Internet Security - All you need to know

Should I be concerned about Internet Security?

Internet security should be a concern; however the right precautions are easy to take and should ensure you can enjoy your broadband connection worry free.

With a fast connection to the internet and no need to unplug your phone when surfing the net Broadband users spend longer online. This is undoubtedly one of the great benefits of broadband, however more time spent connected to the internet gives fraudsters and malicious programs such as viruses more opportunities to exploit. With the many people keeping personal details on their computers and taking advantage of online shops and banking it is important to keep this personal information secure.

What are the main threats?

Online Fraud:

Online fraud can take a number of forms. Firstly intruders may attempt to gain access to files containing personal details through your internet connection. Secondly fraudsters may send emails which purport to be from a reputable company, such as your bank. These emails usually ask for personal information such as account numbers and password, a practice know as phishing.

Viruses:

Viruses may install themselves on your computer and effect performance and corrupt or delete files amongst other harmful activities. Viruses spread through the internet and email.

Spyware:

Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. Spyware can be used to monitor keyboard strokes to reveal passwords and other sensitive information. The more common effect of spyware is to slow your computer down, cause programs to crash and can sometimes result in complete failure of your computer.

Spam:

Spam is the sending of bulk, unsolicited messages, usually in the form of emails. At its worst spam emails could include those intended to fraudulently obtain your personal details. More frequently spam can result in your email inbox being clogged up with unwanted emails which take time and effort delete.

Child Security:

There are two main concerns for parents when their children access the internet. Firstly that they may be viewing unsuitable material and secondly that they may be talking to an adult internet user pretending to be someone they are not.

What precautions can I take?

In addition to the range of security measures available (many of which come as part of the package with broadband providers) there are a number of steps you can take.

Make sure you stick to reputable websites when giving your personal or financial details. If you are buying online check to see if the website has a secure payment system. This will usually be indicated by a certificate displayed on the site, usually from Verisign, ISIS or WorldPay and often at the bottom right of the page. When you reach the payment area of the website if the address starts with HTTPS this also indicates it is secure webpage.

Ensuring you download the latest security updates which should help keep your computer free from infection. Most security packages run this automatically or will prompt you when new updates are available.

Finally if you use a laptop remember not to leave it in view, for example on the back seat of your car.

What types of security are available?

Child protection:

Many broadband providers, such as AOL, offer child protection settings. This will block you child from viewing unsuitable sites, such as those with adult content. Computer security packages such as Microsoft’s Windows Live OneCare, Norton and McAfee also offer this facility.

Virus Protection:

Most internet security packages will offer virus protection to block unwanted intrusions. Some broadband providers will supply antivirus software for free with broadband access. To check the level of security each provider offers read the reviews of the packages available in your area: http://www.broadband-expert.co.uk/broadband/compare-broadband-deals.php

Sypware Protection:

Like virus protection spyware protection will guard your pc from unwanted infection and remove spyware that has found its way onto your computer.

Firewalls:

A firewall is a computer program that sits between your pc and the internet. Firewalls filter the information received through the internet blocking unwanted threats and visits. Some broadband packages provide a firewall as standard. Others only supply it with more expensive packages or at an additional cost.

Securing your Wireless Broadband Network:

Wireless networks work by sending out a signal from your router. This signal can often be reached from anywhere within your house or flat. Sometimes the signal can be reached from neighboring households. Adding a password to your wireless network will ensure only you and other members of your household can access the broadband connection. In addition to preventing other people accessing sensitive information this will also prevent others using your broadband connection free of charge.

Check the level of security different providers’ offer:

Most broadband providers provide some level of security with their broadband packages. Check the broadband packages available in your area by using our broadband finder then read our reviews for details of the level of security provided. http://www.broadband-expert.co.uk/broadband/compare-broadband-deals.php

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