Safe at Any Speed: How
To Stay Safe Online if You Use High-Speed Internet
Access
If you listen to the news, you've probably heard
about hackers and viruses. But unless your computer has been targeted by one,
you may not know how they could affect you. If your computer is attacked by a
hacker or virus, you could lose important personal information or software
stored on your hard drive. You also could lose valuable time while you try to
repair the damage. Without your knowledge, your computer could even be used to
attack other computers, including those that protect our national
security.
The best protection against hackers and viruses is
your personal commitment to online safety. If you use a high-speed connection
to
access the Internet, you can take precautions to better protect your time,
the information on your computer and the security of our nation's computer
networks.
What is high-speed Internet access?
Most Canadians
who use the Internet from home connect to it through a "dial-up connection"
using a modem to call into a server over a regular telephone line. Many Internet
Service Providers offer high-speed Internet access - also known as broadband
access - usually through a DSL connection (a digital subscriber line) or
a cable modem.
High-speed Internet access can cost more than a dial-up
connection, but an increasing number of consumers choose it because:
- it is faster than a dial-up connection, which
reduces the time you spend waiting for web pages to load and lets your computer
work faster.
- it can connect your computer to the Internet with no
dialing and no busy signals.
- it lets you make and receive voice calls over your
phone line while you're connected to the Internet. That's because DSL technology
can handle data and voice on a single phone line at the same time and cable
technology uses a separate wire from the telephone.
What are the risks?
Along with their
benefits, high-speed Internet connections can be an inviting target for hackers
and computer viruses. A hacker is a person who uses the Internet to access
computers without permission. A virus is software that is planted in your
computer to damage files and disrupt your system.
When you connect to the
Internet, you are identified by an Internet Protocol (IP) address - a string
of numbers that identifies your machine. If you use a dial-up connection,
your IP
address changes every time you log on. Some high-speed connection users' IP
addresses may remain fixed, making it easier for a hacker to access their
computers repeatedly.
One reason a hacker might want to access your
computer is to steal the personal information stored on it. A hacker could
use that information to commit identity theft. Hackers who discover your
credit card
numbers, Social Security number or bank account numbers may use the information
to run up charges in your name. Or they may sell the information to other
identity thieves.
Your DSL or cable modem stays connected to the Internet
unless you turn off the computer or disconnect your Internet service. These "always on" connections can make a computer vulnerable to attack any time.
Unless you take a few precautions, hackers can leave a virus or other software
code on your computer that could be released later.
This technique has
been behind distributed denial-of-service attacks. That's when hackers
spread a virus that tells many individual computers to send messages
simultaneously to
the same server. The flood of messages can overload the system at, say,
a
bank, a government agency or another web site. The systems then become
swamped processing useless information or crash altogether.
If you use a
high-speed connection to access the Internet, here are 10 tips that
can enhance your protection against hackers and viruses, and help you stay
safe
online:
1. Use anti-virus software.
Most viruses
enter a computer hidden in a seemingly innocent program, often as an attachment
to an email. Then the virus 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.
You can download anti-virus software from the
web sites of software companies or buy it in retail stores. Look for anti-virus
software that recognizes current viruses, as well as older ones; that can
effectively reverse the damage; and that updates automatically.
2. 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.
3. Install a firewall.
A firewall is
software or hardware designed to block hackers from accessing your computer. A
properly configured firewall masks your IP address, making it tougher for
hackers to locate your computer. Firewalls are designed to prevent hackers from
getting into your programs and files.
A firewall is different from anti-virus protection:
Anti-virus software scans your incoming communications and files for troublesome
files; a firewall helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all
communications from unauthorized sources.
Some recently-released operating system software and
some hardware devices come with a built-in firewall. It may be shipped in the
"off" mode. Make sure you turn it on and set it up properly. Check your on-line
"Help" feature for specifics. If your operating system doesn't include a
firewall, buy a separate software firewall that runs in the background while you
work, or install a hardware firewall - an external device that includes firewall
software. Like anti-virus software, a firewall needs to be updated regularly to
be effective.
Some firewalls block outgoing information as well as
incoming files. That stops hackers from planting programs - called spyware -
that cause your computer to send out your personal information without your
approval.
4. 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 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 web site or promise to clean a virus off your computer if you open
it.
Don't open an email attachment - even if it appears to be 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.
In addition, don't forward any email warning about a
new virus. It may be a hoax and could be used to spread a virus. If you receive
a chain letter or hoax virus alert, let the sender know so they can stop
spreading the virus.
5. If your computer is infected, take action
immediately.
If your computer has been hacked or infected by a virus,
immediately unplug the phone or cable line from your machine. Then scan your
entire computer with fully updated anti-virus software and update your firewall.
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? Did a hacker bypass your
outdated firewall? Take steps to minimize the chances of it happening
again.
6. 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 numerals 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.
7. 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.
8. Turn off software features that you don't
use.
You may want to turn "off" some software features - instant
messaging, printer-sharing or file-sharing - that typically are "on" when a
computer is shipped. File-sharing allows several computers (connected through a
network) to use the same file at the same time. Because it facilitates the
passing of information between computers, this feature is an excellent point of
entry for hackers. A firewall won't block files sent to you this way. If you're
not on a network, turn the file-sharing feature "off." Your operating system's
"Help" feature will show you how.
Another software feature that could leave you exposed
to a virus is an email preview pane that lets you view attachments
automatically. The preview pane could allow a virus to be launched even if you
never click on the attachment.
And if you're not using your computer for an extended
period, you can turn it off or unplug it from the phone or cable line. When it's
off, the computer doesn't send or receive information from the Internet and
isn't vulnerable to hackers.
9. 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 disc, and store them in a safe place.
10. Report serious incidents.
If you think
you've been hacked or infected by a virus, e-mail
a report of the incident to us, and the hacker's provider (if you can tell
what it is). Or call
tech support at 905-685-1539 (select option
3) and make an appointment to bring your computer in to Vaxxine.
For a modest fee, we will run a scan and rid your machine of all virus files.
*Some limitations may apply depending on the virus and amount
of damage.
Report Frauds & Scams:
It's not always easy to spot scams, and new
ones are invented every day. If you suspect that you
may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent
funds, don't be embarrassed - you're not alone. If
you want to report a fraud, or if you need more information,
contact PhoneBusters:
Toll Free: 1-888-495-8501
Fax: (705) 494-4008 Toll Free Fax: 1-888-654-9426
Email: info@phonebusters.com
or contact the Competition Bureau
1-800-348-5358
Website: www.cb-bc.gc.ca
Email: compbureau@cb-bc.gc.ca |
Highspeed
User Tips
