HOW DO I KEEP MY COMPUTER SAFE?

Viruses A virus is a piece of code which is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data. It can delete files and also spy on you. To prevent viruses you can: Install an antivirus program. Don't open email attachments unless you're expecting them. Keep your computer updated. Use a firewall.‌ Windows Firewall (or any other firewall) can help alert you to suspicious activity if a virus or worm attempts to connect to your computer Be wary of opening trash mail – delete them as soon as you get them Think before downloading free apps Don’t open attachments from emails unless you trust the person Only use your own hardware devices to put in the computer Keeping your operating system up to date Using up to date anti virus software Only downloading files from safe websites Avoiding software from unreliable sources Clear the cache or search history to prevent viruses

Phishing Phishing is an online form of identity theft. It is a method of fraudulently obtaining personal information, such as passwords, social security numbers, and credit card details, by sending spoofed emails that look like they come from trusted sources, such as banks or legitimate companies. They can see what digits you input on your keyboard. Its an email claiming to be from a bank may actually take the user to a site which gives them a virus. This can consequently, mean the site can record information from the user and their computer automatically downloads a dangerous virus. Phishing involves sending a link via an email to a website which looks like a genuine site (e.g. a bank website) but is in fact bogus. The recipient may be tricked into following the link and entering details such as bank passwords, or personal information on the website. To prevent this you should keep your anti virus software up to date and also delete suspicious emails before opening them.

Spyware This is a program that is installed without consent. It can be installed through a virus or sometimes as part of an installation program. It works by collecting information and data from the user (such as passwords) and sending it back to another source. It can often sense what keys you press on your keyboard so can obtain information such as passwords and credit card pins through online banking. The information can also contain the websites you’ve been visiting or downloads. This information is often used for marketing purposes, but can also be used for illegal purposes such as fraud (tricking someone for personal gain or to damage them). Spyware is classified into four types: system monitors, Trojans, adware, and tracking cookies. Spyware is mostly used to track and store Internet users' movements on the Web and serving up pop-up ads to Internet users. Whenever spyware is used for malicious purposes, its presence is typically hidden from the user and can be difficult to detect. Some spyware, such as key loggers, may be installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer intentionally in order to monitor users. To prevent this you should 1.Be selective about what you download to your computer. Make sure you really need a program before downloading it. 2.Read licensing agreements (terms and conditions) 3.Watch out for anti-spyware scams. 4.Beware of clickable advertisements.

Identity Theft This takes place when someone collects personal information about you and uses that information for malicious or criminal purposes. In the past, criminals used to rummage through bins to get information, but now people can access internet social networking sites where people’s profiles contain personal information which could prove valuable to the criminals. Spyware can increase identity theft.