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Web Security

Net Bots
Virus
Root Kits
Trojans

The Web can be a scary place. The above are just a few of the terms that can effect your experience of the internet.

Some simple steps you can do to make your computer and the web a safer place.

  • Anti virus - install and KEEP UP TO DATE. You only need one and there are free ones like AVG (who also do paid for versions), and Nortons etc. Also I have started to use Microsoft's own virus Security program, and I must say I am so far happy with it.
  • Firewall. Make sure that the firewall that may come with your version of Windows is on and working.  If not or you are using an old version of Widows, it is recommended that if you did not get a built in Firewall with your anti-virus program install one. For example Zone Alarm. They also do a free version. http://download.cnet.com/ZoneAlarm-Free-Firewall/3000-10435_4-10039884.html The link may be not up to date so do check/search.
  • Spyware - whatever you do to protect yourself spyware can still creep onto your machine. Download and run at least once a month (update each time), Spybot - Search & Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
  • Watch where you surf the net. Logging on to check your bank account in a Cafe or other public place is a bad bad idea. Make sure your actually logged onto their access point (assuming they are safe!) and not via another user who is doing some 'man in the middle' attacks, this is so easy to do.

 

And that's about all you need to do.

Extra Notes.

When installing any free versions of the above unless you want to install 'extras' browser tool bars etc, or you may accidentally install the trail versions instead of the free versions you wanted, pay attention when installing and uncheck stuff you don't want. Just don't get click happy!

You only need one version of any of the above unless you want your computer to run slower etc. Anti virus programs can and do conflict with each other.

SCAM ALERTS

You may go to a site or you get a popup which says you are infected and offers to scan your computer etc. SCAM ALERT - Just close your browser it's rubbish and you could end up with untold crap on your computer including the stuff your trying to stop in the first place.

I have had people I know being phoned up and the other person mentions that your computer is infected!. They offer to fix this for you for a 'small fee'
When the mother of my mate had this phone call my reaction was 'tell them to **** ***' hopefully she did not hear my 'bad words' but it shows what lows some people go to and how angry I was when this happen. 'Hello I am from Microsoft and you have a virus on your computer' yeah right pull the other one.

And finally DO NOT BUY STUFF OFF THE NET from that interesting email you received selling interesting stuff. ITS YOUR FAULT WE GET SO MUCH SPAM EMAILS because you buy this stuff. Blame yourself also if suddenly someone cleans outs your account because you did not listen to all the warnings.

And another finally,  passwords use at least 12 chars in it and mix upper and lower case and at least one number. I have seen hacked Hotmail, Facebook and gmail accounts, its so easy to hack them if they have poor passwords. Otherwise you may find all your contacts have received a email selling stuff that you recommended! or other such unpleasantness.

I am not happy with what you can install on Facebook such as 'whose looking at your pics' apps or other such nonsense. Yeah take my password and/or my friends list and spam them for me.

I could go on!

Surf safe!