Beware of phony tech support calls

Cybercriminals have started calling people on the telephone offering to fix computer problems.  Read more from Microsoft: Don’t fall for phony phone tech support.

I’ve actually heard about this happening recently to someone and it can be very convincing.  In that case the attempt was similar to what happened to this computer user.  It does seem an expensive way to otain personal details, but it must be working for them so be care!

If you know of anyone having a similar expereince please share.

Microsoft Security Tips on Wireless Networks

Microsoft’s latest security for home computer users (Volumn 7, Number 3 March9, 2010) has a collection of security tips for using wireless networks – wi-fi and bluetooth.

• Help secure your wireless network
• 4 safety tips for using Wi-Fi
• Avoid wireless attacks through your Bluetooth mobile phone
• Protecting your phone

If you have other tips please share.

What is a secure website?

Basically, it’s a website where the data is encrpted as is travels between your computer and the senders computer.  All websites that handle financial or senstive information should have this.  The web address will begin with https.

For a really clear visual explanation if this visit Commoncraft’s Secure Websites in Plain English.

Some Simple Security Tips from Europe

Found some simple security awareness videos on the ENISA website (yeah I know, I never heard of them either but it stands for the European Network and Information Security Agency).

The videos focus on creating awareness of data security in every day situations.  The messages are basically obvious so to save you a few clicks I noted some here:

• Working on sensitive information in public can be expensive! (so be careful and watch out for those shoulder surfers)
• Use a strong password … combine letters, numbers and symbols which are easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess! (always a good idea)
• Be careful where you store your password.  Keep it in a safe place! (not on a post-it note on your computer!)
• Ctrl + Alt + Delete … to protect your data! (always lock that computer – it’s the front door to your digital world)
• Avoid printing confidential information if not necessary! (or get to the printer fast)

What is Microsoft Security Essentials?

Microsoft Security Essentials is a new, free consumer anti-malware solution for your computer. It helps protect against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It’s available as a no-cost download for Windows XP SP2 and higher, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
Help protect your PC with Microsoft Security Essentials

You can download it from the Microsoft Security Essentials Site.

It seems to be a very good idea from Microsoft and will certainly make other Anti-virus/malware providers sit up.  If you’re currently using this software let us know what you think?

Creating Strong Passwords

Here’s some help from Microsoft on creating strong passwords:

• Create strong passwords
• Check your password — is it strong?
• 5 tips to help keep your passwords secret

If you know of other similar useful resources please share within the comments.

Shop safely online this Christmas

Today Ofcom has published a video setting out steps consumers can take and stuff they need to look out for when shopping online this Christmas (part of Get Safe Online week).

This will be a very useful video for many people.  There’s just one thing, the guy in the video is using a Mac.  Correct me if I’m wrong here but surely Windows users need anti-virus and firewalls more than Mac users!  I think a Windows PC would have been more relevant to most people watching the video.

Phishing

Given the recent phishing attacks we are hearing about here’s a very useful Q and A from the BBC tech website to help you get up to speed: Q&A: Phishing for your precious data

Make your online data vanish

New software at the University of Washington named ‘Vanish’ can now make your online data disappear!

Read more at this BBC technology article: ‘This website will self-destruct…‘ and on the Vanish web pages.

Email hoaxes

At some point in your mailboxes life you may have received an email warning about a virus or some other topic from a friend being helpful. But how do you determine if the content is real and not a hoax?

Simple! One of your first stops should be the website www.hoax-slayer.com. Here you will find information to help you avoid falling for hoaxes and passing them to friends.