Passwords...well, we have all had them now in one way or another for some time, whether it’s for our online banking, our emails or even logging into our own computers.
Did you know that losing passwords makes up about 40% of helpdesk tickets? Passwords protect us from those people who want to get at our money and personal information.
So, what can we do to protect ourselves from those types of people? Well, for starters you need to create a strong password that you can remember. Now that sounds easy, but you’d be surprised.
When you create your password keep in mind the following dont's:
• Don't use only letters or only numbers.
• Don't use names of spouses, children, girlfriends/boyfriends or pets.
• Don't use phone numbers, Social Security numbers or birthdates.
• Don't use the same word as your log-in, or any variation of it.
• Don't use passwords with double letters or numbers.
• Don’t use the same password for everything.
An example of a good and easy password is “p@S$w0rd” preferably not using the word “password”, but you get what I mean.
When you sign up online for anything, you will need a password. Most companies or software will allow you to make your own password up, but sometimes they will give you a random string of numbers and letters which, once you have logged in you are then free to change to something more suited to you, remembering the simple rules above.
It may seem obvious, but one golden rule is, don’t write down your password, especially with your username; this can lead to trouble if you lose the bit of paper. Changing your password regularly will keep those hackers at bay, also, don’t tell anyone your password, you wouldn’t give out your PIN number and passwords should be treated just as importantly. If you have to use public computers, make sure that they do not retain your password once you have logged in.
So, now you know the rules you can be safe on the net. Your password is your property and if created and kept properly will unlock all kinds of wonderful worlds on the Internet; otherwise you will be in for a whole heap of trouble and hassle. Passwords are just one way of being secure on the net, there are many other ways of protecting yourself from rogues.
With every good… there’s always bad…
With the Internet a growing community, millions of transactions are constantly being made from many major businesses.
Would you believe, some businesses are entirely Internet based. So, how important is security over the World Wide Web?
Well… using a real life example could help Internet users understand the importance of being security conscious. Would you leave your car unlocked in a busy shopping centre? Or, even your house unlocked with the doors wide open.
The Internet is now used everywhere you go, even in banks and hospitals, keeping safe in the virtual world is equally important as in real life.
So, how do you ensure you’re considered “secure”?
The following pointers are some of the necessary steps required to ensure you remain hacker safe and risk free from any potential threats.
• Firewall – The firewall monitors all activity accessing data on your computer. A properly configured firewall is now considered an essential tool while browsing the Internet. Hardware firewalls are always recommended.
• Anti-virus – Harmful files do not always access your computer via the Internet, anti virus products are used to detect and remove any potential harmful files lurking around your computer.
• Updates – Security patching is important to secure vulnerabilities with your operating system. Operating systems are constantly being updated with enhanced security, don’t be too late… get the update.
• Spyware software – Spyware is often overlooked and not considered a threat, what is spyware? Often hidden marketing files that send personal information out. Would you want personal details being shared in real life?
• Passwords – keep it strong, keep it private.
All these tools are useful and are available to you to help protect your computer. Common sense is always used in real life situations to protect you from potential threats, so why not use this in the virtual world?
Be sensible about where you go, and always be suspicious of any offers that appear too good to be true.
Always be aware, there could be a virus attached to a file you are downloading, and always use trusted websites.
Security is important and should never be overlooked on the Internet, you can’t see the thief’s but it doesn’t mean they don’t exist. The Internet is an enjoyable place, be secure and help others become security conscious.
Did you know that losing passwords makes up about 40% of helpdesk tickets? Passwords protect us from those people who want to get at our money and personal information.
So, what can we do to protect ourselves from those types of people? Well, for starters you need to create a strong password that you can remember. Now that sounds easy, but you’d be surprised.
When you create your password keep in mind the following dont's:
• Don't use only letters or only numbers.
• Don't use names of spouses, children, girlfriends/boyfriends or pets.
• Don't use phone numbers, Social Security numbers or birthdates.
• Don't use the same word as your log-in, or any variation of it.
• Don't use passwords with double letters or numbers.
• Don’t use the same password for everything.
An example of a good and easy password is “p@S$w0rd” preferably not using the word “password”, but you get what I mean.
When you sign up online for anything, you will need a password. Most companies or software will allow you to make your own password up, but sometimes they will give you a random string of numbers and letters which, once you have logged in you are then free to change to something more suited to you, remembering the simple rules above.
It may seem obvious, but one golden rule is, don’t write down your password, especially with your username; this can lead to trouble if you lose the bit of paper. Changing your password regularly will keep those hackers at bay, also, don’t tell anyone your password, you wouldn’t give out your PIN number and passwords should be treated just as importantly. If you have to use public computers, make sure that they do not retain your password once you have logged in.
So, now you know the rules you can be safe on the net. Your password is your property and if created and kept properly will unlock all kinds of wonderful worlds on the Internet; otherwise you will be in for a whole heap of trouble and hassle. Passwords are just one way of being secure on the net, there are many other ways of protecting yourself from rogues.
With every good… there’s always bad…
With the Internet a growing community, millions of transactions are constantly being made from many major businesses.
Would you believe, some businesses are entirely Internet based. So, how important is security over the World Wide Web?
Well… using a real life example could help Internet users understand the importance of being security conscious. Would you leave your car unlocked in a busy shopping centre? Or, even your house unlocked with the doors wide open.
The Internet is now used everywhere you go, even in banks and hospitals, keeping safe in the virtual world is equally important as in real life.
So, how do you ensure you’re considered “secure”?
The following pointers are some of the necessary steps required to ensure you remain hacker safe and risk free from any potential threats.
• Firewall – The firewall monitors all activity accessing data on your computer. A properly configured firewall is now considered an essential tool while browsing the Internet. Hardware firewalls are always recommended.
• Anti-virus – Harmful files do not always access your computer via the Internet, anti virus products are used to detect and remove any potential harmful files lurking around your computer.
• Updates – Security patching is important to secure vulnerabilities with your operating system. Operating systems are constantly being updated with enhanced security, don’t be too late… get the update.
• Spyware software – Spyware is often overlooked and not considered a threat, what is spyware? Often hidden marketing files that send personal information out. Would you want personal details being shared in real life?
• Passwords – keep it strong, keep it private.
All these tools are useful and are available to you to help protect your computer. Common sense is always used in real life situations to protect you from potential threats, so why not use this in the virtual world?
Be sensible about where you go, and always be suspicious of any offers that appear too good to be true.
Always be aware, there could be a virus attached to a file you are downloading, and always use trusted websites.
Security is important and should never be overlooked on the Internet, you can’t see the thief’s but it doesn’t mean they don’t exist. The Internet is an enjoyable place, be secure and help others become security conscious.
posted by Admin at
10:09
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