Safer internet Day 8 February

More and more of our business and social interactions are

conducted online, making it easy for malicious users to target the unwary. Tuesday is Safer

Internet Day, an awareness-raising initiative to help people understand how

to stay safe and avoid virus infections, spyware, phishing and other malware when

using the internet. We

spoke to PC Pro's Technical

Editor Dr Darien Graham-Smith for some expert advice on

avoiding nasties when surfing online.

The first thing to remember, says Dr Graham-Smith, is that internet security

isn't just for Safer Internet Day - it's a constant process and vital every

day. "It's important to understand that you can pick up an inection just

by visiting a website - even a legitimate one - because criminals hack into

respected servers to get their exploits to the widest possible audience,"

he adds.

With malware exploits becoming a possibility for anyone with a basic

understanding of computer networks and not just the professional hackers of

popular understanding, it's important to always suspiscious of anything that

asks you for a password or installs a program you weren't expecting. One good

way to avoid the majority of malware attacks online is to install a good

security software package.

"For Windows users, running a security package is a no-brainer," says

Dr Graham-Smith. "Some people avoid anti-virus software because they think

it will slow down their PC, but today's security software can be very

lightweight."

"Mac and Linux users will run into far fewer malicious programs; but you

still need to be vigilant as there are plenty of fake banking websites and

email scams that will try to trick you into giving up confidential

information."

Windows users seeking basic virus protection can chose from dozens of

commercial packages and several completely free options including AVG Anti-Virus Free, Avira AntiVir Personal, avast!, and Microsoft's own Security Essentials.

"When you consider only a dedicated security scanner can identify attempts

to steal your banking details or use your computer to send spam or distribute

viruses," says Dr Graham-Smith, "it would be crazy to go without,

especially since there are several very effective free packages

available."

A lot of malware makes use of bugs in a computer's operating system, so it's

also important to run your built-in software updater (Windows Update or

Software Update on the Mac) to keep your system fully patched.

If you manage to catch a virus or succumb to spyware on your computer, you can

normally install a security suite on an infected system and it will clean up as

its first action. In the case that malware has really got itself embedded in

your system, several security developers (such as Avira) offer free bootable rescue CDs

that you download from their websites. If you need further help with your

machine, try one of our local computer specialists.

Remember that smartphones are internet devices too - it's just as important not

to enter passwords or install programs unless you're confident of their

provenance. It's arguably even more important to be wary with mobile phones,

because a hacked phone can easily run up bills by silently dialling premium

numbers, enabling criminals to get rich at your expense.

If you're following the right steps, says Dr Graham-Smith, there's no need to

be too alarmed. "Although all this sounds scary, if you're using a modern

computing system with fully patched software - and if you don't stray into the

dark corners of the internet where pirated software and porn are traded - it's

very unlikely you'll encounter in your day to day browsing."

"But because the potential cost is so high, in terms of inconvenience and

potential financial consequences," he adds, "it's important not to be

complacent."

Find out what else is happening on Safer Internet Day at this

page.