadband connections.
What is a Firewall?
It's a device or program that allows or denies access. It is placed between a computer and the internet, for example, to permit or prevent certain types of access, or access to or from certain places. It stops whatever is happening THAT side from affecting THIS side unless Ok'd.
It can be dedicated hardware that is physically connected between your computer and the internet (phone line) or it can be a program that runs on your computer. Both types examine data on the phone line before they are processed by your computer or before they are released onto the internet.
Each type of message on the internet uses its own protocol - the envelope
that is wrapped around the message. Collecting mail uses a different one
from sending mail. Browsing a web page is different again, as is browsing
newsgroups and there are many more types for other functions.
Secure links to send confidential data (credit card numbers etc.) uses a
different set of envelopes (and a 'padlock' symbol appears on the screen to show that it is safe).
The firewall permits or denies these protocols (the 'envelopes') using simple,
easy to understand rules.
The firewall, correctly configured, will protect your files from snoopers, can protect your children from offensive web sites and will prevent others from mis-using your computer.
Protect yourself with both
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are providing a low level of firewall protection as standard, especially on broadband connections. Many ISPs run anti-virus software to check emails sent and received. This should be considered to be the minimum level of protection and if you load files from diskette or download files from the internet then you should consider enhancing the anti-virus and firewall protection.
Software packages containing both Firewall and Anti-Virus software are readily available and easily installed. I don't feel able to recommend specific packages here - the situation changes with different operating systems and ISPs. Refer to your PC or Software supplier for details of packages.
If your child uses the computer online than ensure they are protected by firewall or an ISPs child protection facility.
Your operating system may allow for users with different levels of access. This would enable you to apply 'child' characteristic to the filtering a firewall package provides.
If your ISP gives you separate login names for your children then these IDs can have the 'child' characteristic set to similarly restrict facilities.
If you cannot find a child protection option contact your ISP help desk or your equipment provider.
I can think of no better guide than the BBC guide to chatrooms. Have a look.
Scary, isn't it?
You can't prevent ID theft with 100% certainty, but there are some things you can do to reduce your exposure.
First, only carry the information with you that you absolutely need for day-to-day dealings. For example, don't carry that gold card to do your grocery shopping.
Keep an eye on your mail. Never allow your mail to build up while you're away. Stolen mail is one of the easiest ways to get someone's vital information.
Know your payment cycles on your credit cards. If the bill is late, call and ask why. It's not unusual for identity thieves to request a change of address for your credit card billing and run hefty charges up before you notice that you're not getting your monthly statements.
There are people who have legitimate reasons to ask for personal information. Employers, merchants, landlords, etc. Before you give out that information, know why they need it, and only give them what they actually need to complete the transaction.
Never give personal info to people who contact you out of the blue. A good example of this is an email spam that's going around now, with the return address AOLbilling@aol.com. The sender claims that your credit card info with AOL is out of date or lost, and that you need to email them details to avoid service interruptions.
This is one of the oldest scams going. It is called 'Phishing' (someone's really good at thinking up names). Don't take the bait!. No ISP (and no legitimate company) will ask you to send credit card information in an open email. When you get something like this, pick up the phone and call the number you got when you first dealt with the company and check it that way.
How About Online?
The AOL Billing scam mentioned above is just one way this can happen online. Many of the others can be reduced by using the same common sense approach about where you give out information that is described above.
A few other things to do:
Watch out for merchants who offer prices that look too good to be true, and don't give you any offline way to contact them or verify their validity. If you know the merchant, you're probably safe, but if not - be careful.
This especially applies to offers you receive via spam. Remember: If it's spam, it's scam.
Don't post private information on discussion lists or forums, even if they're alleged to be private. You never know who's listening. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how much private information we've seen posted in places it should never be!
Keep your passwords off your computer, and always have different passwords for each site. Make sure they're not obvious words, strings of successive numbers, or anything else that would be remotely possible for someone to guess. Crackers frequently use programs that run what are called "dictionary attacks" on servers, looking for private information stored behind poor passwords.
A combination that includes both letters and numbers, and which is at least eight characters long, will make passwords much more secure.
Always run good, up-to-date anti-virus software and a personal firewall. Check for bad programs (Malware) that may have been put on your computer. There are ways that a program can be planted on your computer that will allow other people to take control of it, deleting data, running software, even copying files from your machine. Including any personal information you may have stored there. These programs - spybots - cam be detected, and eliminated by sophisticated anti-virus software; if you use it.
Keep your system up to date. If you are accessing the internet make time to update :-
Last updated Sunday, 23-Dec-2007 00:16:13 GMT
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