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[color=\"#41121C\"]Originally Posted on GraphixGround by Endophyte on April 18 2004


If your computer is attacked by a virus or a hacker, it really doesn't matter what type of connection you use: the damage is done. You could lose important personal information or software that's stored on your hard drive, as well as valuable time trying to make repairs. And your computer could be used without your knowledge to attack other computers, including those that protect our national security.

Use anti-virus software.
A virus is software that is planted in your computer to damage files and disrupt your system. Most viruses enter a computer hidden in a seemingly innocent program, often as an attachment to an email. Then the software code attached to the program produces copies of itself and inserts the copied code into other programs. A virus can result in lost data or require costly repairs to your system. You can avoid these risks by installing and using software that scans your computer and your incoming email for viruses, and then deletes them.

Regularly update anti-virus software.
To be effective, anti-virus software must be updated routinely with antidotes to the latest "bugs" circulating through the Internet. Most commercial anti-virus software includes a feature to download updates automatically when you are on the Internet.

Don't fall for a fibbing email.
Most viruses won't damage your computer unless you open the email attachment that includes the virus. So hackers - people who use the Internet to access computers without permission - often lie to get you to open the attachments. The email may appear to come from a friend or colleague, or it may have an appealing file name, like "Fwd: FUNNY TEXT" or "As per your request!" It could appear to link to a website or promise to clean a virus off your computer if you open it. Don't open an email attachment - even if it looks like it's from a friend or coworker - unless you are expecting it or know what it contains. If you send an email with an attached file, include a text message explaining what it is.

Use strong passwords.
Hackers may try to steal your passwords to gain access to the personal information stored on your computer. To make it tougher for them, use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols. Avoid common words: Some hackers use programs that can try every word in the dictionary. Don't use your personal information, your login name or adjacent keys on the keyboard as passwords. Don't share your passwords online or over the phone. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) should never ask for your password.

Take advantage of your software's security features.
Chances are your web browser and operating system software give you some options for increasing your online security. Check the "Tools" or "Options" menus for built-in security features. You probably have several choices for what types of files you want to accept from other computers. If you don't understand your choices, check them out using your "Help" function. Similarly, your email software may give you the ability to filter certain types of messages, such as some unsolicited bulk email, or spam. But it's up to you to activate the filter.

Back up important files.
If you follow these tips, you'll reduce the chances of falling victim to a hacker or virus. But no system is completely secure. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disk, and store them in a safe place.

If your computer is infected, take action immediately.
If your computer has been hacked or infected by a virus, disconnect from the Internet right away. Then scan your entire computer with fully updated anti-virus software. Before you reconnect to the Internet, think about how your computer could have been accessed and what you could have done to avoid it. Did you open an email attachment and let loose a virus? Is your anti-virus software out-of-date? Take steps to minimize the chances of it happening again.

Report serious incidents.
If you think you've been hacked or infected by a virus, email a report of the incident to your Internet provider and the hacker's provider (if you can tell what it is). Often the ISP's email address is abuse@yourispname.com or postmaster@yourispname.com. By doing this, you let the ISP know about the problem on their system and help them plan.[/color]

[b][i]Staying Safe Online[/b][/i]

[b]A few basic precautions can help everyone avoid the Net’s seedier side.[/b]

[b][color=\"darkred\"]Consumer fraud is one of America’s fastest-growing crimes. Last week the Federal Trade Commission reported that fraud complaints in 2003 increased by 28 percent. And for the first time, a majority of complaints were Internet related.

The Internet has brought innumerable benefits to millions of people, but the Web and e-mail are misused by scam artists. Other hazards also lurk online: viruses, spam and content inappropriate for children.

Microsoft and other industry leaders are making significant investments to help curb such abuses and safeguard consumers on the Internet. By taking a few basic precautions, all of us can help protect our families and ourselves. Here are a few suggestions for safety measures you can take.[/color]

[i]Protect Your PC[/i].
[color=\"darkgreen\"] Three fairly simple steps will help protect your computer from viruses and other malicious intruders. Use an Internet Firewall to put a barrier between your computer and hacker attacks. Make sure your operating system and other software are up to date. Ensure that you have up-to-date antivirus software installed.[/color]

[i]Reduce Your Exposure to Spam[/i].
[color=\"darkblue\"] The new federal antispam law will help curb unwanted commercial e-mail, but there is more you can do to significantly reduce the spam that reaches your inbox. E-mail filtering tools are getting better all the time. Make sure you use them. Report spammers to your e-mail service providers. Be vigilant when giving out your primary e-mail address, and never respond to the spam you receive.[/color]

[i]Protect Against Internet Scams[/i].
[color=\"darkgreen\"] Complaints of identity theft are up almost 150 percent since 2001, according to the FTC. Safeguard your privacy by sharing personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, only with those you trust, and never send such information via e-mail or instant messages. Use the privacy and security options available on your Internet browser. If you use a shared computer, learn how to erase traces of your Web activity and how to keep your computer files and data hidden from others.[/color]

[i]Help Keep Your Children Safe[/i].
[color=\"darkblue\"] If you have kids, consider using the parental controls offered by leading Internet browsers and e-mail service providers. These controls can help you know whom your children are communicating with online and what types of Web sites they are visiting. Consider putting your household PC in a place where you can occasionally see what your kids are viewing, and take time to discuss with them how to stay safe online.[/color]

[color=\"darkred\"]Emerging technologies and stronger laws can help make the Internet safer, without stifling the freewheeling character that makes it an unmatched resource for information, entertainment and communication. Learning to take relatively simple precautions will enable us all to enjoy the Internet’s many benefits – with a sense of security and peace of mind.[/b][/color]

[size=1][url=\"http://www.microsoft.com/issues/essays/2004/01-28safety.asp\"][Source][/url][/size]

[b][size=6][color=\"darkbrown\"]Guide to Windows Online Security & Privacy[/size][/b][/color]

[color=\"darkgreen\"][i]Making your Windows OS more secure and improving your privacy online can become an awkward process given the number of things that can be done to improve it.[/i][/color]

[color=\"darkgreen\"]In this guide we will cover many of such known solutions for various popular applications which should make your system more secure and less prone to viruses. The guide has been prepared with Windows 2000 and XP users in mind, however a lot of the stuff contained here can be also applied to earlier versions of the OS, in addition to Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.[/color]

[url=\"http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/windows_security/index.shtml\"]Guide to Windows Online Security & Privacy[/url]

[b]The Internet is an exciting tool that puts vast information at your fingertips. With a click of a mouse, it lets you buy an airline ticket, book a hotel, send flowers to a friend, or purchase your favorite stock.

Good deals, convenience, and choice abound on the Internet. But before you use all the Internet has to offer, be “cyber“ smart to make the most of your online experience.[/b]

[b]Security on the Internet[i]
Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won’t find shopping in a store or by mail. The Internet is always open – seven days a week, 24 hours a day – and bargains can be numerous online. Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping in a store or by mail. Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one.[/b][/i]

[color=\"darkbrown\"][size=2]Use a secure browser. This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. Your browser should comply with industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These standards scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, helping to secure your transaction. Most computers come with a browser installed. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet.

Shop with companies you know. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. If you’re not familiar with a merchant, ask for a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services. Also, determine the company’s refund and return policies before you place your order. These should be posted on the company’s Web site.

Keep your password(s) private. Be creative when you establish a password, and never give it to anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.

Pay by credit or charge card. If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you generally would be held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.

Keep a record. Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records. Also, you should know that the Mail and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online orders. This means that unless the company states otherwise, your merchandise must be delivered within 30 days; and if there are delays, the company must notify you.

Pay your bills online. Some companies let you pay bills and check your account status online. Before you sign up for any service, evaluate how the company secures your financial and personal information. Many companies explain their security procedures on their Web site. If you don’t see a security description, call or email the company and ask.[/size][/color]

[align=center][color=\"darkblue\"][size=5]EASY AS ABC[b][/size]
When exploring online, think ABC to remember the privacy and security questions you should ask about a company.[/b][/color]

[size=4][b][color=\"red\"]A[/size][/color][/b]bout Me. What information does the company collect about me and is it secure?
[size=4][b][color=\"red\"]B[/size][/color][/b]enefits. How does the company use that information and what is the benefit to me?
[size=4][b][color=\"red\"]C[/size][/color][/b]hoices. What choices do I have about the company’s use of information about me? Can I opt-out of having information used for other purposes, and how?[/align]

[b]Privacy on the Internet[i]
Technology now provides companies with the ability to collect information about you and potentially give or sell that information to others. While the Internet can serve as a tremendous resource for information, products, and services, you should be sure to safeguard your privacy online by following these tips.[/b][/i]

[size=2][color=\"darkbrown\"]Keep personal information private. Don’t disclose personal information – such as your address, telephone number, Social Security number, or email address – unless you know who is collecting the information, why they are collecting it, and how they will use it. If you have children, teach them to check with you before giving out personal – or family – information online.

Look for an online privacy policy. Many companies post their privacy policies on their Web site. This policy should disclose what information is being collected on the Web site and how that information is being used. Before you provide a company with personal information, check its privacy policy. If you can’t find a policy, send an email or written message to the Web site to ask about its policy and request that it be posted on the site.

Make choices. Many companies give you a choice on their Web site as to whether and how your personal information is used. These companies allow you to decline – or “opt-out” of – having personal information, such as your email address, used for marketing purposes or shared with other companies. Look for this choice as part of the company’s privacy policy.[/size][/color]

[size=1][url=\"http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/cybrsmrt.htm\"][Source][/url][/size]

[b][i][size=4][color=\"darkblue\"]Tips for Safe Banking Over the Internet[/b[/i][/size][/color]

As use of the Internet continues to expand, more banks and thrifts are using the Web to offer products and services or otherwise enhance communications with consumers.[/b]

[color=\"darkred\"][i]The Internet offers the potential for safe, convenient new ways to shop for financial services and conduct banking business, any day, any time. However, safe banking online involves making good choices – decisions that will help you avoid costly surprises or even scams.[/i]

* Confirm that an online bank is legitimate and that your deposits are insured
* Keep your personal information private and secure
* Understand your rights as a consumer
* Learn where to go for more assistance from banking regulators[/color]

[b][i][size=4][color=\"darkblue\"]Confirm that an Online Bank Is Legitimate and that Your Deposits Are Insured[/size][/b][/i][/color]

[color=\"darkred\"]Whether you are selecting a traditional bank or an online bank that has no physical offices, it’s wise to make sure that it is legitimate and that your deposits are federally insured. Here are tips specifically designed for consumers considering banking over the Internet.

[b]Read key information about the bank posted on its Web site.[/b]
Most bank Web sites have an "About Us" section or something similar that describes the institution. You may find a brief history of the bank, the official name and address of the bank’s headquarters, and information about its insurance coverage from the FDIC.

[b]Protect yourself from fraudulent Web sites.[/b]
For example, watch out for copycat Web sites that deliberately use a name or Web address very similar to, but not the same as, that of a real financial institution. The intent is to lure you into clicking onto their Web site and giving your personal information, such as your account number and password. Always check to see that you have typed the correct Web site address for your bank before conducting a transaction.[/color]

[size=1][url=\"http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/online/safe.html\"]Safe online banking[/url][/size]

Customers using online Internet banking are being warned to ensure they protect their password, as they would the key to their house.

It follows reports of a virus being used to record log-in passwords, which has led to thousands of dollars being withdrawn from New Zealand accounts and deposited overseas.

Westpac spokesman Paul Gregory says while banking security has improved in recent years, there are still responsibilities of which customers need to be aware.

He says, if possible, customers should try and always do their Internet banking from their own computer.

[b]Theft Cases Come To Light[/b]

West Auckland police are dealing with two cases, totalling $26,000.

Now a Wellington woman says someone tried to take $18,000 out of her BNZ account.

Sara Joseph spotted the theft on the day it happened and the bank was able to recover the money before it was shifted out of the country.

She says she was shocked when she saw what had happened.

Ms Joseph says her experience has made her more wary of Internet banking.

They say bank account passwords are being recorded by a virus, which allows funds to be stolen and transferred into the temporary accounts of people known as 'mules'.

The money is then transferred into accounts overseas.

Sergeant Niki Seager says the "mules" are being sought through online advertisements promising quick cash.

She says people need to be wary, as no reputable company would make such an offer.

Ms Seager warns people to be vigilant when using online bank services, check their accounts regularly and report any discrepancies.

[url=\"http://xtramsn.co.nz/technology/0,,7939-3946118,00.html\"][Source][/url]