Home arrow Internet Safety Tips
Internet Safety Tips

Microsoft security update.

To manually download available updates, go to Microsoft Security Update Page.

 

Here are some things to keep in mind while surfing the net.


General Surfing Security

Do not put sensitive information on social networks and beware of phishing attempts on those and game sites.

Be careful about downloading files from unknown sites and clicking on links, and don't provide unnecessary or uncommon information to sites you trust without first checking the company.

Beware of "vishing" (voice-over-IP phishing) attacks in which an e-mail provides a phone number to call and then prompts the caller to provide personal information.

Always read a web site's privacy policy before giving any personal information. If you are unsure of who actually owns a website, run a whois search.

Firewalls are a useful tool for blocking attacks and preventing illegal entry into your PC as they monitor and inform what comes and goes from your computer.

 


Whois

Running a whois search will tell you who the owner of a website is.

There are two ways to search, by domain name or IP Address.

        A general whois search       An Australian website whois

       Whois by domain name or IP




Ecommerce Security

Make sure that a web site offers a secure connection before giving credit-card information, indicated by https://, not just http:// in the URL.

The added "s" (as in https://) means an SSL Certificate is in use to encrypt your connection. Always make sure the website address is the one you want to use and carefully check for misspelled URL's, you may not be at the site you think you are.

 


Other General Security Tip

Update the antivirus and firewall software.

Update and install the latest security updates for your operating system. The latest Microsoft Windows updates here.

Use anti-spyware such as, spybot - search and destroy, adaware by lavasoft, or try - buy one of these recommended products.

Be wary of files that you execute as they may contain a malicious application. This method of infection is commonly used by hackers.

Do not run unnecessary applications that require an internet/network connection. Leaving them running in the background is like leaving your front door open.

 



 


 

While online attacks get the headlines, a bigger risk is from skimmers, fake faceplates for ATM machines that steal card data from the magnetic strip. The data is then used to make forged cards.

Look for concealed devices in the slot where you swipe your card and shield your hand when typing in your PIN at ATMs from anyone standing nearby and from hidden video cameras.

 Visit the Australian Government - Net Alert website for more.

 

Free Online Virus Scan

Browsers

Anti Spyware

Anti Virus

Tools

KidZui, the Internet for Kids!


Soon your kids will be exploring over a million kid-friendly games, websites, pictures and YouTube videos.

Busy parents can simply set up KidZui and trust that their kids will be safe online.

KidZui has all the sites and games kids love and tons more. It’s a fun, safe and engaging environment that rewards curiosity and builds independence. 

KidZui is free for all kids to use. 

Visit http://www.kidzui.com/ 


Fraudsters aren't just targeting bank customers.

They are also luring victims off social networks, where they harvest sensitive private information, and online gaming sites, where they steal accomplished avatars and accounts and sell them for money.

Another recent trend is the blending of phishing and malware on spoof Web sites that look legitimate but prompt visitors to run an executable in order to see a video, for instance. Instead, the executable is a Trojan that can grab the sensitive data on the computer.

Online fraud tools have price tags just like any other software. For example, the Mpack Infection Kit costs $700, a Dream BotBuilder costs $500, and at just $350, the Limbo Trojan is practically a steal.

The Limbo Trojan hijacks a session between a computer user and a site they want to visit. Say you want to visit the site of your bank. You type in the URL and the site comes up, but there is something different about it, like it asks not just for your username and password, but also your ATM PIN. It's the real bank site, but the Limbo Trojan has exploited the Browser Helper Object in the browser to change the page display.

For people who don't have the skills to install, run, and manage their own Trojans and other tools, fraudsters are offering fraud software as a service for $299 a month, "which means anyone can do it,"