Almost everyone has a computer these days. We rely on them to keep in touch with our mates, surf the net, write assignments for school, and store precious documents and images.
Unfortunately, computers and computer users are an easy target for baddies trying to make a quick buck.
It’s important to know who the nasties are out there in cyberspace. You’ve heard of viruses and spam, sure. But do you know what wardriving and pharming are?
The reality is that nearly all of us will experience some form of attack through our computers. The question is: will you stop it before it’s too late?
Here's a quick rundown of some of the most prevalent kinds of computer nasties out there, and ways you can avoid them.
Adware, Spyware and Malware
These little baddies range from annoying to harmful. They're little bits of software that secretly install themselves onto your computer when you're online.
- Adware can cause constant popups
- Spyware can log your keystrokes (this is one way to find out what your passwords are)
- Malware can corrupt your computer beyond repair
What can you do?
Adware, spyware and malware infect your computer when you open spam, click on popups, share files, visit dodgy websites or download certain software, so the message is: think before you click!
There’s heaps of software out there (similar to anti-virus software) to guard against these nasties - a quick search will turn up some freebies, but make sure you're getting them from a reputable source.
Hackers
Hackers are people who try to break into your computer and take control of it. They use software that can easily crack your password, especially if it’s weak.
What can you do?
Use a strong password that is:
- At least 8 characters long
- Has a mix of letters (upper and lower case) and numbers
- Not something other people know, like the name of your dog, cat or favourite ice-cream flavour
Phishing and Pharming
Phishing is when a hoax email or IM is sent to you in order to trick you into handing out personal info such as:
- Bank account details
- Usernames
- Passwords
Often these messages claim to be coming from a trusted source, like a bank.
Pharming is where a hacker forces your computer to redirect to a fake website. For example, you might think you're logging on to your internet banking website, but you're actually on a site that looks almost exactly the same.
What can you do?
To avoid phishing, NEVER provide private or sensitive information - like passwords or bank details - over email or IM.
To avoid pharming, double-check the website you're on. Secure websites, such as internet banking sites, use "HTTPS" (the ‘S’ stands for Secure Sockets Layer or SSL) in the web address of their payment pages, not "HTTP". If the address you're at just uses HTTP, then it's not secure and you're probably being pharmed.
For example, this address indicates a secure site:
https://www.thisistotallyyourbankwebsitenoreally.com.au
Whereas this one might not be secure, and could run the risk of passing your payment details on to other people:
http://www.thisistotallyyourbankwebsitenoreally.com.au
The difference is subtle, but important to look for.
Another indication of a secure site is something like a padlock icon or a green shading around the website's mini-icon in the address bar. Have a quick look around your browser for details along those lines. If you double-click on these icons, you can check out info about the website’s security.
Pop-ups
Pop-ups are browser windows that appear out of nowhere. Their aim is to get you to click on them. They can look like ads, banners or special once-in-a-lifetime (as if!) offers. Most pop-ups are just annoying ads, but some are scams intended to rip you off or get you to download malware that can hurt your computer.
What can you do?
First, don’t click on these guys. Second, use the pop-up blocker settings in your browser preferences to stay pop-up-free.
Spam
Spam is junk email, texts or IMs. Sometimes they’re just advertising something you don’t want or need. Other times they contain harmful programs that can infect and damage your computer.
What can you do?
First, if you receive spam, DELETE IT! Second, use a spam filter to block unwanted emails. Third, don’t put your email address up on sites like Facebook and MySpace - automated programs called "spiders" are used to browse the web to collect info like email addresses for spammers.
Viruses
Viruses are programs that can copy themselves and infect computers. They are similar to adware, spyware and malware in that they cause you grief, but their ability to reproduce and spread is what makes them different.
What can you do?
Anti-virus software is the best way to go, but even this doesn’t guarantee you’ll be safe. Remember, viruses don’t only come from the internet - they can also be transferred from memory sticks, CDs and DVDs.
Unsecured Wi-Fi (Wardriving)
Wardriving is cruising around the neighbourhood searching for unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It happens much more than you’d think. People illegally connect to networks and download heaps of stuff or use your network to commit criminal acts.
What can you do?
This is an easy one. Secure your network to stop other people accessing it. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) is the current standard and should be available on all new Wi-Fi devices. It may be obvious to say this, but you should also turn off your internet connection when you’re not using it.
10 tips to keep your computer safe
Here are ten good rules to live by if you want your computer to be safe:
- Make regular backups of all your important data – pics, videos, docs and other files
- Use an anti-virus program and keep it up to date
- Look for indications of security when using your financial details online, like "HTTPS" and a padlock icon
- Make sure your password is at least 8 characters long and a mix of letters and numbers
- Never click on advertising pop-ups
- Never click on links inside emails from a person or company you don’t know
- Use a spam blocker if you’re receiving heaps of unwanted emails
- Check your firewall settings and ensure you have some level of security
- Use an anti-malware and anti-spyware program
- Secure your Wi-Fi connection with a password
Useful links
Cybersmart
A site with heaps of great advice on e-security (has video, words and a quiz).
Wise up to IT (new window)
Check out the second video, ‘What the?’, which talks about what happens when spyware lands on your computer.
