I will have Mods edit and update this post for me. If anyone has anything to add or correct, please drop me a PM.
Ian's quick guide to internet security:
1. Do not use Internet Explorer. That big blue E is not safe.
Firefox browser:
http://www.getfirefox.net/ Make it the default browser.
2. Make sure javascript is turned OFF. Only turn it back on for sites you REALLY trust.
Add on for Firefox that allows you to whitelist sites you trust:
http://noscript.net/ It's easy to instal and the smartest thing you could do.
Javascript is basically a super powerful script language for web sites that can be used for bad very easily to make your computer do crazy shit from the browser.
3. AVG and Avast are good free virus things, but they are annoying and always trying to up sell you... always with the notifications of what it's doing to seem like you need it.
Microsoft just released its "Security Essentials". It's lightweight and weirdly for Microsoft... powerful and not annoying.
http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/ 4. Don't open attachments in Emails unless you know exactly what it is and who it came from. Really. And DO NOT use Microsoft's email client.
4a. DO NOT CLICK links in emails. If you get mail from Paypal, Ebay, Banks etc go to your browser and use a bookmark or type the URL in. That way you can not inadvertently be redirected by a spoof email.
Gmail has the best spam filters out there, worth switching from hotmail or whatever to use. Easy to set up, you can forward your other account to it and send email using your old email address if you really want. I would recommend using the old account purely for giving to sites if you think they are going to junk mail you.
5. He is NOT really a Nigerian prince. Do no send any bank account details.
6. Keep your system updated. Double check they are set to download automatically.
Can't stress that enough for either Windows operating system or whatever browser you choose.
Linux and Mac heads get complacent, but the browser is where the attacks are now and it doesn't matter what system you are on - if you have Javascript switched on and aren't up to date with Flash plugins, you are exploitable.
7. Use passwords that are not dictionary words. Work out a system for passwords - you need more than one. Mix words, numbers and symbols.
8. The best protection is the user. Be wary in what you click. Safe surfing practices are the best protection.
9. If you use Facebook, be VERY FUCKING CAREFUL about applications. Personally, i don't use any or allow any to access my account. They are a breeding ground for virus's and privacy invasion... and then phishing and so on:
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/what_facebook_quizzes_know_about_you.php 10. BEWARE of doing ANYTHING that involves typing in a password on a PUBLIC wireless network (coffee shops etc) wether you are on a Mac, Linux, Windows or BBC BASIC. Anything you do can easily be intercepted and read on a public network very easily by bad guys.
Very. Easily.
To surf safely like that you need to be using VNC (Virtual Network Computing) which takes a little research... and other people on this forum will know a lot more about than me.
If this all makes no sense at all to you, do go and get some basic computer use lessons.
I don't mean that patronizingly. These things are not simple, they don't come with a manual that's of any use whatsoever. This shit is not simple, the web is a pretty dangerous place and people are out to trick you in very clever ways. It's still like the wild west, and will be for our life times at least.
Other good browsers:
Google Chrome:
www.google.com/chrome Apple Safari:
http://www.apple.com/safari/ A good link:
http://www.getsafeonline.org/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1045http://twitter.com/noise17
