Gateway ID57HR, User Manual

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Internet - 63
protect your Internet connection from unwanted connections, some of
which may attempt to take control of your computer to install or re-
distribute viruses or malicious programs. Each connection to your
computer is monitored - programs that attempt to receive information
without your permission are detected and the firewall will display an alert.
You can then decide if you will allow the connection, if the connection is to
a program you are currently using then normally you would allow it (i.e. a
game connecting to a multi-player server or an encyclopaedia making a
content update).
How to protect your computer
Cybercrime prevention can be straight-forward - when armed with a little
technical advice and common sense, many attacks can be avoided. In
general, online criminals are trying to make their money as quickly and
easily as possible. The more difficult you make their job, the more likely
they are to leave you alone and move on to an easier target. The tips
below provide basic information on how you can prevent online fraud.
Keep your computer current with the latest patches and updates
One of the best ways to keep attackers away from your computer is to
apply patches and other software fixes when they become available. By
regularly updating your computer, you block attackers from being able to
take advantage of software flaws (vulnerabilities) that they could otherwise
use to break into your system.
While keeping your computer up-to-date will not protect you from all
attacks, it makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your
system, blocks many basic and automated attacks completely, and might