What are the risks?
We’ve all received spam emails trying to sell us products we don’t want or need. As well as being annoying, and sometimes offensive, they could contain viruses.
‘Phishing’ emails are another common risk. At a glance, these emails may appear to come from a genuine company. They are in fact sent with the aim of getting you to click through to a fake site – often a banking or shopping website – and reveal personal or financial data.
Viruses and spyware are not quite so visible. These malicious software (malware) programmes are used to collect sensitive information or to gain access to your computer system. It’s important to take steps to protect your PC and other devices from these attacks. If you don’t, you are leaving yourself open to identity theft and fraud, along with damaged hardware that is expensive to fix.
What can you do?
Reduce spam
Keep your spam filter switched on.
Be suspicious of unsolicited advertising and offers – especially any deals that sound too good to be true!
Be on the alert if you do not know the sender.
A trusted website or online payment processor will never ask you to confirm sensitive information like passwords or account details.
Delete any suspected spam immediately and do NOT open any attachments.
Be alert to phishing
A phishing email may appear to come from a trusted source. Some warning signs are if the email:
Is sent from a free webmail address, not from the organization’s official address;
Opens with a generic greeting, and is not personalized with your name;
Contains a threat, for example that your account is not secure or may be shut down;
Requests personal information such as username, password or bank details;
Includes a link to a website with a URL (web address) that is different from the organization’s official address.
Browse safely
Check the URL in the browser address bar and look for any spelling mistakes or unexpected names.
Does the website give any contact details? If not, be suspicious.
Before giving any personal or financial details, check that you are on a secure link. Look out for the ‘s’ in ‘https’, and a padlock symbol.
Protect your PC
Keep your computer safe from viruses and other technical problems by using the following:
Firewall;
Anti-virus software;
OS Update (for security patches and bug fixes);
Anti-spyware tools.
Other steps to take:
If you install file-sharing software, make sure it's done properly.
If you have a wireless network, make sure it's encrypted.
Block browser pop ups or try using different browsers.
Open attachments only if they're sent by people you know and trust.
Create strong passwords (at least eight characters long and including a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation marks or symbols).
Keep your passwords secret: never give them to anyone.
Read more about how to protect yourself online
Microsoft safety and security centre
Identify common email and web scams
http://www.microsoft.com/en-GB/security/online-privacy/phishing-scams.aspx
Protect your privacy on the internet
http://www.microsoft.com/en-GB/security/online-privacy/prevent.aspx
Get Safe Online (UK)
Protecting your computer
https://www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-your-computer/
Stop. Think. Connect (Global cybersecurity awareness campaign)
Tips and advice
http://www.stopthinkconnect.org/tips-and-advice/
FBI
How to protect your computer
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/computer_protect
Anti-Phishing Working Group
Report phishing
http://www.antiphishing.org/report-phishing/
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Report phishing
http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx- See more at: http://www.turnbackcrime.com/content/protect-your-pc-and-data#sthash.uJh1BCor.dpuf
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