Most people who use the Internet from home
access it through a "dial-up connection" that uses a modem to
call in to a server over a regular telephone line. A dial-up
connection to the Internet may be lower-tech - and slower-tech -
than a broadband connection, but there's one thing they share:
they both depend on the user to keep them operating safely and
securely.
If your computer is attacked by a virus or a hacker, it really
doesn't matter what type of connection you use: the damage is
done. You could lose important personal information or software
that's stored on your hard drive, as well as valuable time
trying to make repairs. And your computer could be used without
your knowledge to attack other computers, including those that
protect our national security.
If you use a dial-up connection, a few "do it now" tips can help
you minimize - and perhaps even avoid altogether - the damage
that a virus or hacker can wreak on your computer.
1. Use anti-virus software.
A virus is software that is planted in your computer to
damage files and disrupt your system. Most viruses enter a
computer hidden in a seemingly innocent program, often as an
attachment to an email. Then the software code attached to the
program produces copies of itself and inserts the copied code
into other programs. A virus can result in lost data or require
costly repairs to your system. You can avoid these risks by
installing and using software that scans your computer and your
incoming email for viruses, and then deletes them.
You can download anti-virus software from the websites of
software companies or buy it in retail stores. Look for
anti-virus software that recognizes current viruses, as well as
older ones; that can effectively reverse the damage; and that
updates automatically.
2. Regularly update anti-virus software.
To be effective, anti-virus software must be updated
routinely with antidotes to the latest "bugs" circulating
through the Internet. Most commercial anti-virus software
includes a feature to download updates automatically when you
are on the Internet.
3. Don't fall for a fibbing email.
Most viruses won't damage your computer unless you open the
email attachment that includes the virus. So hackers - people
who use the Internet to access computers without permission -
often lie to get you to open the attachments. The email may
appear to come from a friend or colleague, or it may have an
appealing file name, like "Fwd: FUNNY TEXT" or "As per your
request!" It could appear to link to a website or promise to
clean a virus off your computer if you open it. Don't open an
email attachment - even if it looks like it's from a friend or
co-worker - unless you are expecting it or know what it
contains. If you send an email with an attached file, include a
text message explaining what it is.
In addition, don't forward any email warning about a new virus.
It may be a hoax and could be used to spread a virus. If you
receive a chain letter or hoax virus alert, let the sender know
so they can stop spreading the virus.
4. Use strong passwords.
Hackers may try to steal your passwords to gain access to the
personal information stored on your computer. To make it tougher
for them, use passwords that have at least eight characters and
include numbers or symbols. Avoid common words: Some hackers use
programs that can try every word in the dictionary. Don't use
your personal information, your login name or adjacent keys on
the keyboard as passwords.
Don't share your passwords online or over the phone. Your
Internet Service Provider (ISP) should never ask for your
password.
5. Take advantage of your software's security
features.
Chances are your web browser and operating system software
give you some options for increasing your online security. Check
the "Tools" or "Options" menus for built-in security features.
You probably have several choices for what types of files you
want to accept from other computers. If you don't understand
your choices, check them out using your "Help" function.
Similarly, your email software may give you the ability to
filter certain types of messages, such as some unsolicited bulk
email, or spam. But it's up to you to activate the filter.
6. Back up important files.
If you follow these tips, you'll reduce the chances of
falling victim to a hacker or virus. But no system is completely
secure. If you have important files stored on your computer,
copy them onto a removable disk, and store them in a safe place.
7. If your computer is infected, take action
immediately.
If your computer has been hacked or infected by a virus,
disconnect from the Internet right away. Then scan your entire
computer with fully updated anti-virus software.
Before you reconnect to the Internet, think about how your
computer could have been accessed and what you could have done
to avoid it. Did you open an email attachment and let loose a
virus? Is your anti-virus software out-of-date? Take steps to
minimize the chances of it happening again.
8. Report serious incidents.
If you think you've been hacked or infected by a virus, email
a report of the incident to your Internet provider and the
hacker's provider (if you can tell what it is). Often the ISP's
email address is abuse@yourispname.com or postmaster@yourispname.com.
By doing this, you let the ISP know about the problem on their
system and help them plan.
If you have particularly sensitive information stored on your
computer or you're planning to upgrade to high-speed Internet
access, don't forget to:
Install a firewall. A firewall is software or hardware designed
to block hackers from accessing your computer. A properly
configured firewall makes it tougher for hackers to locate your
computer and get into your programs and files. A firewall is
different from anti-virus protection: Anti-virus software scans
your incoming communications and files for troublesome files; a
firewall helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all
communications from unauthorized sources.
Turn off software features that you don't use. You may want to
turn "off" some software features - instant messaging,
printer-sharing or file-sharing - that typically are "on" when a
computer is shipped. Because these programs facilitate the
passing of information between computers, they are an excellent
entry point for hackers.
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