Internet Security
How secure is the internet we use everyday? It is not actually that secure. It is
really easy for people to steal your personal information. People can easily
get all your personal information this includes your name, where you live,
your credit card information and more. That is why we have to use some kind
of protection. It is called Network Security. Network Security is an activity
designed to protect all your information from people trying to reach it.
VPN is the most used way to keep your data safe. VPN stands for Virtual
Private Network and it is a connection method used to add security and
privacy to networks. VPN is used by both individuals and companies to protect
their data. You can also use different browsers that are much secure than the
famous browsers(Google Chrome,Internet Explorer,Opera). Instead of those browsers
you should use secure browsers like Firefox,Waterfox,DuckDuckGo,Brave,Tor. When
you think of a browser the first one that comes to mind is Google Chrome, it is
the most popular browser. Google chrome is a good secure browser but it is doesn't
care about privacy. Google collects all of your data and stores it. So if you want
privacy Google Chrome is the worst option for you.
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What is a Computer Virus
A computer virus is designed to spread from host to host and has the
ability to replicate itself. Just like flu viruses, computer viruses
cannot reproduce and spread without programming such as a file or
document. A computer virus is a code that alters the way a computer works and
spreads to other computers. During this process the virus will damage the
computer for example the computer will slow down, Randomly crashes, destroys
data and more.
What are the signs of a computer virus?
- Frequent pop-up windows: Pop-ups might encourage you to visit unusual
sites. Or they might prod you to download antivirus or other software programs.
- Changes to your homepage: Your usual homepage may change to another
website, for instance. Plus, you may be unable to reset it.
- Mass emails being sent from your email account: A criminal may take
control of your account or send emails in your name from another infected
computer.
- Frequent crashes: A virus can inflict major damage on your hard drive.
This may cause your device to freeze or crash. It may also prevent your device
from coming back on.
- Unusually slow computer performance: A sudden change of processing speed
could signal that your computer has a virus.
- Unknown programs that startup when you turn on your computer: You may
become aware of the unfamiliar program when you start your computer. Or you
might notice it by checking your computer's list of active applications.
- Unusual activities like password changes: This could prevent you from
logging into your computer.
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How to Get Rid of a Computer Virus
To get rid of a computer virus the first thing you should do is to download an antivirus program
. Your computer might already have one but if it doesn't have one you can
download virus scanners like Norton, Bitdefender, Webroot, Panda Antivirus, McAfee
and more.
3
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is a serious crime where your personal information anything
from your name, driver's license, or Social Insurance Number has been
compromised by an imposter who intends to commit fraud in your name. 4
With your identity the imposter can leave you with a significant debt
or do something illegal and in that case you will
be the one who is blamed.Identity thieves look for your:
- full name
- date of birth
- Social Insurance Numbers
- full address
- mother's maiden name
- username and password for online services
- driver's license number
- personal identification numbers (PIN)
- credit card information
- bank account numbers
- signature
- passport number
And with all the information they get they can:
- access your bank accounts
- open new bank accounts
- transfer bank balances
- apply for loans, credit cards and other goods and services
- make purchases
- hide their criminal activities
- obtain passports or receive government benefits
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What to do if someone steals your identity
If someone steals your identity you should immediately report this
to the police. You should also tell your bank that your account is stolen
so they can disable the credit card before the thief spends too much money
and get a new credit card, account number and a password from the bank.
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How to make your passwords more secure
A lot of people always use the same easy password for every account. Using the same password
for every account is very easy because you don't have to worry about forgetting it. But
that is a really bad choice because if someone gets your password from one account hey can enter all your other accounts.
But there are some other ways to make you password more secure and protect yourself.
- Make sure you use different passwords for each of your accounts.
- Be sure no one watches when you enter your password.
- Always log off if you leave your device and anyone is around
- Use comprehensive security software and keep it up to date to avoid keyloggers and other malware.
- Avoid entering passwords on computers you don't control (like computers at an Internet café or library)—they may have malware that steals your passwords.
- Avoid entering passwords when using unsecured Wi-Fi connections (like at the airport or coffee shop)—hackers can intercept your passwords and data over this unsecured connection.
- Don't tell anyone your password. Your trusted friend now might not be your friend in the future. Keep your passwords safe by keeping them to yourself.
- Depending on the sensitivity of the information being protected, you should change your passwords periodically, and avoid reusing a password for at least one year.
- Do use at least eight characters of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols in your password. Remember, the more the merrier.
- It's okay to write down your passwords, just keep them away from your computer and mixed in with other numbers and letters so it's not apparent that it's a password.
- You can also write a "tip sheet" which will give you a clue to remember your password, but doesn't actually contain your password on it
- Check your password strength. If the site you are signing up for offers a password strength analyzer, pay attention to it and heed its advice.
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Questions
- What are 3 signs of a computer virus?
- What is the first thing you should do if someone steals you identity?
- How do you get rid of a computer virus?
answers
Bibliography
- Mercer, Christina, and Hannah Williams. "Best Firewalls for Business Users.ComputerworldUK, Computerworld, 6 Nov. 2018,www.computerworlduk.com/galleries/security/best-firewalls-for-business-3630257/ .
- "What Is a Computer Virus?" Norton Family Premier, https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-what-is-a-computer-virus.html
- SoftShop.eu. "Computer Virus - What Is Virus in the Computer?" SoftShop.eu, SoftShop Ltd, 11 Sept. 2017, https://www.softshop.eu/en/information/library/computer-threats/computer-virus/.
- "What Is Identity Theft?" TransUnion,https://www.transunion.ca/identity-theft
- Government of Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Federal and International Operations. "Identity Theft and Identity Fraud." Biology Services - Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 4 Dec. 2015,http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/id-theft-vol-eng.htm
- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Credit Cards | Consumerjungle,https://www.consumerjungle.org/jungle-talk/-what-is-id-theft-care
- Birdsong, Toni, and Gary Davis. "15 Tips To Better Password Security." McAfee Blogs, 16 Mar. 2018, https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/consumer/family-safety/15-tips-to-better-password-security/.