Cyber Security Awareness Month
Well how about that: There is A Month for computer security.
StaySafeOnline.org has declared October to be the month of cyber security.
I am happy to send some link-love to people who fill up web sites with helpful information about keeping safe online.
Also they produced this handy article that sums up the basics for staying safe on the internet.
Here it is: I have added links to relevant pages on computersecure.net.
Top Ten Ways to Stay Safe Online
The Internet is supposed to make our lives better, and for most of us, that’s exactly what it does. But the Internet has a dark side, and unless we take the proper precautions, this wonderful tool can end up causing us more harm than good.
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to take a hard look how our online behaviors may be putting us in harm’s way.
You don’t have to be a computer genius to protect yourself online and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. By following a few common sense tips, you can make the most out of your Internet experience, while protecting you and your family from online threats.
1) Protect your computer:
The best thing you can do to keep the bad guys out of your computer is to use three inexpensive technologies: anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall. Some security companies provide all three in one easy-to-use package.
2) Protect your identity:
On the Internet, your personal data (social security number, birth date, etc.) is extremely valuable and can be used against you. Keep it protected.
See information on this site about identity theft.
3) Protect your children:
Children face unique risks on the Internet, and require unique rules and safeguards. Monitor your kids’ online activities closely. There are many tools available to help you protect them from online threats.
See our pages about child web safety and parental control software.
4) Stay up to date:
Those security tools won’t do any good unless you keep them up-to-date. You should be able to set them to update automatically. The same goes for your computer itself. It should be set to automatically install security updates.
5) Email safely:
Email is a favorite tool of online crooks. Even legitimate-looking messages can be scams. Learn how to filter for “spam” and spot the signs of scam emails.
Here is some more information about email scams and phishing:
Some notes about security and online banking
Phishing in Banking and Finance
Recognize Spoof and Phishing Emails
Phishing and vishing scam targeted Bank of America customers
6) Protect your accounts:
Choosing hard-to-guess passwords and changing them regularly can help prevent criminals from getting at your money or personal information.
7) Make copies:
Regularly backing up your music, photos and other important files can save you if your computer crashes or is stolen.
Have you backed up recently?
If not, you don’t even need to read any further about computer security. Just get a blank CD and start copying and saving your important files.
Or if you need an easy way to organise your back-ups…
Know your options:
If something does go wrong, there are resources available to help get you back on your feet.
9) Keep informed:
Subscribe to the National Cyber Alert System from the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team at www.us-cert.gov. Through the Alert System, you can receive timely information about current cyber security problems to protect home and office computers.
