Replacing a windows computer with an apple computer is the only way to stay safe online

When you use the internet, you may be connected to thousands of other computers that you exchange information and data with, including personal details. It is important to make sure your device, your information and your privacy are as secure as possible. Some simple precautions will keep you safe online.

How your computer could be at risk

Most people store a lot of personal information on their computers. If you don’t protect your computer properly when you're online, it’s possible that personal details could be stolen or deleted without your knowledge.

Your computer can be attacked in a number of ways over the internet. Viruses and spy-ware can remove files and allow criminals to scan your computer for personal information. Your computer could even be hacked (when a person gains access to your computer through your wireless network).

Get Safe Online has detailed information about the risks to your computer and how to deal with them.

Being aware of the risks

Malicious Software (known as 'malware')

Malware is short for malicious software. Detailed below are different kinds of malware that are a risk to computer users in everyday life, for example Spyware, Ransomware and so on.

Spyware

A piece of software that allows a criminal to spy on a user (without their knowledge) when they are using their computer. These spying capabilities include actively monitoring a user and collecting what a user is typing including collecting bank details and passwords.

Spyware software can be downloaded with other software, like music sharing software.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malware (malicious software) that gives criminals the ability to lock a computer from a remote location, which means that the computer owner can't use their computer.

The criminal will then send a message to the owner's computer saying that the computer will not be unlocked until a sum of money is paid. In some cases, the only usable part of the computer is the number keypad to enter a PIN to allow payment to the criminals.

If your computer has been locked by ransomware, get professional advice from a trustworthy source.

Trojan

A Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as a normal file or computer program to trick users into downloading and installing malware on their computer.

A Trojan can give a criminal remote access to an infected computer. Once an attacker has access to an infected computer, it is possible for the attacker to steal information like login details, banking information or even electronic money. The attacker can also use the Trojan to install more malware to change files and monitor user activity.

Viruses

Viruses are destructive software that can run on your computer without you knowing. They spread through the internet and emails by copying themselves to documents and programmes on your computer. Viruses can cause damage by deleting files and can allow criminals to monitor your computer and steal personal information. They can slow down your computer and take days to remove.

Botnets

A botnet is a network of virus-infected computers that are used together and can be remotely controlled. The attacker can then have access to the computers and use them for malicious activities, such as sending spam. All this can be done without the computer users knowing what is happening.

Protecting your computer

Common signs that your computer has been attacked

Even though there are a wide range of malware types, the majority of them produce similar symptoms. Below are the more common symptoms:

your files being edited or deleted without your permission
your computer freezing or crashing more than normal
strange files appearing on you computer that you haven’t downloaded
emails or messages being sent out from your email or social media without you knowing
increased CPU usage - central processing unit (CPU) carries out the active tasks and processes that are running on your computer - malware makes your computer work harder than normal and your CPU usage will show this
general strange behaviour from your computer

Security measures you can take

Using the most up-to-date version of your operating system

Your operating system is the main piece of software controlling your computer. The most common systems are Microsoft Windows (used on PCs), Macintosh OS (used on Macs) and Linux (used on Linux computers).

All new computers have this software installed. The most recent version of the software is usually the most secure. Updates are usually available from the software manufacturer and are free to download.

Protecting your computer
Safer Mac use
Safer Linux use

Make sure you have a desktop firewall in place

A firewall is software or hardware that acts as a filter between your computer or network and the internet. Using a firewall prevents unauthorised access to your computer and is designed to stop worms (another type of malicious software).

Desktop firewalls for individual computers are available in high street shops. Some operating systems have built-in firewalls but it's best to check with the manufacturer and find out if it provides adequate protection.

Firewalls

Using up-to-date antivirus software

Antivirus software checks your computer for viruses and alerts you about those it recognises. It's important to keep this software up-to-date, as new viruses are being created all the time.

Viruses and spyware

Use strong passwords

Many websites use passwords to protect your identity. If your passwords are easy to guess, someone else could work out what they are. Using strong passwords is especially important when you're spending money online. Good passwords should:

never be shared or written down somewhere - don't tell helpline staff your password
the longer the password, the harder it is to crack - so aim for a password with a minimum of eight characters
include lower and upper case letters, numbers and other keyboard characters
change regularly - every three months is a good guide
not be the same on all the websites you use
don't use obvious passwords like “password” or “1234567” - a hacker can guess these in seconds and should be avoided at all costs

These guidelines make it more difficult for hackers to crack your password therefore use unusual passwords.

Security settings - adjusting your privacy settings

You can customise your device by changing the security and privacy settings helping to protect from harmful or malicious web content. You can choose how and when sites can use your location information and block unwanted pop-ups.

Adjusting your privacy settings in Windows 10
How to stay safe online
10 top tips for smartphone security

Log off and collect print-outs

If you’re accessing a site where you have provided personal details or a password, always log off and close your browser window when you've finished. This is especially important if you are using a shared computer, for example, in an internet café or library.

Make sure you collect anything you print from the printer or your personal details might fall into the wrong hands.

Monitoring your family's use of the internet

Make sure everyone's aware of internet safety issues, especially young people who may use file-sharing programmes, instant messaging and chatrooms more than adults. Think about restricting sites they can view and what they can download. It's usually possible do this through the settings on your browser or you can buy separate software.

Online scams

A scam is an illegal scheme that tries to trick you out of your money. Online scams use the internet and email. Find out more about online scams:

Online scams

scamwiseni has information on:

the latest news about recent scams
how to recognise a scam
how to beat the scammers
who to contact if you think you have encountered a scam
how to protect yourself from fraudsters in 'The Little Book of Big Scams'
15 common COVID-19 scams to watch out for

Online shopping and banking

There are a few steps you can take to shop online safely and keep your financial details secure.

information can be found on page 17 in the Improving digital skills to help people get online

Online shopping can be fun, convenient and often benefits of money-saving. Information on how to:

find online bargains
how to use cashback sites
what are eBay and Amazon
internet shopping
how to buy online
how to compare prices
how to shop safely online
how to use PayPal

Before you buy online, note the address, telephone number and any other contact details of the company you’re buying from. Never rely on just an email address.