Computer Security - the Net Basics and more

The new NetSafe Net Basics campaign is designed to help every Kiwi get their computer set up with at least a basic level of protection. Computer security is a core cybersafety issue and it is important for individuals, families, schools and businesses to educate themselves about computer security so they can feel more comfortable and confident as they explore Cyberspace.

How do I get started?
Browse through the summaries below and select the title of the webpage (or the link indicated by the 'click here to find out more...' at the end of each paragraph) to read more. Even if you are a beginner with computers, the information here can help take the mystery out of terms you may have heard in the media and give you concrete suggestions of steps to take. Like the Net Basics campaign suggests... it's like getting a Warrant of Fitness for your computer.

The Net Basics
Protecting your computer and your information before you go online is vital.  This section helps you with the basics you need before accessing the Internet including information on: security software to protect your information and computer, how to update your operating system, and how to monitor the use of your computer and filter inappropriate material from the Internet.  Click here to find out about the nuts and bolts of computer security for Internet users.

The very basics
This section helps you find out which applications you have on your computer, where the information is stored, the options available for connecting to the Internet, and how you can administer your computer's usage.  Click here to find out more...

Malware
Malware includes viruses, Trojans, Spyware, worms, adware, backdoors, keystroke loggers and diallers. Find out about malware and learn what you can do to minimize the risks.  Click here to find out more...

Maintaining your computer
How do I update and patch my operating system? How do I get my older operating system in order?  How do I update my security software?  How can I clean out cookies?  Which files should I back up?  Learn about the basics of keeping your information and computer protected.  Click here to find out more...

Disposing of your computer
All your information and everything you have done on your computer has been stored on your hard drive and is most likely able to be retrieved - even if you have deleted all your data. If you are getting rid of an old computer it is important to make sure that your information cannot be retrieved by anyone else. Click here to find out more...

Using the Internet away from home
Whether you are using your own computer at a WIFI hotspot or you are using a computer at an Internet cafe you can take precautions to protect your computer and information.  Find out about how you can use the Internet away from home and still minimize security risks.  Click here to find out more...

Peer 2 Peer file sharing software
Peer 2 Peer (P2P) file sharing software is software that is designed to let you share your information with others and allows you to access files from other people's computers.  Check out the risks associated with P2P and how you can protect your computer and your information from unwanted intrusion.  Click here to find out more...

IRC security risks
Find out about the security risks involved in Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and what you can do to minimize computer security risks.  Click here to find out more...

Hackers
Find out about hackers and script kiddies and how you can protect your information and your computer from attack.  Click here to find out more...

Cookies
A cookie is a small text file that is loaded onto your computer during a website visit. It usually records your preferences at a particular site.  You can find out how to manage cookies, whether you choose to let every cookie be installed on your machine or whether you choose to totally block them. You can be in control.  Click here to find out more...

Monitoring and filtering
Find out how to monitor how your computer is being used, and learn about how to filter out inappropriate material from the Internet.  Click here to find out more...

Encryption
When shopping or banking on the Internet it is vital that your information is kept secure.  Many companies use encryption to keep your information safe. Find out about encryption and how to tell if a transaction is encrypted (secure) or not. Click here to find out more... 

 NetSafe would like to thank John Martin, Principal Security Specialist and Security Practice Leader for IBM New Zealand for his work as contributor and consultant for this section of the NetSafe website. We are very grateful to John for his generous support of NetSafe

John is a Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP), a Chartered Information Systems professional and a registered Security Specialist with the BCS. He is also a member of the NZCS.

His qualifications include an ISEB/BCS Information Security Principles qualification and he is a System and Network Security Certified professional. John also has a BA in Information Technology and a MSc in Managing Information Systems.

An experienced IT security assessor, John has led and managed technical audit teams in Europe, Africa, Asia and the USA. This work has included: Securing UK Central HM Government Secure Intranet; securing Microsoft Windows NT systems and development of security policies in accordance with BS 7799/ISO17799; and the development of security and criminal investigations in accordance with PACE guidelines.