So long as you can access the internet you are exposed to certain dangers. You need to know how to be able to surf the net safely without anyone intruding into your privacy. So what are so0me of the dangers you are exposed to while surfing?
One type of spyware becoming increasingly common is known as a RAT (Remote Access Trojan), which criminals can use to access your computer or mobile device to take control of it to obtain your private information or spy on you. This is known as ratting.
RATs are usually downloaded invisibly with a program requested by you – for example a game – or sent to you as an email attachment. They can perform actions similar to legitimate software. RATs can be difficult to detect because neither do they usually show up in lists of the programs or tasks you are using, nor can you generally notice that they are affecting your device’s performance.
RATs being used to take control of webcams is becoming increasingly common, with the objective of the resulting video or images being used for blackmail or other inappropriate purposes.
Sourced from:https://www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-your-computer/avoiding-ratting/
The other thing you need to do is update your antivirus and ensure your firewall is up and running. You can also install AntiSpyWare and ensure that it is always updated.
Below are some key steps to protecting your computer from intrusion:
– Keep Your Firewall Turned On: A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information. Software firewalls are widely recommended for single computers. The software is prepackaged on some operating systems or can be purchased for individual computers. For multiple networked computers, hardware routers typically provide firewall protection.
– Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like—software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware—in some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It’s like buying groceries—shop where you trust.
Sourced from:https://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/computer_protect
Nowadays we can access the internet from anywhere so long as we have the name and the password. We should however note that using Wi-Fi networks is also dangerous. You should ensure the network is encrypted.
Secure your wireless network
If you use a wireless network in your home, be sure to take precautions to secure it against hackers. Encrypting wireless communications is the first step. Choose a wireless router with an encryption feature and turn it on. WPA encryption is considered stronger than WEP.1 Your computer, router, and other equipment must use the same encryption. If your router enables identifier broadcasting, disable it. Note the SSID name so you can connect your computers to the network manually.2 Hackers know the pre-set passwords of this kind of equipment. Be sure to change the default identifier on your router and the pre-set administrative password. Turn off your wireless network when you’re not using it.
Remember that public “hot spots” may not be secure. It’s safest to avoid accessing or sending sensitive personal information over a public wireless network. You may also consider buying a mobile broadband card that will allow you to connect to the Internet without relying on Wi-Fi hot spots. A mobile broadband card is a device that plugs into your computer, laptop, PDA, or cell phone and uses a cell phone signal to provide high-speed Internet access. They are sold by cell phone companies and require a monthly service plan.
Sourced from:https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/facts/online-privacy/protect-your-computer
