Computer and email security

 

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Computer and email security

A young family enjoying some time at a cafe with their laptop

What's coming up?

The internet is a great source of information, but as with anything, there are some risks. It's good to remember that as long as you take some basic safety measures, your time online can be a safe and fun experience.

In this activity, you'll find out about possible risks to you and your computer and what you can do to avoid them.

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Online risks

The best way to protect your computer is to know what you're up against.

The three main risks are:

  1. Viruses
  2. Trojans
  3. Spyware.

Let's look at what these terms actually mean.

A range of warning icons
Warning, security and computer icons

Viruses

Viruses are programs that spread from one computer to another by email attachments, links or through malicious websites.

Viruses can display unwanted pop-up messages, slow your computer down and even delete files.

Trojans

Trojans are programs that pretend to be innocent but are in fact harmful to your PC.

They are designed to trick you into installing them, for example by offering to scan your computer for viruses.

An example of a Trojan and a safe pop-up window
Identifying information about a person

Spyware

Spyware is software that is designed to steal personal information. For example, it can monitor what you do online and then steal passwords or bank account details.

A man concentrates on his computer screen

Protecting your computer

Knowing how to protect your computer from online risks is the key to enjoying the internet. Let's find out what you can do to keep your computer safe.

Antivirus software

You can protect your computer from virus infections by installing antivirus software. This protects your computer in two ways:

  • It scans all parts of your computer regularly for anything suspicious.
  • It monitors the files and programs you use, as you use them.
antivirus Software pop up window with a range of icons
antivirus Software pop up window with a range of performance charts

Anti-spyware software

Anti-spyware software helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software.

To keep up with the latest forms of spyware, you should keep your anti-spyware software updated.

Firewalls

A firewall is software that protects your computer against unauthorised access as well as some viruses and spyware.

It can also stop your computer being used to spread viruses or send spam emails. It works alongside antivirus and anti-spyware software.

A computer and the internet symbol separated by a wall
A circling diagram with icons of how you can protect your computer from a virus

Protect yourself

It may seem like you need a lot of software to protect your computer from online risks, but this isn't the case. You can buy complete packages that include everything you need.

We have more on antivirus software in our Using antivirus software course, if you want to find out more.

Updating antivirus software

It is important to update your antivirus protection regularly to ensure you are protected against the latest viruses.

When you buy a computer, you will often get a few months free use of antivirus software, like reputable products from Norton or McAfee. Make sure you renew or replace this when the trial runs out.

antivirus Software pop up window warning that the software is out of date
A warning symbol on a computer screen

Let's look at an example

There are some free antivirus software products on the market. AVG is one of a number of providers that offer free antivirus software so we are using AVG in our demonstration over the next panels. If you have different antivirus software to AVG, don't worry, the steps are likely to be very similar.

You can find AVG antivirus software at the AVG website and click on the Free download button if you want to install it on your device.

Select the AVG icon

Once installed, locate and click on the AVG icon (a multi-coloured square). In our demonstration, we are using a Windows 10 computer and the icon appears at the bottom of the screen. It is highlighted in the image opposite for clarity.

A computer screen with the AVG icon selected and magnified
An AVG window displaying that you can 'scan now' for internet security

Scan now

In the Internet Security section, choose the option that says Scan now.

Scanning

Next, AVG will start to scan, or check, the files and programs on your device.

An AVG window displaying that the internet security needs updating
An AVG window displaying that the scan is complete and the internet security is up-to-date

Finished

A message will appear to inform you that the scan is completed.

Anything picked up by the antivirus software that is deemed to be suspicious or dangerous will be highlighted for you. You can then follow the steps to safely remove the problem files from your device.

Most antivirus software has an automatic update mechanism built into it. This will download the latest updates on a regular basis.

Getting advice

There is plenty of other useful advice available for staying safer online here on Be Connected. Find out more in our Safety first and Advanced online security courses.

The Australian government's Stay secure online website is also a great source of up-to-date information and advice.

a computer with a range of different icons behind it sampling a lot of things you can do on a computer
eSafety tip icon

eSafety tip

You can reduce the risk of being affected by online crime by making sure you keep your device's software up-to-date, especially:

  • your web browser
  • your antivirus software
  • your device's operating system
  • any anti-spyware software.

Offers, spam and junk email

Think twice before opening emails, attachments or links from people you don't know.

Many email programs filter incoming emails automatically, and suspicious emails are sent to a junk email or spam folder, instead of the inbox.

But they may not capture all suspicious emails, so it pays to be cautious when opening emails from untrusted sources. If you have any doubt about the email, it's best to ignore or delete it.

An example of some emails in the junk mail folder
eSafety tip icon

eSafety tip

Remember, banks and government services will never send you text messages or emails containing links asking you to confirm your details.

If you receive an email claiming to be from your bank or a government service and you are unsure what to do, it's best to contact them independently - go into a local branch or call up their helpline to double-check, as scammers love to impersonate these organisations hoping to trick you into revealing your personal information.

A avatar of a woman with a padlock icon

Keeping information private

If you need to sign up for something and provide personal information, make sure the company is trustworthy by using brands you know or researching for information about the company before you buy.

Backing up

It's a good idea to save a copy of your work as a backup on an external device such as a hard drive or memory stick, or to the cloud. You can find out what the cloud is in our Using the cloud courses.

Having your files backed up in a separate location will ensure that if anything does go wrong with your device, you still have a copy of the files you need.

A computer with a few ways to back up files including CD, DVD, USB and hard drive
A backpack big enough to hold a laptop with a zipper

Physical security

There are some things you can do with the actual device itself. Think of doing the following:

  • put a distinguishing mark on your device, perhaps on its case, with a marker pen
  • make a note of any serial numbers
  • don't leave packaging from new computers or smart devices outside for others to see
  • disguise your laptop when you are out and about by carrying it in a plain bag.

Reducing the risk

Which of the following will reduce the risk of being affected by online crime?

Ensuring software is kept up to date

Click to flip

Correct. Software updates are essential to keeping your computer safer.

Keeping your personal information safe

Click to flip

Correct. Taking care not to divulge your personal information and protecting your devices with strong passwords or PINs help keep you safer.

Opening and responding to spam emails

Click to flip

Sorry, that is not correct. Any emails you think are suspicious or spam should be deleted without clicking on any links or downloading any attachments, as they may take you to, or infect your computer with, unwanted, malicious software.

A couple look at some photos on their laptop while enjoying a cup of tea

Congratulations!

You've completed the Computer and email security activity.

You've learnt about the possible risks to you and your computer, how to avoid these risks and where to go for advice.

In the next activity, Use of personal data on the internet, we'll take a look at what companies do with the information we share with them online.