Avoid Cyber Attacks from our Computer

Viruses and identity theft are not new issues, but recently, individuals and companies are at a much greater risk as a result of the unanticipated increase in internet and technology use. Follow these tips to protect yourself from such an attack so that you won’t be the next victim. Anyone who uses the internet needs to be aware of basic computer security:

1. Don't click the unwanted link

If you don't know who sent the email, or if it's not a trusted website, then don't click the link.

Beware: there is always an increase in email phishing scams around Christmas, whereby scampers have a fake retail store website and capture your credit card details when you buy online.

2. Install Antivirus software on your system

Always have up-to-date antivirus protection and get regular updates, don’t press 'does it later' and update six weeks later.

3. Use strong passwords every time

Most of the population is still using '1234567' or their first name and last name, The problem is that there are about 20 different things that require passwords. The strategy now is to write them down it is a complete U-turn and put them in your wallet [which is usually in a safe place]. If you lose your wallet, you stop your credit cards and can also reset all your online passwords.

Never click 'remember my password'.

Use capitals, lower case, numbers and symbols in passwords. Don't use words in the dictionary.

Change passwords regularly.

Password software is good at generating strong passwords but the human brain is the best tool of all.

4. Keep software up to date

This will ensure your software has the latest security upgrades. Attackers are always thinking up new ways to penetrate security. Don't ignore update notifications.

5. Reconfigure wireless routers

Buy a router with secure wireless encryption, otherwise your information is unprotected and can be stolen: for example, when banking or shopping online. When you get a new modem from a network provider, it may not be secured to encrypt traffic. People should go to the administration panel and configure their wireless network to WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption. Reconfiguring routers is easy and something people don't do properly.

Change the name of the router to something obscure, otherwise it gives attackers information on how best to attack that router. Also, change the default login to a unique password.

6. Encrypt email

Learn to use email encryption for sensitive documents. Don't send emails such as a child's health resume using Gmail or Hotmail. "There was the recent case] where a Gmail employee started going through people's email accounts."

7. Use a secure web browser on your system

Firefox or Opera are secure web browsers "Internet Explorer is highly targeted by attackers because it is on so many machines. IE generally takes longer to patch or fix vulnerabilities."

Eliminating internet and computer use from our life is impossible, so be sure to practice safe computing habits to protect yourself from cyber-attacks.