Internet security issues

Anti-virus software
Firewalls
Pop-up blockers
Scams
Spam
Spyware

Anti-Virus Software

A virus is an unwanted computer program, usually hidden in an email attachment, which loads itself onto your computer without your knowledge. It can seriously damage other programs and data stored on your PC. Like a real virus it can spread to other computers.

It is generally a good idea not to open an email or run an attachment from anyone you do not know, simply delete them. Remember banks and credit card companies do not ask for you account details or passwords by email.

You can protect your computer by buying an anti-virus software program that can detect and destroy a virus in an email before you open it. However it is important to remember to update your anti-virus software on a regular basis so that it can deal with the newest ones.

Firewalls

A firewall stops other people from looking at information on your computer (this is called hacking). If you don't have a firewall you could risk other people stealing personal information such as bank details or making your computer crash. It is possible to set up a basic firewall on most PC's and they can be downloaded from the web or may come with anti-virus software packages.

Pop-up blockers.

Many companies use "pop-up" windows to advertise products. However as well as sometimes being annoying, some pop-ups may contain a virus or Spyware. You can install a pop-up blocker on your screen to stop pop-ups opening.

Scams

A scam describes an e-mail that might offer or request large sums of money or ask for your bank account details.

Banks and credit card companies do not email customers asking them to confirm account details or passwords. If you receive an email like this we recommend that you delete it without replying.

Spam

Spam describes e-mails that try to sell you things you don't actually want. Some may also include things that you may find offensive. You may also find that you get so many Spam emails that it makes it difficult to spot your emails.

Some Spam is sent to email addresses at random so do not reply to any Spam emails, as this will confirm that they have sent it to a real email address. You also be careful in giving out your email address online as some websites pass on details that they receive.

You can set up Spam filters on some email accounts that scan your emails as you receive them. However they will not be able to stop all Spam email from getting through.

Spyware

Spyware is computer software used to get information from your computer without you knowing. Usually this is for advertising (also know as adware) and comes hidden within free downloads. Sometimes it is used to gather information on your computer passwords. You can buy Spyware software to protect your computer.