86 - Internet and online security
The next line of defense many times is your antivirus software, which
monitors all online activities such as email messages and Web
browsing and protects an individual from viruses, worms, Trojan horse
and other types of malicious programs. Your antivirus and
antispyware software should be configured to update itself, and it
should do so every time you connect to the Internet.
Integrated security suites such as Norton Internet Security, which
combine firewall, antivirus, antispyware with other features such as
antispam and parental controls, have become popular as they offer all
the security software needed for online protection in a single package.
Many people find using a comprehensive security suite an attractive
alternative to installing, configuring and updating several different
types of security software.
A complete version of Norton Internet Security is pre-installed on your
Gateway system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection
updates. Make sure you Activate it!
Choose strong passwords and keep them safe
Passwords are a fact of life on the Internet today; we use them for
everything from ordering flowers and online banking to logging into
our favorite airline Web site to see how many miles we have
accumulated. The following tips can help make your online
experiences secure:
• Selecting a password that cannot be easily guessed is the first step
toward keeping passwords secure and out of the wrong hands.
Strong passwords have eight characters or more and use a
combination of letters, numbers and symbols (e.g., # $ % ! ?). Avoid
using any of the following as your password: your login name,
anything based on your personal information such as your last
name, and words that can be found in the dictionary, especially
"password." Try to select especially strong, unique passwords for
protecting activities like online banking.
• Keep your passwords in a safe place and try not to use the same
password for every service you use online.
• Change passwords on a regular basis, at least every 90 days. This
can limit the damage caused by someone who has already gained
access to your account. If you notice something suspicious with one
