Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Phishing issues
Internet phishing or fraud is becoming a problem, but like any new technology there are always horror stories. When ATMs were introduced there were many stories about crimes associated theft of money out of people’s banks accounts. But stealing money from bank accounts actually was easier in the days of paper accounting. Banks and financial instructions have always factored in a loss from fraud into their business models. However, of late some banks are increasing making noises that the customer should be responsible for the loss if they have been negligent in their security, however, the ABA claims that does not support moves to hand responsibility for Internet fraud over to the customer. The Commonwealth Bank Group was even more direct, labeling the claims as "totally false." Electronic funds transfer and electronic storage of funds is still safer than storing the coins under the bed.
But in all honesty we must take responsibility for our internet security, so here is how you can protect your computer.
1). you should commit all passwords to memory having them written down somewhere in a recognizable for by others puts you at risk.
2). Never ever give out pin numbers, passwords or other personal information on the internet
3). Keep the amount of public information about yourself fairly limited. Eg don’t display birthdays, physicall addresses phone numbers or any other personal information that can be used to verify your identity.
4). Computer wise keep your machine clean from viruses by using a virus checker, remember free ones are ok but you really do get what you pay for. Also have a personal firewall and a spyware cleaner. Other options are keeping the machine clean from spyware or malware by having a spyware cleaner.
5). Use a browser other than internet explorer I recommend firefox, also make sure you keep your java run time up to date as they find wholes in the security they release new updates.
6). Run the latest windows updates via internet explorer by going to http://update.microsoft.com
Finally remember you can have all the locks and security devices on your doors and windows but they are no good if you keep leaving the key under the mat.
But in all honesty we must take responsibility for our internet security, so here is how you can protect your computer.
1). you should commit all passwords to memory having them written down somewhere in a recognizable for by others puts you at risk.
2). Never ever give out pin numbers, passwords or other personal information on the internet
3). Keep the amount of public information about yourself fairly limited. Eg don’t display birthdays, physicall addresses phone numbers or any other personal information that can be used to verify your identity.
4). Computer wise keep your machine clean from viruses by using a virus checker, remember free ones are ok but you really do get what you pay for. Also have a personal firewall and a spyware cleaner. Other options are keeping the machine clean from spyware or malware by having a spyware cleaner.
5). Use a browser other than internet explorer I recommend firefox, also make sure you keep your java run time up to date as they find wholes in the security they release new updates.
6). Run the latest windows updates via internet explorer by going to http://update.microsoft.com
Finally remember you can have all the locks and security devices on your doors and windows but they are no good if you keep leaving the key under the mat.
# posted by Peter Saville - IT Consultant @ 3:12 AM 
