Internet Security

Internet security is on a lot of people's minds because of the many publicized ransomware and hacking situations that have recently come to light. It has been revealed that wireless connections are especially susceptible to hacking and these public networks should be used with care. Businesses have long had anti malware and spy ware on their systems, and now many are adding the same software to their home computers. Another good idea for home computer users, is a password randomizer, there are quite a few sites online that will generate strong, random passwords that are difficult to crack. These services also offer a key pass that will remember all passwords, LastPass is especially popular as it stores all of your passwords in an encrypted file which is accessed by a fingerprint.

Frequently Asked Questions ( 8 )   Add a Question

  1. Is a DSL line safer than a wireless connection?
    Reply

    Wireless connections are much more easily hacked than their wired counterparts. If you are using a public network be very careful to not enter any personal information on any of the websites that you visit. Home networks need to have a very strong password that is changed on a regular basis.

    Best Answer
  2. What is ransomware?
    Reply

    Ransomware is a hack that takes over control of your computer and locks you out of accessing it. They put up a notice on your screen that gives information for where payment must be made before you can access your network again. These scams are very dangerous and law enforcement should be notified if this should happen to you.

    Best Answer
  3. What is an easy way to remember so many different passwords?
    Reply

    There a lot of sites that offer password encryption services that store all of your passwords and you will only need to remember one. These services vary in the features that they offer as well as their costs. LastPass is a great place to start as they are considered one of the best providers of such services.

    Best Answer
  4. How do you know if you've been hacked?
    Reply

    Hacking can occur over wireless networks and affect a particular system, however, most hacking occurs when a large online retailer is hacked and all of their customers' financial information is stolen. Be sure to monitor all accounts carefully for any fraudulent activity.

    Best Answer
  5. How secure are mobile devices?
    Reply

    Mobile devices can also be accessed by hackers. Be sure to secure your device with a strong password and be wary of any apps or other downloads that look suspicious. If possible, try not to use public and unsecured networks unless absolutely necessary.

    Best Answer
  6. What is the best course of action if there is suspicious activity on an account?
    Reply

    If there are unknown charges on an account contact the issuing company immediately. It is a good idea to receive alerts every time that there is activity on an account or credit card in order to have any fraudulent charges investigated immediately.

    Best Answer
  7. Is it safe to use the same password for multiple accounts?
    Reply

    It is always best to have unique, strong, and random passwords for all sites that are accessed on a regular basis. If possible, conduct all online purchases as site guest rather than entering your information and having it stored by the vendor.

    Best Answer
  8. Is it illegal to lie about your identity online?
    Reply

    It is not illegal to lie about your identity online in most cases. Sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook try to verify all of their users' identities for accuracy but people will circumvent these rules quite often. Never give personal information over the net, especially to someone that you do not know. 

    Best Answer