Staying safe online

15/12/2009

If reports are to be believed, the Internet is a dangerous place where you get your bank details stolen and your documents deleted. But it’s not like that at all, so long as you’re net-wise.

To help you keep yourself, your computer and your data safe online, we’ve got some straightforward advice.

Anti-virus

We’ve all heard of computer viruses – programs written with malicious intent, whatever that intent may be. Viruses have been features in countless films and get the occasional dose of major media coverage, to the point where we’re all petrified of them.

But rather than start a mass net-hysteria, we should calmly do two things. Firstly, everyone should make sure that there’s a working virus scanner on their computer. By working, we mean one that isn’t nagging you about an expired subscription – an out of date virus scanner is no good.

Worry not however, if you’ve decided not to continue your anti-virus subscription, there are plenty of free alternatives. It’s good to have a choice of weaponry in the war on viruses – only use one at a time, though.

The second step to avoid infection is plug the holes viruses use to get into your system. Bugs in programs can give viruses a way of penetrating your computer’s defences. Don’t ignore those prompts to install software updates… there could be some invaluable security updates in there – check it out before clicking that cancel button!

Your virus scanner is included in this list of software to keep up to date – when it wants to download updates, let it. In fact, let it do it automatically if it gives you such an option. An up-to-date scanner gives you the best chance of fending off the newest viruses.

Malware and Spyware

Often lumped together with viruses, malware and spyware are another form of net-nasty, and although they don’t spread in the same way as viruses, they’re just as pesky.

But what do they do? They might perpetually pester you with invasive adverts, or maybe monitor your computer usage and send it back “home” (wherever that is) without your permission. Sufficient to say – you didn’t ask for it so you shouldn’t have to put up with it.

Virus scanners can often detect some forms of malware, but there are dedicated tools for detection, removal and protection. Spybot – Search & Destroy is a long-time fighter of the war on spyware, as is Ad-Aware.

Be wary of installing any old spyware scanner, though – not all are what they seem. Malware makers often pedal their wares by disguising them as detection tools. Stick to familiar, reliable sources and sites when it comes to making a choice.

As with all your other software – keep your spyware scanner up to date to protect yourself from new forms of net nasty.

Spam

Unsolicited e-mail is one of the most popular ways of distributing sinister software, so eliminating spam kills several evil birds with one stone. The problem is, it needs to be a flippin’ big stone – experts say 90% e-mail traffic is spam. Ouch.

If your e-mail client has spam-proofing features, make sure they’re turned on. Some use rules that get updated from time to time (again, a good reason to keep your software up to date!) while others learn what spam is through you teaching it – make diligent use of the “mark as spam” button.

Don’t give out your e-mail address to any old site – only do so if it has a privacy policy and makes it clear what your e-mail address will be used for. And for those occasions that you’re not sure, try a one-time e-mail address from the Mailinator.

Good old-fashioned common sense

Street-wise and net-wise are not all that dissimilar. In the same way as we keep our wits about us on the city streets, we should do the same on the Internet.

Don’t open e-mails you’re not expecting, particularly from people you don’t recognise. Even if it is from someone you know, if the contents don’t seem quite right, resist the urge to investigate – don’t click any links or open any attachments. Chain e-mails (where you forward them on to numerous other people) are a common way of spreading iffy links and attachments, so we recommend ignoring them.

The same goes for web browsing – if an offer is too good to be true, it probably is… best ignore it!

If you use online banking, type in your bank’s web address by hand and make sure the spelling is correct – be sure you’re really on your bank’s website before proceeding, and if you’re at all unsure, get out of there and call your bank for help – they’ll be happy to help you make sure you’re in the right place. If you ever receive an e-mail from your bank asking you to follow a link to login, don’t click it – banks never operate like this – you’re looking at a “phishing” e-mail designed to glean your login details.

While it would be nice if we could roam the streets and the Internet completely care free, we have to apply a little caution and scepticism to ensure we’re not getting fleeced. But now that you’ve read our guide to safer surfing, you can enjoy the net in a savvy, less risky way.