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Internet Security

Information & tips to help protect you against viruses, spam, and data & identity theft.

If you have a wireless router make sure it is encrypted. This prevents other people from surfing freely via your broadband connection. If someone gains access to your network, perhaps using a laptop from a vehicle parked outside your home, criminal activity can take place over your network. This activity would be traceable only to you. Encryption is a simple process, but if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

Remember that desktops and laptops are no longer the only things that can browse the net; the PS3, XBox, PSP Gaming Machines, and iPod Touch all have surfing capabilities. Internet security software enables you to manage the content that is viewed via your home network on your PC’s, however we recommend using the Draytek to control site access and content for all wireless capable devices at source.

However, if it is just PC’s you have, then good Internet Security software will cover your hardware, and is considerably cheaper than a completely new router, for this we would recommend F-Secure.

There is a simple rule of thumb; do not open anything unless you are certain about its source. Viruses are generally ‘caught’ by clicking on a link or opening an attachment. Don’t forget viruses can perpetuate themselves by accessing contact lists and address books, so even an email from a friend or colleague cannot be guaranteed to be ‘safe’.

If someone sends you something unexpected, check with them first before opening any unusual attachment.

DO NOT click on ANY links in e-mails from your BANK – You bank would not ask you to follow a link to confirm any details. Always go to the Bank Website to login. If you have any concerns then phone the bank to verify that all is well with your account.

Golden rule: You are the best ‘guard’ of your own network

You need to have the correct security but, being the first line of security is important. Don’t wholly rely on technology as no antivirus product can guarantee 100% protection. Antivirus companies can only respond to threats once they materialise.

Do not have two antivirus products at once. They will conflict by trying to perform the same task at once, i.e. check a file for a virus. This will cause a huge reduction in the performance of a PC.

Your protection to most accounts on the internet is simply a Password.

Potential threats are:

• Password obtained by gaining access to online personal information from sites such as Facebook, Bebo, etc. This may then give enough information to allow a successful guess – for instance, if the password is your mother’s maiden name, child’s name, place of birth, etc.
• Password accessed using a key stroke logging intrusion. This will allow someone to record your password as you type it in using your keyboard, usually without any sign it is being carried out.
• Theft.If you keep any written record of passwords or have them stored digitally on your computer then these could be stolen if not kept properly secured.

Here we have a few simple tips to make your accounts safer

• Do not use the same password everywhere.
• Use complex passwords, e.g. ‘hg7UK893m’.
• Keep a secure hard copy of your passwords at home, preferably somewhere such as a safe or locked filing cabinet.
• Use a ‘Password Manager’ such as Roboform. This stops key-logging and makes it easier to use complex passwords as you don’t need to remember them.

It is very common for sites to request that you provide additional personal details. This is for security in case you should forget or lose your password. Consider providing fake information as this can then not be aquired from your personal information.

Common sections that may be requested that you could fake are:

• Mothers Maiden Name
• Date of Birth

It goes without saying that you must be able to recall these details otherwise the person you lock out of the account may be yourself.

If you use social networking sites such as Facebook ensure you register with the very minimum information required. It is extremely easy for someone to access your profile and any information you leave visible here will be easy for someone to record and exploit. Never leave your date of birth or your address, and always ensure that when you setup your account that any information you can select as either visible on your profile or hidden, is hidden by default.

You may also wish your profile to be visible only to people on your friends list. Check out the relevant website’s policy and guidelines on privacy.

Shopping on the internet is very easy and convenient but you should take some general precautions:

• Use a dedicated and separate credit card for internet purchases, set a low limit & ensure you have fraud protection insurance policy.
• Use a dedicated and separate e-mail address for internet purchases – Hotmail, Gmail, etc. Keep your personal email address for friends and family only, and therefore reduce the amount of spam you receive in this account.

Most of us are well aware of the potential threats that face our children on the internet. The web can be a wonderful tool for both educational development, and social communication, but by its very nature it can open channels to adult & illegal content, and people who may look to exploit your child.

It’s important to realise that there are many simple steps you can take to help protect your child online, and that through education about potential threats and a measured level of supervision, you can help them make the most out of the internet.

How you choose to do this is a very personal and subjective choice, and you and your child must decide what measures are required, but here are a few tips to help you:

1. Know who your children talk to online. Speak openly about how they use the internet and warn them of the dangers. Ensure they are educated about the risks and how to be safe online.
2. Go through their list of online ‘friends’. If they use MSN Messenger or a similar application you can check their contacts with them to ensure they are genuine and safe. They may have been asked to add a friend who they don‘t know directly. You may wish to verify that they are genuine before you approve their addition to the list.
3. If they belong to social network websites such as Facebook or Bebo, you can setup your own account and then ask to join their friend group. You will then be able to monitor who is in their list of friends, and ultimately if you so wish you can monitor their conversations. For more information about privacy and settings within social networking sites see the section above.

Visit the F-Secure website