Internet Security

Internet Security has now become a huge business. Whereas a few years ago nobody worried about security on their computer -- dial-up internet was slow and viruses and other forms of malware were virtually unknown and most people only stayed online for short periods of time --the advent of high speed internet and the proliferation security flaws in Windows, has opened the way for new breed of computer hackers intent on preying on unsecured systems.

If you are still using a dial-up modem to connect to the internet don't be lulled into thinking your computer is safe. If you are connected to the internet and your computer is using the Windows operating system then your computer is at risk unless you take steps to protect it.

Visiting sites to pirate music and movies will guarantee you an infected system. It doesn't matter what internet protection suite you use, if you expose yourself to BearShare, PirateBay, Limewire or similar software to download music, movies or other software, YOU WILL GET AN INFECTED COMPUTER. Once you click OK, it's too late!

Keep your antivirus program and other security software updated protection suite active and updated. Stay away form shareware, adult content, and pirating sites. Your system will stay a lot healthier.

One of the main priorities for Windows users is to keep up-to-date with security updates from Microsoft. Windows XP users may find that automatic updating is turned on by default in a new system. However for users on a dial-up internet connection this can become more of a problem than a solution because the automatic updates will begin to download each month when they become available. This often has the effect of prevent the user from downloading email and updating their antivirus because the automatic updates are taking priority. It would be far more convenient for these people to change the settings to ask them before downloading and this is easily done via the Control Panel under Automatic Updates -- simply change the setting to "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them" then click OK.

Windows XP also comes with a reasonably effective builit-in Firewall which is enabled by default in new systems, but if you are an broadband internet user I highly recommend installing a third party firewall - click this link for more information about these.

Parental Supervision

Another aspect of Internet Security is parental supervision of children's online activities. Parents and carers have a responsibility to children to teach them how to make smart choices about who and what they find online. The types of rules you may have made about how to deal with strangers and what children can watch on television or video is also relevant to the Internet.

Remember that children will have access to the Internet not only at home, but also at other places they frequent such as schools, friend's houses and libraries. By allowing children to make informed decisions about the content they access, and by developing a sense of trust at home, your children will be in a good position to use the Internet in a responsible way when they are away from the home environment.

Click here for the Australian Government Internet Safety Advisory Body Website where you will find practical advice on Internet safety, parental control and filters for the protection of children, students and families.

Other Security threats

For more information click the links or refer to the other pages on this site.

Viruses - Computer programs designed to cause undesirable effects on computer systems. Virus infections can be received through email attachments, disks, CDs or websites, and can attach themselves to other programs.
Worms- Self-replicating program that causes damage to computer networks.

Trojans - Malicious program disguised as a safe one. When run will allow access to your computer without your knowledge.

Phishing - Attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Botnets - Platforms made of thousands of infected computers worldwide. Initial code infects a vulnerable computer, then establishes a link to a Web server that downloads instructions for the compromised computer. The bot-infected computer can spew spam, assist in a denial-of-service attack on a target, or spread new versions of the originating worm.

Adware - Advertising messages that ‘pop up’ on your computer screen.

Spyware - Collects data from your computer (such as what you are doing online) and sends it on to others.
Keystroke loggers - Record information typed using the keyboard for the installer to use.

Hackers - the type referred to here) are criminals who attempt to break into (hack) your computer system and steal personal information or cause other trouble.

Spoofing - a term used to describe fraudulent email activity in which the sender address and other parts of the email header are altered to appear as though the email originated from a different source.

Spam
Spam is unwanted junk email that may carry viruses in attachments. Many online scams (like phishing) are sent through email.

More information available at these links:

• ESET Security Tips
• PC World Spyware & Security
• Microsoft Guide to Security at Home
• A beginner's guide to Internet security
• Microsoft: 7 computer security tips for students
• The 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities