Keep your PC protected
Where do I start?
Your computer plays a central role in helping to ensure you remain safe when shopping online. Having the latest protection does not have to be costly and will help safeguard you from virusesMalicious programs that infect your computer compromising security or performance., hackersPeople who purposely and illegally access other computer/systems. and other threats. The key questions for you to consider are:
- Do I have a firewallComputer software or equipment that provides a protective barrier between your computer and the internet, helping to prevent hackers accessing your personal files. installed?
- Do I have anti-virusComputer software that defends against viruses and other online threats. software checking my computer regularly?
- Is my PC setup to get the latest security updatesA process that alerts you to new releases of software that offers enhanced protection.?
Firewalls protect your computer by acting as a barrier between the internet and your own computer. They regulate the traffic that flows to your machine and will block many key threats – for example many forms of malicious software like worms, trojansMalicious software that appears to be useful, but contains worms/viruses. and virusesMalicious programs that infect your computer compromising security or performance. will be stopped. There are two main types of firewall:
- 'Software firewalls' - These are included with Windows XP and Vista although other commercial and shareware alternatives are available; and
- 'Hardware firewalls' - These are often built into your broadband routerA piece of hardware that allows access to the Internet..
Anti-virus software provides protection by:
- Scanning incoming emails for attached viruses;
- Monitoring computer files as they are opened or created to make sure they are not infected;
- Regularly checking the 'health' of your PC.
Anti-virus software is produced by a number of companies, including Norton and McAfee, and increasingly many banks are now offering such software on a discounted or free basis.
As and when new security vulnerabilities appear, software manufacturers respond by issuing updates known as 'patchesA release of software designed to update or fix problems with a computer program.'. To help stay safe it is important that you download these updates on a regular basis. This is particularly true for your operating system (e.g. Windows XP, Mac OS X, Vista etc) and browser (Explorer, Firefox, Safari etc).
What else can I do?
- Make sure you have a firewall installed. If your computer is running Windows Vista or Windows XP (SP2 or higher) then open the Security Centre in the Control Panel and a green light and the word 'on' should appear next to 'Firewall'.
- If you are running Microsoft Vista or XP turn on 'Automatic Updates' - this will deliver high priority updates to your computer as soon as they become available. You can decide when and how updates are installed. If you are using a different operating system we recommend that you also have this feature enabled.
- If you are running a wirelessThe ability to access the internet without wires (using radio waves to communicate). (or wi-fi) network make sure that you have encryption enabled as this prevents malicious users from accessing or eavesdropping your system.
- Change the password on your router - do not use its default password.
- To remain effective, anti-virus software needs to be updated on a regular basis. This can often be set up to happen automatically. However if your subscription lapses then your anti-virus software can become outdated and less effective.
- Never open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source - there is a greater risk that a virus could be attached.
Where can I learn more?
Further information on protecting your PC is available at:
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For more advice see Get Safe Online |
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For more Microsoft-related advice |
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For more Apple-related advice |