Protecting yourself on the Internet

Take charge of your computer

Objectives

• Learn the terms involved in Internet safety• Discuss the types of security & how to be

protected online• Discover how to tell if your computer is

infected, and then what to do• Discuss safe online browsing, social

networking and email

Terminology• Spam: Unsolicited mail• Virus: Self replicating software• Malware: Malicious software• Spyware: Collects your personal info• Phishing: Looks like the real website• Pharming: Sends you to a bad site

Go to next screen for more…

Terminology (continued)

• Browser hijacking: Replaces your homepage• Hoax: Email with erroneous information• Mousetrapping: Keeps you locked into a

window• Trojan horse: Software that appears to be OK

Good security for your computer

• Anti-virus software is KEY• Scans files & computer for patterns which may

signal infection• Can be set up for automatic , daily scanning• Should run a manual scan if you think you have

a virus• May clean automatically, may quarantine• To install new one, must uninstall old one• Good free one: Microsoft Security Essentials

More…

Good security for your computer• Anti Malware and Spyware (Often can be taken care of with same

program. Check the program)

• Firewall: (blocks connections between your computers and other computers.. Keep it turned on)

• If infected, run a one time virus scanner like Microsoft Security Scanner

• Keep important software up to date including: Operating system, Adobe flash, Adobe reader, Java, Apple, Microsoft Office, etc.

• Install Web of Trust on browsers

More…

Important security for your computer: Passwords!

http://www.ghacks.net/2012/04/07/how-secure-is-your-password/

No:• Personal

information on password

• Predictable patterns (123,789)

Yes:• If you write them

down, keep in a safe place

• Try a password generator

How do I get a virus?• Download an infected file (or open email

attachment)• .exe: most dangerous, program file• .zip: compressed file, can contain a virus• .scr: free screen saver, can contain virus• .doc: a Microsoft word file, can be infected• Can have other extensions so CAREFUL!• Can be spread with a thumb drive

• Visit bad website• Clicking on a bad link

Signs my computer may have a virus

Note: Only guidelines: Other things may cause these computer behaviors• Computer running slowly • Unexpected messages or programs that start

automatically• Modem or hard drive seem to be working

all the time

Signs that my computer may have Spyware

• New toolbars, links or favorites on your web browser

• Home page, mouse pointer or search program changes

• You type an address into the web browser but end up at an unrelated site

• Pop-up ads, even without the Internet• Computer may be running slowly

What to do if you think you are infected

• Download and run a one time scanner such as Microsoft Safety Scanner http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

• Or use other online virus scanners such as: Symantec Security Check, McAfee FreeScan, Kaspersky lab,  & Bitdefender. (They might not cure your computer, but at least can tell you if you are infected.)

Email security

• Don’t forward hoax emails…(try snopes.com or factcheck.org)

• Don’t open attachments unless you are certain of their source (just reading email is OK)

• Don’t be too sure even if they are from a friend!

• Don’t click on links in the body of the email

Continue for Email Red Flags…

Email Red Flags• Images blocked: Don’t open unless you are

sure!• Urgent letters needing your personal

information or money• Statements from your bank to click here • A claim that seems far fetched• Anything from an online pharmacy, Western

Union and PayPal. Go directly to the site instead.

• A note from a friend that seem strange

Safe social networking…DO• Caution when clicking on links • Limit personal information on sites• Create multiple aliases for some • Don’t believe it is really from Uncle Joe• Type network address directly• Be careful of your “friends”• Understand Privacy terms on the site

Next: Safe social networking…Don’t

Safe social networking…DON’T• Use personal information for passwords• Install programs from the social networks• Click on links on the page• Allow social network to scan your contacts• Respond to “flames”• Say anything you may regret later

Safe Online Browsing

• Set own homepage (Options, settings)• Use InPrivate browsing for sensitive use• Don’t use public Wi Fi for personal data• Double check web addresses if it seems

different…Best to type it in directly • HTTPS always when privacy is important

More on Safe online browsing

Safe Online Browsing (cont.)• Install Web of Trust on all browsers• If money is involved:

• HTTPS• Credit card or PayPal is best• Beware if money is required up front• Research to make sure company is legitimate• Do not respond to unsolicited emails

• Use caution even if it looks authentic (Fake campaigns for Windows security updates, Facebook apps, 9/11 scams, Anti-Virus)

• Download only from reputable sources!

FACTS AND FIGURES

Internet Scams with the most complaints:

http://mashable.com/2012/06/17/internet-scams-infographic/internet-scam-hotspots-972/

Other Internet Scams

http://mashable.com/2012/06/17/internet-scams-infographic/

Newest scams from BBB (click on link to read article)

• Scammers Taunt Twitter Users With Fake Facebook Video

• Fake Attorney Website Sparks FBI Investigation• Email with "Visual Voicemail" Have Scam Attached• Company Claims to Be Local, Scam Alert Issued• Free Turns to Fee• Media alert - Fire Victim Warning

Check the BBB site for updates: http://www.bbb.org/us/scams

DON’T FALL FOR A SCAM: BE SAFE

ONLINE!