Unless protected, anyone could potentially gain access to a
computer system to edit, copy or delete computer files.
Unauthorised users are sometimes called hackers.
Malware
Malware is the term for any computer program installed either
deliberately or accidentally on a computer with the intention of
causing harm. The most common types of malware are
Viruses: these are programs designed to disrupt the workings of a computer.
They are called viruses because they are designed to be spread from one
infected machine to another. Viruses can be downloaded from websites or
installed by opening a file attatched to a SPAM email.
Spyware: this is software designed to monitor the ways the computer is used and then
report this back to someone. One example is keystroke software - this could be used to
record someone's password being typed into a bank website.
Adware: this is software designed to monitor your
internet use and then display adverts based on your
web-browsing habits. Some software producers
include adware in their programs as a way of
getting back some of the costs of developing their
products. Many people believe that adware is an
invasion of privacy.
Phising: this is when you recieve an email pretending
to be from your bank or other business, requestiong
that you visit their website and re-enter your password
or other personal information. In reality, the website is
a fake and the owner will use the data they collect from
you to hack into your real bank account to withdraw
money. Phishing emails are examples of SPAM.
SPAM
The email equivalent of junk mail
The sender will often send the same message to
thousands of random email addresses
They are hoping that just a few people will respond
SPAM emails often contain fake offers to buy something
It is a very common way to send viruses
User precautions against
unauthorised files
Users should be very careful when using
the internet and email. In particular:
NEVER open an email attatchment unless you are
certain what the file contains.
This especially includes emails recieved from people
you do not know (SPAM messages)
Be very careful when visiting websites
Always be on the look out for
potential problems
NEVER give out your personal data to sources
unless you can definitely trust them
Just because a hyperlink in an email message says
it will direct you to your bank, it doesn't mean that is
where you are being taken
ALWAYS make sure that computer security software
is kept up to date and switched on
Never leave your computer unattended
whilst you are logged on
Anyone can then use it to gain access to your files and other parts of the system
One solution is to 'lock' the screen so that it can only be
unlocked by entering your password
When shopping on the internet, always
make sure that the website you are using to
enter your payment details is encrypted