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Internet Security Guide
Help make the internet a safer place for both you and your family. Follow our 20 essential steps on internet security and ensure you’re not leaving yourself open to fraud or putting your kids at risk.
Check out our Internet Security Guide below:
1. Get Protected
Ensure your security software is kept up to date. You could be putting your personal details at risk if you haven’t installed effective internet security onto your computer. Order online and download the software in an instant.
Want the whole package? Visit AOL or BT. They offer complete internet security with their broadband deals. This can be a more effective solution especially if you are a beginner, as everything is taken care of for you.
If you have Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, consider switching or upgrading your browser. Notoriously hole-infested with a large user base, it’s an attractive target for hackers. Upgrade to IE 7 or an alternative browser for example Firefox or Opera.
3. Fight Web Trojans
Make sure you never enter your personal details into a pop up browser. They appear as identical-looking pages in front of the one you’re visiting in order to gain personal information.
4. Take the Right Route
Change your default password on your internet router. These passwords are often easy to figure out such as “password” or a set of consecutive numbers which attackers change to direct to their server and steal your personal data.
5. Wireless Secure?
Wireless broadband is becoming a popular option for many but if your connection is unsecured you’re leaving yourself open to fraud.
Fraudsters can now buy software detecting households with an unprotected wireless connection so don’t get caught out. Most providers such as AOL, BT, Orange and Sky issue wireless modems with their packages that are already secure or 'locked', however if you have bought your's router seperately you will need to secure it manually.
If you are unsure of a link in an email - type the address directly into your Web browser or avoid opening an attachment from a unknown source. Malware can install itself once opened allowing screen loggers and key loggers to steal usernames and passwords; if you click on the link provided you could even be directed to an impostor web site.
7. In Control
Using the control panel set your computer to automatically download and install updates and patches as this helps to reduce your PC’s vulnerability.
8. Too Good to be True
Don’t download free software if you are unsure of its authenticity. It could be cleverly disguised as malware and disable your computer's defences making it more susceptible to attack.
You may find them funny or interesting but be careful of forwarding on chain e-mails. You lose control over who sees your e-mail address which could be helping to further a hoax or delivery of a virus.
10. Out with the Old
Delete junk e-mail messages. Opening them can alert spammers as well as put your computer at risk if it is unprotected.
11. Spammed Out
Regularly update your e-mail junk mail program and e-mail filters. Don't reply to spam emails or respond to such messages that offer an option to remove you from the list or unsubscribe, unless your sure the email is from a known or trusted source.
For more helpful tips on avoiding spam click here.
12. Public Affair
Avoid listing your e-mail address on large online directories, or even posting it on your own Web site. Try setting up a separate e-mail account to help keep your primary e-mail address private. So if you get too much spam you can simply drop it for a new one.
13. Suspicious Minds
Be cautious of any e-mail from an unknown source especially those with an urgent request for personal financial information. Attacks are becoming highly targeted so don’t be fooled if your name is mentioned in the email. Contact your bank if you are unsure.
14. Be Original
If you have several accounts online make sure you don’t use the same password for all and never share passwords with friends. If your friendship turn sour you never know what they might do.
15. Add to cart?
When handing over your credit card details or other sensitive information online ensure you use a secure website. This can be seen from the use of https in the website address and or the secure site lock icon.
16. Check It
Regularly check your bank statements or online bank account to make sure that all the transactions you have made are legitimate.
17. An Adult World
If you have kids and they use chat rooms or instant messenger ensure they only give out their first name or nickname and not sensitive information such as home address, full name, school, phone number or even picture.
18. Play it Safe
You might not be aware that you can block all unknown contacts on instant messenger and only allow those on you do know on; helping to ensure your kids don’t talk to strangers.
19. Know your Kids
Ensure your kids know to come to you if they see or receive something online which makes them feel uncomfortable.
20. Access Denied
If you are concerned about where your child spends their time online consider reviewing your internet history to find out. Also many systems offer built in parenting controls which allow you to block and restrict access to sites. See below:
AOL parental controls – Free with AOL broadband and dial-up, gives different security settings according to age group
Looksmart Net Nanny – Customise your settings for each family member. Filters content by keyword, blocks pop-ups and can limit access
Norton Internet Security – Includes virus protection, firewall, anti-spam and more. Fits users into categories: child, teenager, adult or supervisor.
McAfee Privacy Service – Easy to install and use, blocks sites according to a predetermined list of banned keywords.
If your child owns an Xbox, the console provides Family Settings where you can control what your child plays as well as the DVD's they watch.
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