Computer and email security
Computer and email security
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.
Start activityOnline risks
The best way to protect your computer is to know what you're up against.
The three main risks are:
- Viruses
- Trojans
- Spyware.
Let's look at what these terms actually mean.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.