Security - Privacy - Anonymity
There is now a definite need to create a culture of security.
We've been able to change our approach to various things by listening to reinforcing messages.
Seat belts - terrific example. When seat belts first came out, they were a pain in the ass.
Everyone wanted to take them out of their car. Now, you don't even think about it.
You get in your car and buckle up.
It's now the time to approach computer security in the same way. If you conduct any sort of
business online, and that includes banking or bill paying, then you must take a serious
approach to security, or pay a heavy [financial] price.
At this site you will find information on how to :
- become anonymous
- how to secure your communications from third parties
- protect your computer files
- avoid e-mail and Internet crime and scams
- keep thieves from secretly tracking your keystrokes
- knock out viruses, worms and trojans
- erase data for good before giving away an old computer
- avoid annoying spam once and for all
- limit access to your computer from family, workers, and friends
- protect files on a USB drive
- not become a victim of identity theft
- as well as many other important security aspects that may arise when you are on the Internet
Anonymity
Browse the web with complete Anonymity!
Learn to give sites you visit the appearance that you reside in
a foreign country. Get through to web sites blocked by your ISP. Visit the web sites you
want to with ease.
There are many reasons to hide your real identity when you use the Internet. You might
want to protect yourself against an oppressive government,
or post personal messages to a Usenet newsgroup without identifying yourself to the whole
world.
The anonymity section covers instructions and explanations
on how to be anonymous on the Net. Several options are available, ranging from simple
pseudonymous servers to the almost impregnable anonymity offered by Mixmaster remailers.
Privacy
Although everyone takes privacy in normal life for granted, trying to get the same level
of privacy on the Internet (or even on your own computer) is a little less accepted,
and sometimes a bit more complicated. While the general attitude is hard to change,
many ways exist to enhance your privacy online.
Email Security and Privacy with NO Downloads
Tired of worrying about who's reading your e-mail? Next time you have a message to send,
try this free online service. Not only does it allow you
to encrypt your e-mail, it is also able to set to self-destruct.
Security
When dealing with computers, security and privacy are almost synonyms. This explains why the
security index has some overlap with the privacy section.
However, protecting your site against unauthorized intruders is a very important aspect of
security. It lists programmes such as
PGP and
SafeHouse to keep the contents of files secure.
The security risks associated with SPYWARE are becoming more serious
and widespread each day.
This section also offers programmes to wipe sensitive files
and how to
choose good passwords. It also lists various FAQs and
indices for security protocols.
Spam
What is it? How do they do it? What do I do about it?
You have several options.
Passwords
Despite the huge advances in security technology, we have not yet found a true substitute
for passwords. They remain pivotal to any security system.
Most people are too predictable in their choice of passwords. Left to their own devices,
they often choose a password that is to short or to easy to guess.
So, where do we start?
Internet Fraud
The Internet is now a dangerous place to visit.
Just as there are areas in many cities it is unwise to visit, the same now applies to the Internet. The big difference is that you are
probably aware of where not to go in the city. Not so on the Internet. On the Internet, these places mask themselves as providers of
services you may think you need.
The more you use the internet, the more you appreciate its convenience and access to services like banking and shopping. Unfortunately,
the internet is also exploited for frauds that can sometimes look surprisingly genuine.
The sole purpose of all these scam websites [and fraudulent emails] is to access your financial details.
If you conduct any financial transactions online [banking -shopping - billpaying] you must be very diligent.
Also - let's set the record straight here and now about emails!
#
No financial institution - bank, eBay, PayPal, Visa - will ever send you an email asking you to renew your password or to verify/update
your account. Microsoft also never sends updates via email. If you ever receive emails like these, they are fakes - DELETE them.
These are "phishing" scams - the use of email, to lure computer users to click a link which will then take them to
look-alike websites, where they are deceived into revealing personal financial data.
#
Also very popular is the ploy of displaying pop ups indicating you may be infected with a virus. You are then encouraged to
download a virus remover, which, in fact, instals malware onto your computer.
No genuine providers of anti virus/spam/malware products ever use this method to promote their product.
If it pops up - it's a fake, and
it spells trouble. These rogue providers also use many other methods to try and entice or scare you into downloading their malware.
#
Codecs : A codec is a programme capable of decoding digital a data stream or signal. With the advent of YouTube, Myspace and other questionable
content sites, this little scam is growing at an alarmimg pace. By placing special videos online, adware and spyware companies have devised ways
to require those videos to need a codec to play. That codec they want you to install contains their malicious software. These fake codecs are also
constantly being repacked to avoid being detected by Antivirus applications.
Your computer may be infected with Spyware, Viruses or Trojans by just visiting a website that’s been exploited with
malware — either accidentally or deliberately.
Of course, you may think that you are smart enough to avoid all these dangers.
Then, why not try these tests -
#OnGuard Online - 10 tests
#McAfee SiteAdvisor Spam Quiz
Learn more on
Internet Fraud HERE
Parents
The Internet is a great resource for kids; it’s not only educational but also used for
entertainment, communication and interaction with others. As a parent, you must be concerned
with the dark side of the Internet. If you are tired of encountering websites that you want
to prevent your family from seeing, or are concerned about the negative effects that the
Internet may have on your children, then these programmes allow you to control what you and
your family see on the Internet. What I refer to as "Parental Control Software" is becoming
common place in homes with both young and teenaged children.
Setting up your new computer
Just bought a new PC or upgrading your current setup.
Don't know where to begin?
This guide will walk you through the steps to configure your PC into a usable and safe workstation.
Of course, not everyone has the exact same needs.
This is just a guide to get you started.
After applying everything listed in this website you are lowering your vulnerability to almost zero;
however nothing will ever protect you 100%, and don't ever believe anyone who claims otherwise.
