Safe and Secure on the Internet

 

Recent events have highlighted some of the dangers of accessing inappropriate material on the Internet.

It seems all too easy to see disturbing images via the Internet, and some of the most powerful players in Internet provision have recently seemed reluctant to take action to prevent access.

So, what can we do to make sure we stay safe, and how can we prevent our youngsters seeing what they ought not to see?

I hope the advice and suggestions that follow will help you to feel that with a little thought it is possible to enjoy the many advantages of the Internet safe in the knowledge that the worst of the Internet can be avoided.

Security Software

Before I tackle the vexed issue of Internet porn, I want to remind you of some important safety measures that will maintain the security of your computer.

It is my impression that lately I have been dealing with far fewer computer virus infections. Perhaps the computer security industry is getting better at detecting and removing malware.

I still come across the occasional PC without security software, and sometimes security software has lapsed because no renewal payment has been made. But in the main, computer users understand the importance of having security software and keeping it up-to-date.

But don’t forget, your security software is only as good as the last time it was updated. Most modern security software updates automatically, but it is a good idea to manually update – just to be sure.

And one final comment – the free software is just as good as the paid-for offerings. In a recent Which? Magazine survey, Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) came top. And it costs nothing. It is also the only free security software that can be used legally in the work-place with up to 10 work stations.

If you want advice on the best security software for your PC, or you want your current program uninstalled and replaced with something legally free, TLC is here to help.

 Passwords

I’ve written at length about passwords in previous Hints and Tips, so I’ll be brief (there is an archive of previous editions on my website).

Have you changed your email password lately? Remember to change it at the website of your email provider, and then on your email client program if you use one – please see March 2013 edition for a longer explanation.

Do you store your passwords anywhere? If so, are they safe? There are some free software password stores (e.g., Keepass, Password Safe) that are worth examining. But remember, to access your password store you will need to remember a password. All I’m saying is that having all your eggs in one basket … It’s your choice, and perhaps at the back of your sock drawer in a small notebook is just as safe – who am I to say?!

If you would like me to keep a record of logon or email passwords, I can easily add them to my Service Report. One customer used my records to retrieve her router password, so that a friend could use her wireless network. All part of the TLC service!

 Internet Porn

Now I turn to more serious matters. I’m not getting into any sort of moral argument – I’m just going to assume that accessing porn on any device in your home is not acceptable. If that is the case, there are some things you can do to try to stop it.

1.  WOT

For some time now I have been installing a piece of software on serviced computers called WOT – Web of Trust. There are other varieties that do the same thing.

 Basically, it checks the list of websites produce by a Google search, or an individual website you are trying to access, against a database of websites categorised for safety or danger. In a Google search list, dangerous websites are indicated by a red circle next to them in. If you try to access a dangerous website, a warning page appears. You can bypass the warning if you wish.

 I find WOT particularly useful in Google search lists, as many dangerous websites hide their danger behind very plausible-sounding names.

2.  DNS Filtering

If you want to prevent any kind of access to dangerous sites then there are other options. But first you will have to understand a little about Domain Name Servers (DNS).

 A DNS converts the words we type when going to a website (e.g., www.tlc-computing.co.uk) into numbers. The Internet works quicker with numbers, so a DNS does the conversion.

 Most of us use the DNS supplied by our Internet Service Provider (ISP), and it is an automatic setting.

 That setting works in two places: in the computer, and in the router.

 It is possible to choose another DNS – you do not have to use the one provided by your ISP. There are dozens to choose from, some faster than others.

 There is one particular DNS that provides a filtering service, so that the person in charge of the network can restrict access to the Internet. It is called OpenDNS, and it blocks Internet content using the filtering level that you think best for your household. For more details, go to: www.opendns.com

 The filtering works in the router, so that all the devices that connect to your network are affected by the level of filtering chosen. In other words, the whole house is protected. The level of filtering is password-protected, so the “network supremo” has control.

 Unfortunately, some of the most recent routers provided by ISPs do not allow you to change the in-built DNS settings. That is a real pity, and something ISPs really must address.

If your router allows settings to be changed, and you’d like some help installing OpenDNS, please let me know.

It is possible to find a faster DNS than the one you are currently using. If you would like to change to a faster DNS, please ask, and I’ll be round with the software.

3.  House Rules

In a house with children using the Internet, there are some things that need to be made clear.

Children need to know that the computer keeps a record of websites accessed. Even if you use the incognito facility in a browser, it is still possible to know where someone has been on the Internet. In addition, your ISP has a record of websites visited.

For your household network, it is possible to mix prevention with education, by using something like OpenDNS with a set of explicit expectations for responsible Internet use in the home.

Remember: there is cunning and malice “out there” against which we need protection; at the same time, we should do everything we can to take ownership of protecting ourselves.

Here endeth the Lesson!

And Finally …

Safety and security are key considerations in a Full Service from TLC:

• Security software is updated
• Key software programs are updated
• Malware is removed

But sometimes with all the care in the world, infections get through and cause grief and havoc. That’s when you need TLC, because we’re about cure as well as prevention.

Please feel able to consult us on computer and Internet safety, as well as using us, should the need arise, to restore your PC to its pristine state.