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A recent report by the Lords Science and Technology Committee has called for the government to take steps to protect users from becoming the victims of Internet crime. The report found the current government approach of leaving Internet security up to the individual was "Inefficient and unrealistic" and that users will "always be out-foxed by the bad guys".
But just how easy would it be to contain internet crime? Who would take responsibility for this protection? and given that there are in fact no accurate statistics on e-crime, where would a regulatory body even begin? Despite the fact that a recent government survey revealed that most Britons fear internet crime more than burglary - it seems responsibility will sit with the users to protect themselves for some time to come.
With that in mind - tlp have answered some of the most popular questions about internet crime to help you take steps to prevent becoming a victim and stay ahead of the game....
What crimes are users at risk from?
Two of the most popular include malicious hackers taking control of your PC and online phishing scams where false websites try to trick users into handing over confidential information like bank details which are then used by the criminals.
How do hackers get into a PC?
A variety of ways - via email, instant messenger, your web browser if you visit the wrong website. But you can avoid the vast majority by being sensible and taking some preventative action.
Like what?
Keeping your anti-virus software updated is a must, as is a firewall. Contact tlp if you think you need some help with the installation or updates of these. To prevent people installing programmes you never asked for - which at best will see hundreds of pop ups appearing on your screen and at worst will allow someone to take over your machine - don't visit sites you are not sure about. Anti -spyware software will also help stop them taking hold and help you clean up your PC if you do fall foul of a 'drive by download'. Contact tlp if you need more advice. As far as emails go - don't open anything you don't recognise or weren't expecting - even if it's an attachment from someone you know. If you do get an email that looks suspect, don't reply to it - it just confirms the account is live to the criminal and makes it more attractive.
Are these sorts of emails what is known as phishing?
Phising is when someone sends you an email that appears to come from a financial organisation that is asking you to confirm your bank details. They are hoping that you are going to fall for it and literally give them all of your information, so they can use your account or sell the details on. Many will go to the trouble of producing a web page that mimics the site of a recognisable institution - but it won't be. No banks EVER ask for you to confirm details on line - so just don't.
Is it just bank details I need to worry about?
No - whole sites exist that deal just in stolen data.... from whole databases to credit cards to identity theft. Think twice about putting your address and phone number on popular social networking sites and regularly change your passwords if you shop online.
What makes a good password?
The more obscure the better - a mix of characters and numerics is best - and do have different passwords for different accounts. It's amazing how many people have the same password for everything from their Facebook account to their bank account. Don't make it easy for criminals. Computer security is getting harder to avoid and excuses for protecting yourself, your business and your family are becoming harder to find. Contact tlp if you want to discuss computer security in more detail. | |
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