Why do you have locks on doors?
Why do we put
our money in a bank?
Why do we use alarms? |
| Because we do not want others to access to our private
property. |
| So then why do a 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 a easy place to find! |
| The fact is your PC is a goldmine of information, personal
letters, credit card transaction's with out security almost any one could
access this information. |
| What you need to do is install a
FIREWALL & ANTI-VIRUS Solution |
| A FIREWALL is a term used for security (Effectively a pub Bouncer
on a door), 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. |
| 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. |
| Keeping your PC's operating system
updated |
| Many PC's use Microsoft Based systems, Windows® 95, 98, Me,
2000, XP |
| 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. |
| Macintosh & 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 details via e-mail,
delete the e-mail then, ring your bank to check if you suspect it may be
genuine. Remember e-mails scammers can be very convincing. |
| If you haven't entered a competition on-line, don't
reply to suspect e-mail. 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 a 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 you read junk mail and makes it worse, 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 (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. |
| F.A.Q. |
| Q, "You have to keep paying each year for
subscriptions" |
| A, Although most of the big names require you to
re-subscribe for a fee, there is very good free software such as Zonealarm
Firewall and AVG Anti-virus, these require no yearly fees. |
| 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 a intruder. |
| Q, "I use a Linux/Macintosh® Based Computer, am I
safe?" |
| A, Linux is not affected by Windows® Virus's and most
versions of Linux have a installed Firewall, please consult your Linux provider
for details. |
| Macintosh systems are not affected by Windows® virus's, but
should use a Anti-Virus/Firewall program (there are very few virus's that
affect Macintosh) |
|
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| Article by Chris
Doe |