Welcome to the Security Centre

1. Backup 2. Lockdown 3. Play it Safe

** Disclaimer - Hinterland IT provides the following information as a guide only. We take no responsibility for any loss incurred. We recommend that all crucial tasks in your IT system be performed by trained staff and that if you are unsure about any of the procedures listed below that you consult a trained professional.

Play It Safe - Using Your PC Wisely

Spyware and other unwanted software can invade your privacy, bombard you with pop-up windows, slow down your computer, and even make your computer crash. Here are several ways you can help protect your computer against spyware and other unwanted software.

Step 1: Use a Firewall

While most spyware and other unwanted software come bundled with other programs or originate from unscrupulous Web sites, a small amount of spyware can actually be placed on your computer remotely by hackers. Installing a firewall or using the firewall that's built into Windows XP provides a helpful defence against these hackers.

Step 2: Update your software

If you use Windows XP, one way to help prevent spyware and other unwanted software is to make sure all your software is updated. Visit Microsoft Update to confirm that you have Automatic Updates turned on and that you've downloaded all the latest critical and security updates.

Step 3: Adjust Internet Explorer security settings

You can adjust your Internet Explorer Web browser's security settings to determine how much, or how little, information you are willing to accept from a Web site. Microsoft recommends that you set the security settings for the Internet zone to Medium or higher.

To view your current Internet Explorer security settings:

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click Internet Options.

2. Select the Security tab.

If you're running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and you use Internet Explorer to browse the Web, your browser security settings for the Internet zone are already set to Medium by default. Internet Explorer in Windows XP SP2 also includes a number of features to help protect against spy ware and many other kinds of deceptive or unwanted software.

Step 4: Download and install Anti Malware and Virus protection

Remember to keep your subscription current and always set the program to update automatically. If your AV program won't do this it is highly recommended that you upgrade to a package that has complete fulltime protection and updates like AVG

Step 5: Surf and download more safely

The best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips that can protect you from downloading software you don't want:

• Only download programs from Web sites you trust. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favourite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.
  
• Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.
  
• Never click "agree" or "OK" or the red "X" to close a pop up window. Instead, right click the taskbar area were the window is located and select "close" to close a window.
  
• Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.
  
• When providing personal details on a sites always ensure that a lock icon is present at the bottom of the screen and the address of the site has the prefix "https:".

Step 6: Use your email client wisely

Often the most common way viruses enter your system is through security holes in your email client. Many people simply set up their email account in a favourite client and not worry about security. Most email clients have a range of measures and tools that can be utilised or modified to greatly improve security.

• Never open emails that you suspect are junk, spam or dubious. Generally if you do not know the sender and it does not seem at all work related, do not open it but delete it.
  
• In all folder screens, inbox, junk, deleted etc. ensure that the preview or reading pane is turned of. Most clients by default show you a preview section on screen off emails in the current folders. Unfortunately this means that the email is already opened and a potential vulnerability for a virus to attack.
  
• Do not believe what an email may say. Despite the email telling you that if your personal details are not update now your bank funds will be suspended or something to that accord, Banks and financial institutions have implemented policies that do not request personal info via email. If you are unsure, ring your branch.
  
• If an offer has come to you randomly and sounds to good too be true. You know what to do!
  
• Set up rules via the tools menu. These allow you to filter emails with various criteria. For instance your email client can delete any emails containing any vulgar words you tell it to. Spend plenty of time learning about these rules and adjusting them. They are an exceptionally powerful tool.
  
• Do no unsubscribe if you did not subscribe in the first place. Often junk email from a regular sender will ask you if you would like to unsubscribe, often this link will just confirm to the spammer that your address is active and continue to bombard you with more spam. Depending on your email program you may be able to add this sender to a blocked senders list or adjust your rules to delete these when they come.