Introduction
Email, instant messaging (IM), and the Web are the engines that make the Internet go. We rely on email for every sort of communication and use the Web to learn, explore, and check the facts. Unfortunately, your identity, privacy, and information are at risk whenever you log on. From viruses and phishing scams to spyware and spam, dangers and annoyances abound. But with a solid knowledge base and the right tools, you can get a handle on these threats.
While the Web seems harmless, it’s possible to download viruses, spyware, and other threats as you surf its pages. One big reason is the vulnerability of Web browsers. Virus writers love to exploit their security holes, using them to stealthily download malicious code and embed nasty ActiveX® scripts into Web pages. When activated by your browser, these scripts can launch attacks on your computer.
Fortunately, there are some practical things you can do to protect yourself:
- Prevent viruses by installing browser patches as soon as they become available.
- Turn off your browser's scripting, Java, and ActiveX capabilities to prevent script-based attacks.
- Because popular browsers with known flaws are big targets, try alternative browsers or operating systems.
- The most important thing you can do is install a high quality antivirus tool—one that automatically blocks viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and other malicious code. Because new viruses appear all the time, use an antivirus tool that can update itself automatically. Norton AntiVirus 2006 is the ideal choice for virus protection.
Even something as simple as opening an email can pose a threat. In some scenarios, virus writers send mass emails enticing recipients to activate malicious code they've planted in an attached file. Some infected attachments may appear to be sent by your friend or family member. In addition to attachments, email messages containing graphics, hyperlinks, or other HTML code can be hazardous. Just like Web pages, these emails may use security holes or embedded scripts to download malicious code.
When it comes to your e-mail, stay safe by following these simple tips:
- Scan every attachment, no matter who sent it, and don't open an attachment unless you're sure it is safe and the sender meant to mail you the file.
- To avoid contracting a virus through HTML email, turn off your email program's HTML and scripting features.
- Because many viruses are spread via mass emails, get a good email filter to minimize spam.
- Most importantly, make sure your antivirus solution automatically scans email attachments.
Instant message attachments can also carry destructive viruses. A new breed of mass-mailing worms uses IM buddy lists to distribute themselves, sending infected IM attachments that appear to come from friends. In addition, because it's easy to create an IM identity and make contact with people, instant messaging is a ripe medium for online scams, identity theft, and other predatory behavior. This is a particular danger for children, who may be approached by strangers with criminal intent.
For optimum security, follow these precautions when using IM:
- Do not open an IM attachment unless you've verified what's in it and who it came from.
- To protect your privacy and identity, use a solid account password and change it often (something you should also do with your email accounts).
- Make sure your family's IM profiles do not contain personal information.
- Use an antivirus program that automatically scans IM attachments. We strongly recommend Norton Internet Security 2006 and Norton Internet Security 3.0 for Macintosh for complete security coverage.
IWhen surfing the Web, it is important to be aware of online scams and predatory behavior—many of which involve phishing. Phishers use spam, fake Web pages, and social engineering to trick people into providing personal information, passwords, and credit card information.
So, it’s critical to be on guard at all times. If you can’t verify the source of the online communications you receive, don’t respond to them; and do your best to confirm the authenticity of the Web sites you visit—especially those requesting personal or financial data. No matter what you do, remember this: If your gut tells you something smells fishy, it probably is.
The Internet has become an indispensable communications channel. However, as you use its tools, don’t forget to put security first. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and install the best security tools you can find. Then get out there and use the Net with confidence.
