When connected to the internet, your computer becomes vulnerable
to invasion and attacks, putting your online security at risk. As a
result, it is essential to ensure that you take the proper
precautions to ensure your computer and personal information is
protected, much in the same way you would protect your home and
your family.
These attacks come in different forms, but the aim is generally
the same; to compromise your privacy and security by collecting
your personal information and then sending it to a third party to
be stored. They can also damage your computer's performance
and the way in which it operates. These attacks usually happens via
your email, downloads or from visiting infected websites
unintentionally. Attacks come in the form of viruses, worms,
Trojans, spyware and spam.
Viruses, worms and Trojans are all considered to be malicious
software or "malware." Spyware also falls into the category of
malware, as is any other type of software that is designed to
perform malicious and unwanted activity on your computer.
A computer virus enters your computer through a
program or file. It is designed to spread from one computer to
another, infecting them and spreading the virus. It is usually
spread when the infected file is sent via email, a USB or flash
drive or a CD. The user has to open the file or attempt to install
it onto the computer for the virus to take effect. Like the human
kind, a computer virus has different symptoms depending on what it
is intended to do. They can erase or corrupt computer files,
documents and applications; they can crash your computer by
duplicating your files until your hard drive is full; or make your
computer inoperable by altering critical system files.
A computer worm is like a virus in that it is
also attached to a file and the file has to open in order for the
infection to take place. But unlike a virus, worms are designed to
self replicate and spread without any prompting or action from the
user. When the infected file is opened it begins to spread through
networks and emails immediately. Its main purpose is to lock down
systems and networks.
A Trojan horse is also included in a file, and
like a virus does not propagate itself. Trojans are tricky, in that
they are often disguised as some type of useful or interesting
software. When the software is installed, the Trojan is
activated and it may take some time before you realise it is there.
A Trojan might destroy certain types of files, alter critical
system files, change your desktop icons, or simply plant a
"backdoor" on your system that can be used by a hacker or cyber
criminal at a later date. Trojans are usually passed from PC to PC
by email or disk, file transfer, because the sender doesn't know
that the file carries a harmful Trojan.
Spyware is designed a lot differently than a
virus, because its purpose is different. Spyware has become just as
prevalent as computer viruses, but it is much more dangerous.
Unlike a computer virus, spyware could care less about destroying
your files or corrupting your operating system. Spyware has one
purpose - to infiltrate your computer for personal gain.
Spam emails are a type of 'electronic junk mail'.
These types of emails typically contain get-rich-quick cons, bogus
lottery wins, Nigerian scams, miracle cures, pornography, offers of
restricted drugs like Viagra, loans and fake watches.
Strategies to reduce the risk
If you are unsure of how to take these actions, ask a young
person who is tech-savvy or someone from your IT department.
Install/Settings
- Install Anti-virus and spyware software and KEEP THIS
UPDATED.
- Install a Spam Filter.
- Install a firewall.
- Use pop-up blockers.
- Regularly update your Operating System (eg. Windows XP/Vista or
OSX).
- Tighten your web-browser security settings.
- Change settings on your email account to control who you
receive emails from.
Actions
- Look out for telltale signs: computer slower than normal,
unexpected crashes, strange error messages or pop up ads.
- Only open files/attachments from people you know,
- Check when downloading files that the extension matches the
file type eg. If you are downloading a word document the file
should end in file extension .doc - "name.doc".
- Back up important files regularly.
- Read the agreements when downloading software, games etc
carefully.
- Never click "ok" to close a pop-up window - always click the
"x" to close the window or Alt and F4 keys.
- To avoid spam, set up two email addresses - one you use to join
websites, competitions or social networking sites, and another you
use to communicate with friends.