|
|||||||||
safe surfingThe Internet is often referred to as the "Super Highway" or even the "Internet Highway". There are 35 million people in the UK with Internet access, so here is a beginners guide to staying safe on the Internet. |
|||||||||
Internet Highway Code1. Don't connect to the Internet with an un-protected PC. It now takes less than 20 minutes for an un-protected PC to get infected with all kinds of "nasties". It will probably take a good few days after that to remove them all. 2. Get anti-virus software, Keep it up to date and get a basic understanding of how it works. Sending a virus to a colleage or friend does not make you popular! 3. Get a Firewall. Not all attacks are stopped by purely anti-virus software. A Firewall can be sepearte software, built into your anti-virus software or can be a seperate hardware device (router). If you need a basic firewall and you are using Windows XP or Windows Vista, turn on the built-in Firewall. 4. Keep your Windows operating system up-to-date with the latest patches. Do the same thing with Microsoft Office. 5. If you are fed up with un-solicited e-mail, get an anti-spam filter. This can be seperate software, built into your anti-virus software or if you have Outlook 2003, it has its own filter. 6. Make backups of your work. This is a good idea anyway for many reasons, but one of the reasons is possible corruption by viruses. 7. Don’t open email attachments or download files from the internet unless you are 100% confident that they are above-board. Avoid opening emails that look suspicious. 8. Don’t give away your personal details, especially financial information and passwords, unless you are convinced it is safe to do so. There is nothing you can install that will protect you from yourself! Don’t be suckered by too-good-to-be-true promises. Reputable companies will never ask for passwords or details by e-mail. 9. Don’t forward hoax virus warnings, chain emails or e-mail petitions. If you are tempted, then check they are bona fide first before doing anything. This isn’t a security issue but it will stop you looking stupid to all the colleages and friends you have e-mailed it to! |
Where Next? See the Security Fact Sheets below for more specific advice on the potential threats. » Introduction to Viruses » Introduction to Phishing » Introduction to Spyware » Introduction to Firewalls » Creating Secure Passwords » Making your Wireless Network secure
Useful Sources1. Bitdefender Internet Security & Antivirus Software 2. F-Secure Firewall & Security Software 3. McAfee Anti-Virus & Security Software 4. Microsoft Windows Update 5. Microsoft Office Update 6. Get Safe Online web site 
1. Use an Internet firewall 2. Get regular computer updates 3. Use up-to-date anti-virus software |
|
|||||||
