Internet security is the process of protecting data and privacy of devices connected to internet from information robbery, hacking, malware infection and unwanted software.

Basics

Routers

For more details on this topic, see router.

Network Address Translation (NAT) typically has the effect of preventing connections from being established inbound into a computer, whilst permitting connections out. For a small home network, software NAT can be used on the computer with the internet connection, providing similar behaviour to a router, and similar levels of security but for a lower cost and lower complexity.

Firewalls

For more details on this topic, see firewall.

A firewall blocks all roads and cars through authorized ports on your computer, thus restricting unfettered access. A stateful firewall is a more secure form of firewall, and system administrators often combine a proxy firewall with a packet-filtering firewall to create a highly secure system. Most home users use a software firewall.

Anti-virus

For more details on this topic, see malware.

Some people or companies with malicious intentions write programs like computer viruses, worms, trojan horses and spyware. These programs are all characterised as being unwanted software that install themselves on your computer through deception.

Trojan horses are simply programs that conceal their true purpose or include a hidden functionality that a user would not want.

Worms are characterised by having the ability to replicate themselves and viruses are similar except that they achieve this by adding their code onto third party software. Once a virus or worm has infected a computer, it would typically infect other programs (in the case of viruses) and other computers.

Viruses also slow down system performance and cause strange system behavior and in many cases do serious harm to computers, either as deliberate, malicious damage or as unintentional side effects.

In order to prevent damage by viruses and worms, users typically install antivirus software, which runs in the background on the computer, detecting any suspicious software and preventing it from running.

Some malware that can be classified as trojans with a limited payload are not detected by most antivirus software and may require the use of other software designed to detect other classes of malware, including spyware.

Anti-spyware

For more details on this topic, see malware.

There are several kinds of threats:

• Spyware is software that runs on a computer without the explicit permission of its user. It often gathers private information from a users computer and sends this data over the Internet back to the software manufacturer.
• Adware is software that runs on a computer without the owner's consent, much like spyware. However, instead of taking information, it typically runs in the background and displays random or targeted pop-up advertisements. In many cases, this slows the computer down and may also cause software conflicts.

Browser choice

Internet Explorer is currently the most widely used web browser in the world [1], making it the prime target for phishing and many other possible attacks.

Sources of security-related software free for personal use

Firewalls

• Kingsoft Internet Security
• Comodo Firewall
• ZoneAlarm Free Version
• Tiny and Kerio firewalls

Spyware blocking, detection and removal

• PC Tools Spy Doctor
• Kingsoft Anti-virus
• Spyware Blaster
• CyberDefenderFREE
• Spyware Guard
• Spybot Search and Destroy
• Ad-Aware (Lavasoft)

Antivirus

• Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic
• Avast Home Edition
• AVG Anti-Virus Free edition
• ClamWin - Opensource Antivirus for Microsoft Windows

See also

• Computer security
• Identity Driven Networking
• Network security policy

External links

• Windows XP Security Software Microsoft's Security at Home - Free Downloads & Trials for Windows XP systems
• What are keystroke loggers? - detailed advice and information on keystroke loggers, and trojan horses, and how to remove them
• Security4web - detailed advice and information on Internet security for individuals and families
• SecurityBay - security news, articles and vulnerability database for security-aware Internet users
• Wilders Security Forums
• Broadband Reports - FAQs and forums on internet security etc
• PwdHash is a Firefox & IE browser extension that transparently converts a user's password into a domain-specific password.
• Firefox Privacy/Security FoxyProxy, Password Hasher, Torbutton

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