Internet Fact & Fiction Resources

Talk Specific Information and Links

Must Do’s and Must Have’s:

Patch Frequently
- operating systems and programs
- preform monthly (at a minimum)
Use STRONG passwords
- see http://technicalknow-how.com/news/IFF2014-pws
- see http://pctools.com/guides/password/ for suggestions
Use Encryption for important Data *
- where appropriate, with knowledge and care
- https://gnupg.org/ (linux/windows/mac)
- You can also see: http://www.gpg4win.org/ (windows) & https://gpgtools.org/ (macs)
Use a Backup utility
- USD drive(s)
- NAS (network area storage) like: http://www.synology.com
- Online service like: http://mozy.com (not an endorsement)
Think first, then think again, then “Google it”, before you act!
- Common sense is your friend
NEVER publicly post your personal information on any site
- Anywhere, that includes Facebook, et al!!
Use Antivirus Software
- Vipre, Norton, McAffee, etc
Use a Firewall
- Comes with Microsoft, enable it!
- http://www.zonealarm.com/ Free (bi-directional) firewall (and anti-virus)
Use PSI (Personal Software Inspector)
- http://www.comodo.com/products/free-products.php *
- http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/ a Free PSI for personal use
Use Anti-malware tools
- https://www.malwarebytes.org/ a Free tool that catches things anti-virus misses
Use Anti-spam tools
- Built in to web mail clients like Google or Yahoo
Use Anti-spyware/Spybot scanner
- Spybot S&D – http://safer-networking.org

*Comodo is an SSL Certificate Authority, it also provides some nice, free tools that include: An Internet Security scanner, PSI, 90 day 10 GB backup service (great for temp storage when migrating to a new system), Email certificates for encrypting your messages, Comodo IceDragon (Firefox clone) for all these visit: http://www.comodo.com/products/free-products.php

Other Important Information & Links

Important information to further your knowledge:

Check the facts of that latest “Urgent” email you received before forwarding it to everyone you know!

http://snopes.com (run by single user, while not 100% all the time, pretty darn reliable)

FBI – A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety

http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide

FBI – Internet Safety for Kids

http://www.fbi.gov/fun-games/kids/kids-safety

NCJRS – National Criminal Justice Reference Service

https://www.ncjrs.gov/internetsafety/ (information for parents & kids)

IRS – Report Phishing

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Report-Phishing