Security Tips for Online Safety

Here are some general tips which will help keep you and your machine safe while online.

Patches

Always be sure your computer's operating system (ex: windows, mac OS, linux) is running the most up to date version. You can do this by going to our patches page. Alot of the problems and exploitations have been noted to come from out of date or buggy system code, this is easily preventable and benefits you in many other ways.

Protection

At a minimum you should consider running an up-to-date anti-virus, some form of personal security (firewall, intrusion detection). It is especially important when you are connected through a DSL/Cable system, that means your computer in most cases is readily accessible by the world. If possible, ask your connection provider if they offer "private IP's" these addresses are ones that are not internet routable, making your machine unreachable to anyone outside your network.

* Note if you're running windows, then you will probably want to disable windows scripting host support Here's How. This will prevent *ALOT* of malicious scripts from being used against you (e-mail attachments etc..). However take note it also impairs your ability to use the Microsoft Windows Update Features. I feel though it's better safe than sorry!

E-Mail

Avoid running or even viewing e-mail messages from strangers or running any file attachments sent even by someone you know, the current trend in mail viruses is to steal a user's contact list and use it to send viruses to those addresses, so naturally you know the person...and might not think twice about checking out the message that they appeared to have sent you.

When you recieve (SPAM) or what's technically termed as an Unsolicited Commercial E-Mail (UCE) and Unsolicited Bulk E-Mail (UBE). Avoid replying to it or following an 'unsubscribe' information/links contained in it. In most cases this is a 'drop-box' where the sender can collect "Live addresses" which they typically re-use, sell or distribute to other mass-mail marketers.

Instead, examine the "internet headers" of the message, in outlook, right click the message in your mailbox and go to "options" from there you will see a window of information about the message with one section called "internet headers". drag your mouse over this section while holding down your left mouse button. Then when it's all highlighted, right click and choose "copy". Next paste this into a new message and send it to espam@doshelp.com then copy the body of this message and paste it below that in the message to espam. We can then locate the sender's network and advise them of their users actions.

Discussion groups (usenet news)

When visiting discussion groups, forums or Usenet News areas, avoid disclosing personal information, since these places are public and anyone can read them, unlike mail.

Chat Lines

Chat lines are fun places, they are also quite dangerous especially where kids and novice computer users are concerned. when children are using them it is important that an Adult supervise the activity, make sure the software's logging feature is turned on and make a habbit of checking those logs for chats which you consider inappropriate.

You should also make it a practice not to exchange files over these systems since running them may lead to a backdoor being placed on your computer where the attacker and others can gain access unrestricted to your files/information. using an up-to-date anti-virus and personal protection will reduce the risks, but it's better not to put yourself at risk in the first place.

We operate a channel on the dal.net irc chat network called #doshelp feel free to stop by some time for a live one-on-one chat with your questions.

As always if you have questions feel free to drop by our contacts page and pick an appropriate address to send your question to.

Instant Messenger Applications

C.E.R.T. (Computer Emergency Response Team) has published a page targeted towards educating home users you can view here: http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html

Tech TV's Security Alert How identity theives can steal your information and how you can stop them. Why hackers probably won't target you buy how they might use you anyway. What viruses are capable of and the most important steps for protecting your computer and your data. How you can spot an online scam and where to report it. Why you should worry about what your children are doing online and how you can monitor their activities. How you can safely enjoy all the wonderful opportunities the Internet offers.

All users should read: File and Print Share Warnings.