Internet Security
So, you want to know about Internet security?
Who doesn't? With all of the stuff going on and the news reports about hackers, one wonders why anyone is on the Internet. Well, it isn't as bad as you may have heard and, with a little preventative medicine and some good advice, you can have a fun and safe Internet experience.
Why do I need to worry about Internet Security?
There are no precise, reliable statistics on the amount of computer crime and the economic loss to victims, partly because many of these crimes are apparently not detected by victims, many of these crimes are never reported to authorities, and partly because the losses are often difficult to calculate. Nevertheless, there is a consensus among both law enforcement personnel and computer scientists who specialize in security that both the number of computer crime incidents and the sophistication of computer criminals (i.e., hackers) is increasing rapidly. Estimates are that computer crime costs victims in the USA at least US$ 500,000,000/year, and the true value of such crime might be substantially higher. Many of the effects of viruses alone are irreversible and require expensive procedures to correct -- often times resulting in the total loss of your personal data!
What do I need to protect myself?
For the average user, you will need two things: a firewall to keep hackers out; and an anti-virus software like PC-Cillin
What is a Firewall?
For all intents and purposes, a firewall is a piece of software that prevents another person from gaining access to your computer. It is software that shuts off ports that allow an intruder access to all of the information on your PC. There are several Firewall products on this CD:
AnalogX Port Blocker
Black Ice Defender
Zone Labs Zone Alarm!
Tiny Personal Firewall
Sygate Personal Firewall
PC-Cillin 2003 includes a firewall.
What is an Antivirus?
Some computer programs were specifically written to perform a malicious action against your computer (called computer viruses). Just like a virus, they infect computers and cause them to behave abnormally. Antivirus Software helps you protect your computer from these viruses which are being written every day!
What is the difference between a Virus and Spyware, and malware?
A virus, by definition, is a self-replicating program that is usually intended to do damage to your computer in some way. Spyware is a file or program that allows you to be tracked across the Internet. Malware is a program that modifies your computer programs to perform a certain task -- usually advertising.
Do I really need all of these things if I am only on a dialup connection?
Can you really afford not to? Even if you are on dialup, you are still connected to the Internet and therefore are connected to other people who may be looking for an easy target. You are also still prone to viruses and anything else the Internet may deal out.
My ISP already has a firewall, do I really need to protect myself?
How far do you trust your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to protect you in the event of a hacker attack? The fact of the matter is that your ISP has absolutely no responsibility to you in protecting you against hackers. They also have no way to control internal threats from hackers and viruses. What role does your ISP play in protecting you against viruses? Answer: none. Do you really need to protect yourself? Think about it.
What other things do I need to do to protect myself?
1. Make sure you have the most up-to-date virus pattern files available. Check for updates at least once a week. Running an out-of-date virus software is the same as running no protection at all.
2. Use Windows update. Downloading critical updates will patch security holes in your software as soon as they are found.
3. Try to avoid software that gives others access to your computer. Programs like Kazaa, Morpheus, ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, and even Microsoft's Personal Web Server will allow others access to your computer even though you may have a firewall in place.
4. Avoid opening attachments unless you are expecting that attachment. Even if that attachment comes from a trusted E-mail address, it may be a virus in disguise! A good way to make sure you are getting a safe attachment, have the sender send an e-mail saying that they are sending a safe attachment and explain what it is before they send the e-mail with the actual attachment.
Is shopping online safe?
Yes, as long as you are entering your information on a secure site. One of the ways a secure site is indicated is by the lock in the lower right (Internet Explorer, Netscape) or upper left (Opera) hand corner of the browser window.
What is spyware and what can I do to protect myself?
Some websites track your movements on the Internet by placing a small program on your computer. This program is called Spyware because it spies on you and your computer without your knowledge or consent. The program called Ad-Aware scans your system for spyware and eliminates it.
What are Cookies and are they tasty?
Cookies are little packets of information that are used to store small quantities of information on your hard drive for the site you are on to use later (Ex. shopping cart contents). This sounds a lot like spyware and it could be used for that purpose but most of the time it is harmless. AnalogX Cookie Wall is included on this CD if it is a point of concern.
How can I test if my firewall is working?
Check out Steve Gibson's Shields UP! and Nano Probe at www.grc.com .
What is a hacker?
A hacker is someone who attempts to probe for weaknesses in the security of other computers and exploit those weaknesses. Hackers usually operate under a code of ethics which they will probe for weaknesses but not use those weaknesses "for evil" as it were. Others do not.
