Safe Surfing

Protecting Your PC

Introduction

The first thing you need to know about being safe online is how to protect your PC. Find out how to use email safely, detect spyware, get rid of viruses and set up a firewall. But first, meet Turkey and Chub, and find out how they've been doing on the World Wide Web...

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Chub and Turkey are sitting with two Pints. Chub asks Turkey how much he owes him for entering him in the Belfast Marathon. Turkey can't remember as he did it online and won't know the cost until he gets his credit card statement. Chub calls Turkey a Queen for not carrying money. Turkey claims it is his means of self protection from muggers. He doesn't carry money; he buys everything off the Internet.

Chub tells Turkey he can be mugged on the Internet too, as computer hackers can hack into his computer and steal his identity. Both agree that more than one Turkey is a very scary thought?

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You need to be Careful Out There?here's why:

UK-based hacker, Douglas Havard, netted more than £700,000 by stealing other people's identities online.

Any information you give out online can be used to defraud you, so be careful. Thieves can hack into your system, finding out your details. They fool you into giving out information and use it whatever way they want.

What you should you do if your bank details or credit card are stolen?

• Contact your bank or credit card company and find out what the situation is.
• Ask to speak to the Security or Fraud Dept about any online accounts.
• Get a copy of your credit reports and make sure that no new credit can be granted without your approval.
• Go over reports and financial statements carefully. If you're worried, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Always send a letter and keep copies.

Protecting your PC with passwords

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Chub and Turkey are in jogging gear. It's raining and Chub doesn't want to get wet, so they get a taxi. Chub's mobile phone rings and he answers the phone. It's his wife, Beverley, who wants the password to their home PC so their daughter Chantelle can use it. Chub won't give out the password, as he needs to know when his kids are using the computer. Turkey says he doesn't need a password for his PC, as he is the only person who uses it.

Chub tells Turkey that he should have a password to protect his PC from Internet hackers. Chub tells Turkey to pick a password that no one else will have. He suggests using a phrase that Turkey would use everyday, but one that only he would know. For example, H C I L M W I T H, which is an abbreviation for 'Hey Chub I've left my wallet in the house'. Turkey gives an example: I T T T H I N I, which is an abbreviation for ' If that's Turkey tell him I'm not in'. Chub tells Turkey that he should change his password every couple of months. They head to the pub.

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Passwords are your first defence against online criminals. But many people don't know how important passwords are. Your password can protect you and your PC from hackers and criminals, so you need to know how to create safe and strong passwords and keep them safe.

How to Keep Your Passwords Safe

• Choose a phrase that means something to you so that you can remember it.
• Change passwords every few months.
• Don't write your passwords down or give them away - even to friends and children.
• Never send your password through email - reputable companies will never ask you to do this.

Now find out how you can protect your PC from viruses, hackers, spammers and fraudsters.

Go to Email Essentials <LINK>