Feature - PC and Internet Security Advice
NEVER run a PC on the Internet without the minimum security software of a FIREWALL and ANTI-VIRUS.
An excellent FREE firewall is called
ZoneAlarm, a highly rated FREE anti-spyware program is
Spybot Search & Destroy, and the best in category Anti-Virus software is from
BitDefender. PC World's test results show BitDefender out-performing
Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus:
Guidelines for Using Email and The Internet Safely and Securely
1)
Software Protection - If you don't have anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, a personal firewall
and Windows Updates installed on your PC, we strongly recommend that you do for your own security.
2)
Email Attachments - Before opening attachments:
a) Be sure that you know the person who has sent you the attachment; and
b) Check the type of file attachment (e.g. jpg, .doc); and
c) Scan the attachment for viruses.
3)
Emails Requesting Personal & Financial Information (Phishing Emails) - Your bank, Internet Service Provider (ISP) or any security conscious
company will never request any password or account login details, bank or other financial details, or any security sensitive information in an email. Do not
respond to such email requests even though they may appear to be genuinely from the company. These emails are spoof mails sent by fraudsters
using companies you trust to attempt to retrieve personal information. If in doubt, call the company that claims to have sent the email to check that
the email is genuine.
4)
Sharing Information Over The Internet - Be wary of sharing personal or sensitive information with strangers you meet over the Internet.
5)
Internet Cafes - If you log in to any personal Internet-based accounts at an Internet Cafe (e.g. email, bank account), ensure that you
log out of all your accounts and CLOSE all browser windows before leaving the PC.
6)
Credit Cards & Bank Accounts - There are 3 basic rules to follow for making online purchases with credit cards or bank accounts:
a) Assign one and only one credit card and bank account for making purchases on the Internet; and
b) Ensure that the credit limit (or available cash) is not too high so that the your maximum exposure is limited; and
c) Routinely review the statements for this credit card and bank account.
7)
Suspected Fraud - Report any suspected abuses of your personal information to the company which has been spoofed and to
the
Internet Crime Complaint Centre.
And finally...
If you follow this common-sense advice, then the Internet can be one of the safest and most secure ways to shop.
... tel: +44 (0)7092 859256