Cable Internet

In order to understand why you need to safeguard your privacy and maintain Internet safety standards, it is very important to be aware of the dangers or the risks associated with unsecured Internet access. Here some of the common issues in Internet safety: Unauthorized Network Access or Hacking

Unauthorized access is one of the major threats as far as Internet safety is concerned. Network security consists of the provisions made in an underlying computer network infrastructure, to protect the network and the network-accessible resources from unauthorized access. Hacking means that people can hack your accounts, that is acquire your passwords and access your account. Once they have access to your account, they have complete control over all your transactions and can misuse your account for illegal or objectionable purposes. In case your online bank account is hacked, hackers can rob your money online as well.

Step 1: Download an Anti-Virus application. Good examples of this are:

• Spybot Search and Destroy
• Microsoft Windows Defender
• Norton 360 (not free)
• AVG Anti-Virus
• Avast!
• Trend Micro
• Etc.

The list goes on, and on... You can see the corresponding links to each recommended anti-virus application in the "Related Links" below. (Note: There has been debate over the possible problems that may arise with having multiple anti-virus applications installed, yet this has not been widely confirmed and is mainly an individual problem with few computers.)

Step 2: Download and Install updates for the installed anti-virus application and then run a "Full Scan" of your computer to attempt and detect any malicious activity.

Step 3: Follow the instructions given by the individual anti-virus application to remove the malicious application(s).

Step 4: Install security updates on your computer. Separate from updates for individual anti-virus applications, it is highly recommended you download and install updates for your operating system. A corrosponding link is given in the links below for Microsoft Windows updates.

Step 5: Stay safe by downloading and installing proper security tools. These tools could include:

• CCleaner (Cookies and Registry Cleaner)
• McAfee Site Advisor (Idenitifies Malicious Websites)
• WOT (Identifies Malicious Websites)

The corresponding links are given below under "Related Links" as well.

• Well you can't just ask how to remove a computer virus. There are thousands of variations of viruses. Each one having different code and as such some are harder or easier to remove. To remove a virus software quarantines the file that is infected, delete the file, clean the infected file of the virus or deny the virus access.

• If you suspect or if you confirm that your computer is infected with a virus, obtain current antivirus software. For more information about antivirus software vendors, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Antivirus software helps protect your computer against most viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious programs. Many computers come with antivirus software installed. You can also purchase antivirus software, and you can install it yourself. In this scenario, you must also keep the antivirus software up to date.
• A firewall is software or hardware that creates a protective barrier between the computer and potentially damaging content on the Internet. A firewall helps guard the computer against malicious users and against many computer viruses and computer worms. Use a firewall only for network connections that you use to connect directly to the Internet. For example, use a firewall on a single computer that is connected to the Internet directly with a cable modem, with a DSL modem, or with a dial-up modem. You can use the same network connection to connect to the Internet and to a home network or to an office network. In this scenario, use a router or a firewall that prevents a computer that is connected to the Internet from connecting to the shared resources on the home computer or on the office computer. Do not use a firewall on network connections that you use to connect to your home network or to your office network unless the firewall can be configured to open ports only for your home network or for your office network.
• Updates help shield your computer from vulnerabilities, from viruses, from worms, and from other threats as they are discovered. Steps that you can take to update your computer include the following:

  Install updates for Windows and for Windows components such as Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Media Player

  Install updates for Microsoft Office programs.

  Install updates for other third-party programs on your computer. For more information, contact the manufacturer of the third-party program. Additionally, install security updates for other Microsoft products that are on your computer, such as Internet Information Services (IIS), Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, and other products.

  If you are running a version of Microsoft Outlook that is earlier than version 2002, make sure that the Outlook e-mail security update is installed on the computer. For more information about the Outlook e-mail security update

  If you are running Outlook Express, use caution when you open e-mail attachments.

  Disable active scripting in Outlook and in Outlook Express.

• Steps to remove a virus: Visit the Protect Your PC site and install the latest updates.

  If you currently use antivirus software, visit the manufacturer's Web site, update it, and then perform a thorough scan of your system. If you don't currently use antivirus software, subscribe to a service and scan your system immediately.

  Download, install, and run the Malicious Software Removal Tool (for Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 users). Note that this tool does not prevent viruses from infecting your system; it only helps to remove existing viruses