 | Internet SafetySome information about using the Internet safely. |
We all know that the World Wide Web can be a dangerous place. However, unlike most other dangerous places, the nature of the web makes it such that predators can decide to attack a specific type of target, and easily develop a very effective plan to meet his goals. These plans are be reused again and again against different targets of the same nature. This fact works in the predators favor, but can also be used in the defenders favor. If a defender seems to be well prepared against an attack, the predator will likely move to an easier target. Again, the nature of the web is such that there is always an abundance of targets.
Different types of attacks
Non-targeted attacks, honeypots
Attacks targeted against a specify type of person (age, ethnic group, region)
Attacks against a specific person/ institute
Here are a few guidelines to help keep yourself safe while browsing the World Wide Web:
- Keep your personal information personal. You should never tell anyone your name, your address, your phone number, or anything else specific to you. A good rule of thumb is, if the information is different between you and your neighbor, then it best not be said online. THAT GOES FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AS WELL! Don't send anybody a picture of yourself.
- Use a secure web browser to surf the Web. Do not use the Internet Explorer browser that comes prepackaged with Microsoft operating systems.
- If the person that you're conversing with has made you angry or frightened you, stop conversing. This is the easiest way to harm you. You would not believe how many people out there surf the Web with the specific intention of angering people. These people are sometimes called 'trolls'. Remember, don't feed the trolls!
- Never meet anyone that you have met online alone. And if you are under 18 years old, don't meet them at all! It is very common for people to pose as someone that they are not online. Even if you have seen 'pictures' of the person, you cannot be sure of who it is or what their intentions are. There are more horror stories of 'meetings' gone bad than there are success stories.
- When you come across something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, then go to something else. The 'shock site' has become very popular. These are website with the specific intention of scaring surfers, or to show them something difficult to look at, such as murder and rape pictures. There is no shortage of good content for you to view instead.
Computer safety:
- First things first: make sure that your computer is up to date. Linux users can update their computers with Yum, Apt, or up2date through a repro that they trust. Windows users must use the Windows Update Tool provided by Microsoft.
- Make sure that you have an Internet firewall and anti-virus software installed and up to date. An Internet firewall screens the data coming into your computer and leaving it. This helps prevent viruses and other malicious code from infecting your system, and helps prevent sensitive data from being sent without your knowledge. And anti-virus software helps prevent the execution of that code in the event that it reaches your computer. As new viruses are developed almost daily, it is vital to keep your anti-virus software up to date.
- Users of Microsoft operating systems (Windows XP, 2000/NT, 98) should have spyware-detection tools installed on their computer. Spyware is software that is installed unknowingly on your computer, with the intent of reporting to it's owner valuable private information about you. This may make you susceptible to problems ranging from spam to credit card fraud. These programs are often 'bundled' with free software. Often insecure web browsers (such as Internet Explorer) can allow websites to install these programs automatically also.
- Don't forget to backup your work! That means to copy all of your important files to a removable medium. This includes emails, text documents, spreadsheets, music, and anything else that you have stored on the computer. This will help to protect you not only in the event of malicious code, but also from hardware failure. You can download backup software, and some operating system come with basic backup tools preinstalled.
- Don't download or open files from sources that you don't trust! That includes chat buddies, websites, and anonymous emails. And for the files that you get from people that you do trust- check them with anti virus software first. You don't know what they have lurking about on their machines. If your email client automatically opens attachments or supports scripting languages (such as Outlook's VBscript support), then disable these features or switch clients.
- Require passwords on your wireless equipment. I personally know people who surf the web using the neighbor's wireless Internet connection. No kidding. They also have some access to that same neighbor's personal files, over WiFi. Remember, the default settings are for your convenience. They are also very convenient for the person who wants access to your computer and Internet connection. Change them.
- Require a password to access your computer. This may be a little hassle for you when you log in, but it makes it very difficult for predators to access your computer remotely. Any time that you are connected to the Internet, someone can remotely log into your computer. Don't let them. Lock the door- require a password.