| "One man sees the dirty window; the other sees the | | | | act like or provide access for a hacker. Spyware |
| beautiful view" | | | | installs itself on your computer and sends reports on |
| The internet is your window to the world. The | | | | your computer activity back to its host. |
| opportunities are endless. | | | | Viruses & Worms are software applications often |
| Internet security issues and online crime ranges from | | | | spread via email and infect your computer. Once |
| petty vandalism to deliberate theft. Criminals and | | | | installed they can steal email addresses from your |
| vandals attempt to spoil your internet experience in | | | | contact list and then the virus will attempt to infect |
| several ways. | | | | other computers via those email addresses. |
| It's important you understand how, so let's look at this | | | | Probably the most concerning of the internet security |
| now. | | | | issues for you is identity theft. |
| Hoax emails (sometimes known as Phishing) appear to | | | | An informative (easy to read) summary of the Javelin |
| come from a legitimate company asking to confirm | | | | Strategy & Research Center's annual identity |
| your details or passwords either by return email or a | | | | theft report can be found here. |
| webpage link. | | | | The summary explains |
| Hackers use their technical skills and special software | | | | "Identity theft is defined as the process of using |
| to gain unauthorized access to your computer. They | | | | someone else's personal information for your own |
| may steal files and personal details. Gain access to | | | | personal gain." |
| your internet service and even destroy your computer. | | | | "Low-tech methods for stealing personal information |
| Non-genuine websites (sometimes known as Phishing) | | | | are still the most popular for identity thieves. Stolen |
| claim to offer quality products or services. The | | | | wallets and physical documents accounted for 43% of |
| purpose of these websites is to steal your credit card | | | | all identity theft, while online methods accounted for |
| details or email address when you place an order or | | | | only 11%." |
| submit your details on the website to receive an offer. | | | | While the online methods are minimal this does not |
| SPAM (Self Promotional Advertising Message) is | | | | suggest you can be complacent. The effects of |
| unsolicited email, now illegal in many countries and | | | | internet security issues can be devastating, time |
| banned by many ISP's (Internet Service Providers). | | | | consuming and expensive. |
| Trojans & Spyware is software that hides within | | | | Now that you are aware of the internet security |
| a legitimate looking application or utility on your | | | | issues, like any life experience you need to learn how |
| computer. Once installed a Trojan can launch itself and | | | | to minimize the risks. |