Internet Security FAQ
What is the most effective Internet security system for my computer?
No one product can protect you 100% from all of the many online threats such as spyware, viruses and hackers, but the most effective way you can protect your computer is to combine powerful software packages that are designed to both block malicious activity and also scan, detect and delete any harmful programs already imbedded on your computer. A combination of the latest anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewall technology can provide an effective layered approach to Internet security, and can be adapted to suit each individual user need.
What are firewalls?
A firewall is an essential piece of security software, as it protects the data ports on your computer and blocks any potential harmful incoming and outgoing data and this is very important if you have cable or DSL broadband connections that are ‘always on’. There are two main types of firewalls:
Hardware firewall – this is one of the most effective firewalls as it provides a physical barrier between your computer and any incoming data, and you can now get integrated routers with firewall features.
Software firewall – these are installed directly onto your computer and provide a good ‘second line’ defence against malicious attacks, and can be used in conjunction with hardware firewalls for very effective protection for your computer. This is a cheaper option and suitable for most home computers and is often bundled with anti-virus and anti-spyware software for good all-in-one computer security.
How does anti-virus software work?
Anti-virus software is basically a sophisticated scanning program that can identify certain behavioural patterns of files and applications in your system which could indicate potentially malicious activity. Once harmful files have been detected anti-virus software can also delete or clean them, or send them to a quarantined holding area until the user is able to action them manually. Anti-virus software is very effective, but does rely on constant updates to ensure that it can recognise of the latest virus and malware threats online, so you will need to ensure your security package has ‘real time’ updates in place.
Can cookies compromise computer security?
Cookies are usually harmless, and are just a way in which websites can track site traffic and recognise individuals when they visit again, but some services can use this tracking software to create a profile of a users online activities, with a view to directing online advertising at the ‘perceived’ interests and buying habits. Although this is not meant in a malicious way it does encroach on your privacy and so you may prefer to turn off cookies when you are browsing, or double check individual website privacy policies to see how they are going to treat your personal data.
How can I protect my children online?
There are a number of ways you can protect children online, and most Internet security packages provide ‘Parental Controls’ which you can use to block and prevent children from accidently viewing websites with adult content. One of the best ways though to protect your children whilst they are using the Internet is to educate them to the potential dangers and risks, and areas you should review with them include:
Personal Information – you should never share any personal information about yourself online, especially in public forums and chat rooms, as you can never be sure just who is viewing this information and how they will use it.
Making friends – be cautious when you make friends online, as you cannot be sure if they are really who they say they are, and cyber space is well known for being misused by potentially dangerous people such pedophiles, who masquerade as youngsters in order to target victims. You should never accept offers to meet your cyber friends in person, especially if they ask you to come alone to their home or a remote place and you should not share your telephone number or any other personal contact information with them.
Deals and Offers – if you see any deals or offers that sound almost too good to be true then unfortunately they usually are, so be very careful about signing up or handing over money without checking the legitimacy of the offer first.
Is it safe to shop online?
There are security risks associated with any kind of financial transaction, whether you are shopping in a bricks and mortar store or over the telephone, and the Internet is no exception so make sure you understand the risks of online purchases and make sure you follow these precautions:
• Always ensure you are shopping on a legitimate website, which has a secure SSL online payment facility (look for the golden padlock in the tool bar and the secure website URL address ‘https’).
• Only shop online if you have Internet security software in place, as this can not only protect you from malicious programs such as keyloggers which could record the credit card numbers or account details you input when you make a purchase, but can also alert you if you are making a purchase on a site which does not have adequate security protocols in place.
• Never send financial details via email, as this communication method is not secure and there is no guarantee it will reach the intended recipient.
• There are a lot of great deals online, but if its seems to good to be true then it usually is, so be very wary of any amazing product claims or very cheap designer goods, as the Internet is filled with counterfeit and fake products that are not worth even the low prices charged for them.
• Illegal Goods – there are a number of potentially illegal goods online such as products made from prohibited drugs or endangered animals, so be very careful when you are buying items on the Internet, especially from overseas websites, as you could be inadvertently violating laws and this could leave you vulnerable to prosecution.
What are email viruses?
Many viruses can be spread via email, and the malicious code can be contained in an infected attachment, ready to download to your computer when you open them up, or through a link contained in the main message box which takes you to an infected website when you click on it. It is important therefore that you always take precautions when using you inbox, and avoid opening emails from unsolicited sources. To help block potentially harmful emails make sure you have spam filters set, and also check to see if you have white list capabilities, which can enable you to record all of your ‘safe’ email contacts and automatically block any that are not listed.