Geek Logics Guide to Safer Surfing
The internet is a wonderful thing but the sad fact of the matter is that ANY machine connected to the internet is vulnerable to being compromised. This may lead to fraud or financial loss!
To better protect yourself (as whilst connected you are never going to be 100% safe), Geek Logic have put together this guide to safer surfing!
First and foremost! KEEP YOUR SOFTWARE UP TO DATE.
These days computers come with a certain amount of protection when you buy them. However, new viruses are released 'into the wild' everyday. Your computer needs to update its Operating system software to help protect itself. For Windows Users this can be done by going to Microsoft's Update Website. Your computer can be set up to update itself automatically, Open Control Panel and click the 'System' Icon, then go to the Automatic Updates section. You can toggle the automatic updates on or off.
Anti-virus and Internet security software also needs regular updates. Most should update at least once a day and should do a Full Scan once a week.
ONLY DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE FROM TRUSTED SITES.
As tempting as it may be to download that DVD or Album, or get that latest release of software from a torrent site, do you actually know what your downloading? As well as being illegal on copywrited material, most of these things contain trojans or viruses intent of gathering your information for Organised Criminal gangs. The same goes for anti-virus software etc.
Not all torrents are bad. Some companies even distribute there legitimate software via torrents, just make sure anything downloaded is thoroughly virus/malware scanned!
If your looking for a piece of software then find out who the software company that makes it is and go to their website to get it. Most reputable sites will also have authorised reseller lists online.
BUYER BEWARE! Also we have seen counterfeit software being sold online, recently we found counterfeit Microsoft software, it even activated, but was counterfeit all the same and, on installation, contained a trojan.
If your looking at software from smaller companies or Free/shareware programs, try using big sites like Download.com rather than just relying on a Google search and downloading from where ever.
DON'T OPEN UNKNOWN EMAIL ATTACHMENTS
The majority of web crime is conducted using email. Don't open attachments your not expecting, if necessary call the person that sent it (assuming you know who they are), some infected emails may appear to come from someone you know! Also don't click on random links in an emails text, these are often used in 'Phishing' emails.
Often the easiest way to check a sites veracity is to put the link into Google and see what comes up; it may be listed as a dodgy link.
PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY ONLINE
More and more of us are using the internet to bank online, buy products, even do tax returns. All these sensitive things generally involve passwords, coming up with solid passwords is more important than ever.
Don't use the same login details for lots of sites, because if one does fall into the wrong hands your online life isn't up for grabs. Its a nightmare remembering lots of different ones, so a good idea is to take one and just add a few letters to it related specifically to each site your logging into. Always ensure you change your passwords regularly! Some good ways to create secure passwords are to use the first and last letters of every word in your favourite book title. A good password should be 8 characters or more and contain at least one number and/or a non alphanumeric symbol... one suggestion is to use a £ (British pound sign) as it is not on most other countries keyboards (or character sets), although this can cause problems with some applications/website's.
SWITCH IT OFF
Switching your computer off when your not using it is probably the safest it can be! Not only does it save energy but it stops others accessing it whilst your away. Also disconnecting your broadband when your not using the web should become good practice.
While your computers on and after you've been browsing is a prime time for malware attacks, so all are good preventative measures.
Hopefully these 5 steps will help to prevent you becoming the victim of a virus or trojan. Also its worth noting if your machine suddenly slows down, or does something your not familiar with. If something does behave oddly it is worth initially setting your antivirus to do a full scan, if not then give Geek Logic a call and we will advise on the best course of action.