A simple guide to prevent online threats and to minimise their effects. There are many threats to going online, these days. But a few simple precautions go a long way to safe online use.
Firstly, follow these active steps:
- (On Windows systems) use Windows update.
- Install an antivirus package and keep the definitions up-to-date.
- Install anti-spyware software and keep those definitions up-to-date.
- Install a firewall.
- Backup your data regularly
Some computer usage habits to prevent many of the existing threats:
- Do not open un-solicited email attachments, even from friends.
- Save attachments to disk and scan them first with your anti-virus software before opening them.
- Remove the "Preview Pane" from your email system (e.g. Outlook).
- In Windows Explorer, change the settings so that the file extensions are shown. When you view your email take note of the file extensions of attachments.
- When creating passwords for entry into systems, create a strong password. For example, passwords with letters and numbers are stronger than just letters. The worst passwords are names and actual words like "mary" or "story".
- Never print, write down or tell anyone a password. Remember them. If you have many passwords store them in a password protected file, but then ensure that file has a strong password.
- Never act on email messages of a virus warning. Many of these are hoaxes and the worst of these are tricks with advice that, if followed, will hurt your system.
- Don't install any old software. Make sure you know what and why you are installing certain software.
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