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Protecting your Online Security

Protecting your Online Security
by Deleted user -
Number of replies: 0

Hi everybody,

Using the internet can create a lot of potential computer problems, at wittenborg-IT we are confronted with them everyday. This newsitem shows things you can do yourself to increase on-line security. 

Protecting your Online Securityt.gif
There are many ways that your security can be compromised online. Learn what security issues you should be aware of, and how to protect your computer.


Cookies

Cookies are small files that are stored on your PC as a normal part of surfing the Internet. Many Web sites will write cookies to your hard drive so that they can remember you if you visit them again and so use that information to customise your browsing experience, or for marketing and statistical purposes. Hackers can attempt to access the cookies stored on your computer to find out where you have been online.

What to do:
You should keep your version on Internet Explorer updated by running regular Windows Updates to minimise any security risk associated with Cookies

Check the Internet Explorer Help file section to learn more about Cookies.
  • Open Internet Explorer.
  • From the Help menu select Contents and Index.
  • Type in 'Cookies', then select a subentry from the list and click Display.

Firewalls

Firewalls come in hardware and software forms. A hardware firewall is a physical device used to isolate and filter your connection to the Internet. These are normally used in large corporate networks. Software firewalls are programs that also filter and isolate your computer from the Internet and are more suited to home use.

The best software firewalls only allow Internet traffic in and out that you specify, therefore closing the door on many potential security breaches.

What to do:
We recommend using a personal firewall for your home connection to protect yourself against malicious 'hacker' attacks. You'll need to 'teach' your firewall what to block and what to allow through.

Some popular firewalls are:

Internet Explorer Autocomplete

The latest version of Internet Explorer uses a feature called Autocomplete that can remember the contents of any Web form that you fill out, to save you from repeatedly entering data. This feature can store passwords and credit card details.

What to do:
Make yourself familiar with Internet Explorer's autocomplete feature by reading the Internet Explorer Help file section on Autocomplete.
  • Open Internet Explorer.
  • From the Help menu select Contents and Index.
  • Type in 'Autocomplete', then select a subentry from the list and click Display.

Keystroke Logging

Keystroke logging involves someone recording all the key strokes that you enter into your computer. This can be done by attaching a hardware device to your computer, or by installing hidden monitoring software on your computer. If you notice any unusual hardware attached to your computer then you should check to make sure that it is not a keystroke logger. Keystroke loggers are normally small cylindrical devices attached to your PC's keyboard cable.

What to do:
Check your computer regularly to make sure that no one has tampered with any of the cables or plugs.



Secure Web sites

Many Web sites such as banking and shopping Web sites have secure Web pages

When you connect to a secure Web site you are normally prompted with information telling you that you are being directed to a secure Web site. In Internet Explorer you'll also see a small padlock icon appear on the bottom right of the Status Bar.

What to do:
Check that your Internet Explorer Status Bar is turned on:
  • Open Internet Explorer.
  • Select the View menu.
  • Check that Status Bar has a tick next to it.
Never give out any personal details on an unsecured Web site.



Security Patches

Microsoft and Apple release patches for Windows and Mac OS at regular intervals. These patches often contain security updates for newly discovered loopholes.

What to do:
Windows users should run regular Windows Updates to make sure that their computer has the latest security patches installed.

Macintosh users should check with their computer vendor, and the Apple support Web site for more help.



Spam

Getting unsolicited email (spam) is not only a waste of your time but can be malicious, offensive, and illegal.

Xtra customers are protected from most Spam by Xtra's Anti-Spam filter. Find out more about Xtra's Anti-Spam filter online.

What to do:
Follow the online step by step guide to set up your Xtra's Anti-Spam filter with Xtra.



Spyware

Hidden monitoring software, or Spyware, can install itself onto your computer without your knowledge, and then send your personal details out over the Internet, destroy your personal files, or try to take over your computer.

What to do:
There are several ways to protect yourself against Spyware. The following links point to third party programs that detect and remove Spyware. Remember that new Spyware is being released all of the time so it pays to regularly scan your system for Spyware, even if you think you are clean.

Viruses and Trojans

Viruses are computer programs designed to infect and damage a computer without the user's knowledge or permission. Some viruses will try to destroy data, others will try to steal your personal details and send them out over the Internet. There are many different types of viruses and the list is always growing.

The main way that viruses spread is by email attachments. Xtra's Anti-virus email protection system will protect you from most email based viruses, but no system is perfect so its a good idea to get regular virus checks on your computer.

Trojans get their name from the Greek Trojan horse of antiquity. Trojans are programs that can run secretly on your PC and cause all sorts of problems. Like viruses, Trojans are generally malicious and cause damage and cost you money. One popular trick is the Trojan phone dialer

What to do:
Install anti-virus software on your computer and run regular scans and updates to keep your anti virus software up to date. Some popular anti-virus Web sites are:
Related Links Viruses Email Browsing

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