Cybersecurity Tips

Keep Safe Online – Top Tips

Mark James ESET’s Security Specialist for the UK suggests these top tips to keep your computer protected from this year’s nastiest bugs and you and your information safe from cyber threats and crime.

• An effective antivirus solution is absolutely fundamental to the security of any computer network for the business and in the home.
• Equally a firewall is one of the most basic security mechanisms and should form an integral part of your internet security defences.
• However, antivirus solutions and firewalls are only of value if they are regularly updated. The range and scale of internet threats today is constantly changing and in order to keep ahead it is vital that you ensure your antivirus software and firewalls are fully patched and up-to-date. Also ensure your Windows Automatic Updates are switched on. Windows routinely checks for updates that can help protect your computer from security threats.
• Wireless technologies pose serious security threats unless they are effectively managed. The first thing you should do to secure your network is change the default password of the router to something more secure and consider the use of encrypted VPN’s to address the issues.
• Although we love the freedom of connecting to the internet anywhere we go, WiFi hotspots should be used with caution. Research shows public networks located in airports and other public places are rife with exploitation by hackers, hosting fake ‘free’ WiFi hotspots used to steal your online banking passwords and other personal information.
• Create complex passwords you can remember, storing them in your wallet or on your computer is not a good idea. Passwords should be as long as possible, up to14 characters is suitable and use a mix of characters; uppercase, lowercase, symbols and numbers. I would recommend not to use the same password for multiple internet sites if one becomes comprised accessing all of your internet accounts becomes very simple for any cyber criminal. Try to change your passwords as often as possible and avoid disclosing your passwords to anyone.
• The convenience of banking online is next to none however protect your password and personal details so criminals can’t access your accounts. Phishing scams are on the increase tricking unsuspecting users into disclosing their passwords and details online. Be wary of phishing emails, these may appear to be from your financial institution. Always look for a recognisable reference such as your account number. If you do click on a link ensure its a secure webpage look for ‘https’ at the beginning of the address and the padlock symbol if these are not present it is more than likely to be scam and report this to your bank as soon as possible.
• Millions of people buy online everyday and threats can easily be avoided with a little common sense and vigilance. If an offer looks too good to be true it often is, always cross-check information on the internet, check the site is secure and that the dealer is reputable also check for after sales service, refund and exchange policies to avoid any disappointments. Always use an appropriate safe means of online payment such as credit card, they offer a degree of protection against non-delivery or fraud for transactions over £100. Other services like PayPal offer safe services where money is transferred between two electronic accounts rather than your personal account.
• Social networking sites are fun for adults and young people alike. They allow people to stay in touch, share photographs, videos and chat to their family and friends, but how much information are you really prepared to share and with who? Social networking sites are rapidly becoming a huge target from cyber criminals. Publicly available personal information can easily be gathered and used to steal your identity or worse crimes such as cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking and grooming are becoming more and more prevalent.
• The internet is such a huge part of our children’s lives these days. It opens up so many educational and social opportunities, giving them access to, quite literally, a world of information and experiences. Like learning to cross the road, online safety skills are skills for life. If your child understands the risks and can make sensible and informed choices online, they can get the most from the internet and stay safe whilst doing so. Keep your family computer in a shared space – One mistaken click can result in trouble, so keep an eye out and be there to help. If your children are under 16 consider monitoring tools to restrict the content and access they have to internet.