Computer Security
What is Computer Security? It is the protection of data, software and hardware from theft and damage. Malicious deletion Nigerian Prince e-mail ‘Melissa’/ ’I love you’ virus iCloud Celebrity photo thefts Fake websites Scam calls Wirelurker Ransomware
What are the threats? Unwanted and dangerous Software such as Viruses Spyware Trojan Horses Bloatware Adverts Social Engineering such as Phishing Scams
How can I protect myself? Technological defences Up-to-date Software Anti-virus Software Browser Protection & Pop-up blockers Firewalls Backups Behavioural defences: Intelligent Passwords Prudent public use Reasonable paranoia
Up to date software Many hackers exploit known security weaknesses. As weaknesses are discovered, they are patched. Out of date software is more at risk.
Anti Virus Software Checks for files with viruses. Can be active (The operator initiates a scan) Finds existing problems Fixes or Quarantines infected files. Passive (Automatically scans files being opened or email received) A “Border Guard” aiming to prevent infection
Browser Protection & Pop-up Blockers Warns of unsafe pages Prevents annoying adverts interfering with your internet experience. Usually part of a more comprehensive application. Pop up blockers inbuilt to Internet Explorer & many other browsers.
Firewalls A program that controls what connects to your computer over the internet. Acts as a filter on connections and data going in and out of the network Think Passport Control! Windows has one built in. iPhone/iPad does not.
Backups Not so much protection as Damage control Key aspects are : What are you backing up? Where are you backing it up to? When are you backing up?
Passwords (1) A mix of Longer the better Don’t bunch Best practice changes but in general: A mix of Letters (A-Z) Numbers (0-9) Symbols (!?@#) Longer the better Don’t bunch No “Guessable” information such as: Names Birthdays Anniversaries Addresses Should be unique. Should be memorable!
Passwords (2) Generators Password vaults Tend to be overly complex and hard to remember. Password vaults Mean you only have to remember one password!
Prudent Public use Remember free networks aren’t secure! Use a VPN Don’t do financial transactions
Reasonable Paranoia Be aware of risks. Take precautions. Don’t be afraid.
Smartphones & Tablets iOS Android “Walled garden” makes it fairly secure. BUT: Wirelurker… Not all threats are technological… Android More at risk as apps are less controlled. Security software is available.
References Firewalls: Passwords Public Wi-Fi Tablets & Phones: http://www.howtogeek.com/144269/htg-explains-what-firewalls-actually-do/ http://www.pctools.com/security-news/what-does-a-firewall-do/ https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1167773?start=0&tstart=0 https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5368016?tstart=0 Passwords http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/simplest-security-guide-better-password- practices https://www.wired.com/2016/05/password-tips-experts/ https://www.wired.com/2016/01/you-need-a-password-manager/ Public Wi-Fi https://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/tips-to-stay-safe-on-public-wi-fi/ Tablets & Phones: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/smartphone-need-security-antivirus-software/