Internet and online security - 73
against malware, make sure it is using up-to-date antivirus and anti-
malware software.
What is a personal firewall?
A personal firewall is a software program designed to prevent
unauthorized access to or from a private network. It acts as a shield to
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 be enough to discourage less-determined attackers, so
they will give up and look for a more vulnerable computer elsewhere.
More recent versions of Microsoft Windows and other popular
software can be configured to download and apply updates
automatically so that you do not have to remember to check for the
