Going online - how should I connect to the Internet
It is important to understand that the Internet is a public place and that much of the anti-social and criminal activity that we see offline is online as well. Just as you would not, in this day and age, leave your house for the day with your exterior doors wide open, do not go onto the Internet with your computer unprotected. Before you connect your computer to the Internet, you need to have proper security measures in place (covered in more depth in the Net Basics). The minimum that is required is an updated Firewall, a patched and updated operating system and current anti-virus software with up-to-date definitions.
It is important to know that security online can NEVER be 100% assured. However, there are a number of steps that everyone can take which will help minimise risk. There are also, variables in how you connect to the Internet that may influence your level of vulnerability. You can take a look at the security issues involved with dial-up and broadband access to the Internet by checking out the NetSafe webpage 'Dial-up modem versus broadband'.
Your selection of Internet Service Provider (ISP) may also be determined by the way you would like to make your connection to the Internet.
What about wireless?
The hub of a wireless network is the access point, a device which is much like a radio transmitter and broadcasts signals widely. Your neighbour, or someone driving by, may be able to pick up your home network signal. Thus, the security of the communication between wireless devices, or of a wireless network, can be all too easily compromised if the settings are not configured properly to provide a very secure perimeter. The manual that came with the wireless hub will outline how to configure your wireless network for maximum security.
Other strategies can help:
- keeping the access point in the centre of your home to decrease the signal outside, using encryption to encode information
- configuring the wireless access point to only accept communications from your computers' MAC addresses (a unique address that each computer with a network access, wireless or otherwise, has).
- Always ensure that security features are enabled.
- Take a look at the NetSafe webpage 'Using the Internet away from home' to find out more about the risks of using wireless hot spots and Internet cafes.
Some tips for consumers when going online:
1.Never go online without a firewall, a patched and updated operating system and current antivirus software with up-to-date definitions.
2.Close down your computer and your webcam at the end of the day. Not only will this save on electricity but it makes your computer safe from attack over the Internet.
3.Use a strong password (one that uses numbers, lowercase and uppercase letters and symbols and is at least 8 characters long) and change them regularly.
4.Do not set your computer to remember your passwords. Type them in each time you use the computer. Click here to find out more about setting your passwords for computer security.
Click here to return to the Very Basics.
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