Privacy, Security & Virus Information

Internet Security for Home Users

When you are using your computer at home and accessing the Internet you need to be alert to the dangers that the Internet poses in respects of Internet security. It should be of paramount importance that you ensure that you are protected against security threats so that you protect not only the running of your PC but that you ensure the safety and security of your personal data, passwords and login details.

There are two main ways you can ensure Internet security at home. Firstly, you should ensure your PC is protected with a renowned and recommended anti-virus software program. This program will ensure that you are protected against the most common and newest virus threats. Secondly, you should ensure that this anti-virus program comes with a robust firewall which will protect your PC against unauthorised access.

Apart from installing anti-virus software there are a number of tips that you can follow to ensure that your computer and personal details remain safe.

• Use your common sense – if someone is offering you something that is too good to be true, then it probably is. There are many Internet scams which try and get you to enter your personal and payment details, for example pop-ups that tell you that they have found a virus on your PC and to click on for further information. You should never trust these types of pop-ups
  
  
• Split your email addresses – rather than using the same email address for all your logins you should try and use multiple email addresses. You should definitely not use your business email address for social activities as if your business email is hacked you could lose both personal and business information
  
  
• Use your credit card – when purchasing items over the Internet you should only use a credit card, never use a debit card. Credit card companies offer certain levels of fraud insurance and if you experience fraud on your card you will often be able to get your money refunded
  
  
• Don’t use IE6 – there are still many companies and people who are using IE6. If you are one of these people then you need to upgrade your browser. Not only have many websites stopped supporting the browser but the browser has so many Internet security flaws that it is unsafe and unsecure to use
  
  
• Update your software – you should update your software when you have the opportunity and allow your computer to run automatic updates. This will ensure that you have the latest software versions available that will be knowledgeable against any potential security threats
  
  
• Use complex and serious passwords – you should ensure that your passwords are different for each website that you use and that these passwords are difficult for hackers to guess. For example, don’t create a password based on your name, address or any personal details that can be easily found out about you
  
  
  

 

Article by Sarah Wain, 18th November 2011. Content correct at the date of publication.