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Internet Security

Viruses
Viruses in computers and viruses in humans are, as you might imagine, a little different to say the least! One thing they do have in common is that they can both do a lot of damage. In relation to computers, a virus is a program or programming code that replicates itself by being copied from one computer to another or initiates its own copying. Viruses can be found as attachments to an e-mail or in a downloaded file, or be present on a CD or hardrive. It’s not always easy to spot a virus – they can have familiar names or be hidden. There are different types of virus, some are more harmful than others. Some insert unwanted words into documents, some delete files, some can stop your computer working at all.

Make sure you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.

Spyware software
Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their consent. Personal information is secretly recorded with a variety of techniques, including logging keystrokes, recording Internet web browsing history, and scanning documents on the computer’s hard disk. See FrankandHonest.com’s Spyware info page for more details. Free anti spyware software is available online – but make sure you know what you’re downloading! Some paid for Anti-virus programs also offer anti-spyware. Microsoft is now giving away a free anti-spyware program called Defender – link below.

Make sure you keep your anti-spyware software uptodate.

Firewall
Windows XP (with service pack 2 or 3), Windows Vista and Windows 7 all have firewalls built in. If your computer runs WIndows 95, 98, ME or 2000, you should install a firewall on your computer. You can download a free one from the address below. Firewall packages that you pay for offer a wider range of protections than a free package – the site linked below compare what that company’s free and paid for packages offer. If you’re running a version of windows that has a firewall built in, make sure you have it turned on!! See FrankandHonest.com’s Firewall info page for more details.

Make sure you keep your firewall software uptodate. If you’re using Windows, make it is set to automatically update itself.

Rootkits
Rootkits are used to hide the presence of a malicious program like trojans or keyloggers on your computer. If it uses rootkit technology to hide itself it is very hard to find the malware on your PC. Although free anti-virus products offer significant protection, some do not offer protection from rootkits.

Keylogging programs
A keylogging program gathers all the keystrokes of the person using the computer, in this way the user’s privacy is threatened as passwords, bank details may be harvested. (see Trojans)

Writing software applications for keylogging is not difficult, and like any computer program can be distributed as a trojan horse or as part of a virus.

Trojan
A Trojan horse is a program that unlike a virus contains or installs a malicious program. The user is tricked into executing a program (e.g. an .exe, .com or even a screensaver -.scr) this will then install the trojan which can then open your computer up to anyone. See FrankandHonest.com’s Trojan info page for more details. It’s vitally important therefore that you have sufficient security on your computer to protect you and your information.

Links and contact details

Name: AVG Anti-Virus
Web: http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
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Info: Popular free anti-virus software. you can download the software from the link above. AVG also offers paid for anti-virus packages – see the website for a list of the differences between the free product and the paid for product.

Name: ZoneAlarm
Web: http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/compare-anti-virus-spyware-software.htm
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Info: Free Firewall downloads.

Name: Windows Defender
Web: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
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Info: Free anti-spyware program from Microsoft.

Name: Microsoft Security Essentials
Web: http://www.microsoft.com/SECURITY_ESSENTIALS/
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Info: A free set of internet security tools – including anti-virus software – from Microsoft. Launched in autumn 2009.

Name: ThinkYouKnow
Web: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
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Info: Website developed by by the team at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre. Lots of info on staying safe online.

Name: Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) – Report an issue
Web: http://www.ceop.gov.uk/reportabuse/index.asp
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Info: Info on reporting something that you are concerned about online.

Name: DirectGov – Staying Safe Online pages
Web: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/CrimeAndJustice/KeepingSafe/DG_10027670
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Info: DirectGov is a government developed website. It offers loads of info and contact details on a wide range of issues.

Name: Cardiff University – Stay Safe Online Pages
Web: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/it/help/safe/index.html
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Info: Cardiff University – Stay Safe Online Pages – loads of info on staying safe on the web.

Name: Get Safe Online Campaign
Web: http://www.getsafeonline.org/
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Info: Supported by the Government. Advice on staying safe online.

Name: Home Office – Staying Safe Online Pages
Web: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/how-you-can-prevent-crime/staying-safe-online/
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Info: Lots of helpful advice on staying safe online. Lots of info also on avoiding identify theft.

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