How to stay safe online
In a Wise Marketeer study last year, 33% of students who responded said they spent 10 hours a week on the internet, with another 20% spending 20 hours online. In this time, the amount of data that the students will access and be vulnerable to attack from is incalculable.
A study released today by the government-funded Cyber Security Knowledge Transfer Network (CSKTN), has said that just over 20 per cent of UK computing graduates had no more than five hours of software security tuition, if they had any at all.
It is important that, especially for those of you about to go off to uniform the first time, if you’re taking your PC or laptop to make sure it’s got upto date internet security software.
What you should be aware of?
- Spam, e-mails: the annoying e-mails which fill your inbox as well as those that contain a link which tempt you into entering personal information
- Rogue websites: web addresses that re-direct you to a rogue site
- Legitimate websites: embedded videos or music that ‘drop’ malicious programs onto your computer when you click play
- Software updates: popular ones like ActiveX can force unprotected browsers into running ActiveX programs that force you into opening malicious files
- Spyware: applications that steal your data and send it to a third party
- Adware, pop ups: software that displays advertising on your PC, click on it at your peril!
- Bots: software that is controlled from an outside source when installed on your PC
What tools are available?
- Anti-virus software: Install the latest software and regularly update its list of known viruses
- Firewalls: A firewall is a ‘real time’ barrier that only allows your computer to make legitimate connections
- Junk email filters: Most e-mail clients are using sophisticated tools to filter ‘spam’ and junk mail, but some still slips into your inbox – if in doubt, don’t open it!
What else can I do?
- Browse the internet safely: Beware of strange looking web addresses. If the site you’re visiting is unfamiliar to you, only proceed if you’re absolutely sure the webpage will be safe
- Stop spyware: If you load a website that asks you to run a program that you weren’t warned about, it’s most likely to be malicious
- Secure wireless networks: If you’re using wireless broadband, make sure that it is password protected and there is a firewall installed in your router (most come with one built in)
- Get software updates: Make sure your software is updated to the latest version. Internet browsers and operating systems are most at risk from hackers so constantly update their software with new security features.
Protecting yourself from the dangers lurking on the internet is straight forward and can be relatively inexpensive. It is just a matter of taking a little time to make sure that you have the right pieces in place to prevent viruses from taking hold of your computer.
Click here for a free online antivirus scan from Trend Micro!
