Do You Know How To Deal With The Top 3 Common Online Threats?
asks Peter Clarke of PC PAL
Several of my customers have fallen fowl of the 3 most common online threats: ransomware, spyware and phishing. So, what are these evil things?
- Ransomware: if you visit an infected website the attackers can lock you out of your own computer and demand a fee before letting you have access again
- Spyware: Whenever you browse the internet third parties collect data to provide targeted adverts but some gather personal information and slow down your computer too
- Phishing: the most common form is where you receive an email claiming to be from your bank. They often contain links allegedly to your bank, where you are supposed to enter confidential information such as passwords or other login details - this means they can take over your bank account
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Emails and links: Use your email filters to minimise the amount of spam you receive in your inbox. Treat all emails with attachments or links with caution. Access your accounts by typing in the website address or call the helpline rather than follow links
- Privacy settings: Make sure you set up good privacy settings; i.e. who can see your information on all of your online accounts. What seems like innocent information - birthday, address, when you are on holiday etc - can be used against you if it falls into the wrong hands
- http vs. https: Look at the web address; if it changes to https then you know that the site is secure and will encrypt your details. This may be shown by a padlock symbol appearing to the left or right of the web address bar
- Firewall: This effectively sits between your computer and the internet and can block potential hackers. Make sure you have a good internet security package that includes a firewall such as BullGuard Internet Security
If you are concerned about any of these specific areas or want to discuss your online security further please don't hesitate to call me. I have successfully put several of my customers minds at ease by providing a tailor made solution or rescuing them after an attack.
