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Internet Safety

Internet, Network, and Computing Safety has unfortunately become complex, involving a multi-layer approach to mitigate vulnerability in three key areas of computing.

The first key area involves protecting your physical computer hardware and physical connection to the Internet and other networks, disk drives, and devices.

The second area focuses on protecting computer software - programs that run on your physical computer or device - from vulnerabilities.

Lastly, we'll explain making good, informed choices when browsing the Internet, installing applications, and transmitting or storing personally sensitive information (such as bank account, credit card, store card account numbers, social security numbers, passwords, etc.). We'll also cover avoiding scams and other situations where criminals attempt to obtain information and how to deal with those threats, as well as password technology.

1. Physical Protection

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from criminals and computer viruses or other malware is to install a physical (hardware) firewall/router. These devices are your first line of defense and can be purchased at almost all major electronics retailers and local computer shops. They work by blocking incoming, unsolicited network or internet requests. For example, a virus trolling the Internet wouldn't be allowed to enter your network under its own power if a hardware firewall was in place. A firewall/router may NOT be able to block malware, however, if you [un]intentionally download it; that's where section two and the "software firewall" are covered. Expect to pay $40 to $80 for entry-level hardware firewall/router models with an adequate 3-4 year life span. More expensive models will have features such as wireless connectivity.

Networks and the Internet aren't the only place malware originates. If you have a friend with an infected computer and they share files or software with you, there is also significant physical risk. Connecting music players and smart devices introduce risk as well. To mitigate this risk:

Only insert discs, drives, and other media into your computer if they've come from a reputable source
Disable auto-run features when media is inserted; instead, allow the computer to prompt you for an action
Be selective when connecting to physical or wireless networks. Use encryption/passwords when available, and refrain from connecting to wireless networks that use obscene, strange, or default network names (like "linksys" or "dlink")
Connect portable devices, like phones and MP3 players, to as few computers as required; NEVER connect them to public computers or you risk bringing an infection into your home or even destroying your portable device.
If you must open a file or install a program from an outside source, and if the file or program DOES NOT contain proprietary or sensitive information, consider using virustotal.com to analyze the file(s) for malware. This free service, a subsidiary of Google, scans files with as many as 40 or more different anti-virus products simultaneously to detect even the newest forms of malware. Any data uploaded to virustotal.com may be shared in accordance with their privacy policy; read and understand this policy and ramifications before using virustotal.com.

2. Software Protection

If the first line of defense fails (above) or if you inadvertently find yourself in a compromising situation (explained in #3), the proper software protection can mitigate the likelihood that your computer and sensitive personal information is compromised.

Follow these steps to ensure your computer is as safe as possible:

Update applications and software regularly or set them to auto-update, especially if they interface with a network, like Internet Browsers, Media and Video Players 'Adobe Acrobat Reader', Music Downloaders, Mail Applications, Online Meeting or Chat programs, etc.
Remove obsolete programs known to contain exploits like Adobe Flash Payer and all forms of Java (if able). In previous years, over 90% of all computer infections stemmed from simply visiting a web page containing malicious Java and Flash code. You can even be infected from a trusted web site if that site was 'hacked' (or compromised) OR displays a malicious advertisement that was uploaded to a shared website ad agency.
Remove programs not being used. This reduces risk surface areas if those programs were to contain any vulnerabilities.
Ensure your Operating System (like "Windows 10", "MacOS", "OS X", "Android", etc) is up-to-date, and installing software updates automatically. Do not put off installing major updates for fear that your device will change its' "look and feel", as prolonging updates increases your attack surface area.
If you are using unsupported Operating Systems like "Windows XP" or "Windows 7", immediately consider switching to a newer, supported platform capable of automatic security updates.
Install an appropriate Anti-Virus (or Anti-Malware) application if your Operating System doesn't already provide such functionality. Most reputable vendors and some Operating Systems manufacturers provide free Anti-Virus applications that work well.
Install and use Spyware protection if it isn't already bundled with your current Anti-Malware application.
Make sure smart phones and other smart devices on your home network are also updated to the latest software versions - including your physical network equipment like firewall/routers, TV/streaming appliances, DVR's, Networked Printers, Network Storage, Doorbells, Thermostats, Smart Appliances, Tread Mills, Smart Assistants, etc.

3. Avoiding Compromising Situations

During the past few years, criminals have been targeting users rather than our computers. They've found the average user can easily be fooled into willingly providing sensitive personal information and/or installing malware.

Viruses, Trojans, Malware, Spyware, and Phishing Explained

Malware can be classified as any type of computer code that is designed for malicious purposes. Many people refer to all malware as "viruses"; however a virus is only one type of malware. A conventional virus is computer program that is able to replicate itself and infect additional computers - like through the sharing of programs, disks or other media like flash drives, etc. Trojans and Spyware, on the other hand, may or may not replicate themselves, and can be caught by unknowingly downloading or installing infected software. Trojans and Viruses can be controlled remotely to stage attacks on other computers in addition for their potential to collect your personally sensitive information. Recently, criminals have been increasingly using malware to encrypt infected computers ("ransomware"). This act renders the data essentially useless until the victim pays a ransom to unlock their system.

Spyware references code that is designed to collect information about you - whether personally sensitive or not - and share that information with a third party. Some spyware might only collect information about your browsing habits (sites you visit, duration, links you click, items you shop for online, etc), and is typically deemed non-malicious (although still intrusive).

Phishing is the criminal attempt to lure you into a compromising position, often by disguising themselves as someone reputable, where you then willingly follow their directions (perhaps clicking a link) or share sensitive personal information. The most common origination of phishing is via E-mail, such as a message asking you to respond with your current credit card information as your card on file is about to expire, or perhaps luring you to a fake website where you enter the information. See Also: E-Mail Safety

Social Networking Safety

Increasingly popular among criminals is the use of social networking to spread malware. These tricky situations can be easily avoided by using a single tip: Don't click/open links sent to you in E-mail/Social Networking Messaging by friends/family if they are unsolicited, strange, and/or seem out-of-character for the sending individual. Instead, text, call, or write them back about the link - especially if they don't realize their computer and sensitive personal information or passwords may have been compromised.

In addition, avoid installing and using 'apps', 'features', 'widgets', 'plug-ins', etc. If you must use an 'app', read the terms of service first and understand the permissions it will require. What appears to be a simple enhancement may actually compromise your security, and that of your friends.

Determining if a Web Site is Malicious

The domain name ("www.domainName.com") is inappropriate or obscene
The domain name is unconventional or strange
The domain name ends with a dot and two characters, like .cn, .bz, .ru, etc. This designates the website originates in a country other than the United States, and has a higher chance of being malicious as it is not regulated by the US Government. A site ending in .us is United States-based, and .ca is Canadian-based.
The website has poor English grammar, spelling, or punctuation
The website is poorly designed or "too" simple given the party's reputation
The website has too many advertisements
The website features advertisements that are inappropriate, unethical, or "tricky" in nature
The website features key words and/or phrases, but not actual cohesive content
The website pops up a message that your computer is infected with viruses or spyware, and you must take action to fix the issue.

If you believe the company/organization/individual is reputable but the website you are on doesn't appear so, you may be a victim of criminals that take advantage of domain name misspellings. If in question, search for the website using a popular search engine, such as "Google", and follow reputable links from there being careful not to use links found in advertisements.

If you find yourself on a website that isn't reputable - especially if it pops up a message that your computer is infected with viruses and requires immediate attention - leave the website, or close your Internet browser and re-open it. If you cannot close the website for any reason, restart your computer immediately using any means necessary.

Transmitting Personally Sensitive Information

If you've initiated a connection to a reputable website that requires you to submit personally sensitive information (such as paying your utilities online, credit cards, tuition, etc.), ensure you are protected from potential data intercepting criminals by using these tips:

When entering passwords, ensure your password is hidden with symbols, similar to the following: "••••••". If these symbols are not used, this may indicate the website is not reputable.
Log-out of the web site, then close your web browser completely when you're done.
Avoid using features that prompt you to save your credit card or account information, username, or addresses. These features store information on your computer that could later be read by a criminal.
Before entering personally sensitive information, ensure the website uses encryption.
- Encrypted sites begin with "https://"
- Ensure the site is validly encrypted: Many times you'll see some type of green indicator or closed-padlock icon in your web browser when visiting "https" pages; red or pink text or open/broken padlock icons indicate you should NOT submit personally sensitive information on this page.

Good:

Google Chrome

Internet Explorer

Bad:

Google Chrome

Internet Explorer

Downloading and Installing Programs (including those required to display web sites/pages correctly)

There will come a time when you need to download a program from the internet, or a script or component to view a webpage. Before doing so, remember that viruses and spyware are most commonly transmitted using these methods.

Suggestions when downloading software or accepting/allowing scripts or components to run:

Only allow content that you initiated; NEVER allow additional or suggested content
Download content only from reputable web sites (examples: download.com, adobe.com, microsoft.com, etc)
Stick to main-stream downloads; stay away from strange or obscene file names
NEVER download software that sounds too good to be true
Downloading software from sharing services like KaZaA and BitTorrent may expose you to additional risk
When allowing scripts/content to run, ensure they are "signed". Unsigned items will typically prompt for your permission first before running; be sure to read warnings carefully before overriding actions that were prevented. Unsigned content may expose you to additional risk.
If still in question, use a popular Internet search engine to find ratings and reviews of the software.

Always double-guess your decision to download software or allow a script or component to run. Re-load the webpage to test that you don't need the script or component. Or, visit another a website that offers the same information. Search additional reputable websites for the same or similar downloads to ensure the download itself is reputable. Only download when you've done enough research on the program, its source, and you feel comfortable doing so.

Safely Sharing Information

Sharing Software and Files

If you'll be sharing software and/or files with someone, it's critical to know where the media has been that will be transferring this information. Ensure your computer software is up to date and you have anti-malware software installed and current, all as described in section two.

Sharing Sensitive Personal Information

If you find the need to communicate sensitive personal information to someone, the best method is in person or over the phone. E-mail may be the worst possible method and by default is in no way secure; saving information in files and transmitting them on CD's or Drives offers minimal protection. If you MUST share information, use a method such as PDF that has optional password encryption before sending files to someone else.