The internet is a wonderful tool that can make your life better in many ways. Unfortunately the features that make it easy for honest people to use can also be exploited by mischief-makers and even criminals.

But you should not let fear stop you using the internet. A few simple precautions will keep you safe online. 

Anti-virus software and firewalls

Computer viruses spread from computer to computer in email attachments and files downloaded from websites.  If a virus ‘infects’ your computer, you may have to have all your software replaced, or lose your data. Anti-virus software detects any viruses that are sent to your computer and stops them from doing any damage.

A firewall stops anyone connecting to your computer without your permission and also blocks malicious programs that try to take over your computer. This can happen even if you are only connected to the internet for a few minutes without protection. Microsoft Windows includes a firewall. 

Ask about anti-virus software when you buy your computer.  You can often get a free trial with a new computer. Many ISPs also sell it as part of their package. 

Make sure that anti-virus software is installed and the firewall is switched on before you access the internet. The person who sets up your internet connection should make sure this is done. If you set up your own connection, get advice from your ISP’s helpline, or from a friend or relative who knows about computers.

It is very important that anti-virus software is kept up to date to guard against new threats. These updates are normally automatic, but you need a subscription to the software to make sure they continue to arrive. If you have a ‘free trial’ you must make sure that you do not let it expire through non-payment.

You can download a free version of anti-virus software from AVG Free Advisor

Spam

Spam is email that is sent automatically to millions of addresses. It usually advertises things such as drugs or pornography.

If you receive an email from someone that you have never heard of, don’t open it. Delete it immediately. If you do open it by accident, don’t click on any links. Never reply to a spam message.

Be careful about opening attachments to email messages as this is a common way that viruses spread. Never open an attachment to a spam message. Even if the message seems to come from someone you know, ask yourself whether they would have sent it to you. If you have any doubts, check with them first.

A favourite trick of online criminals is to send messages that claim to come from a bank, and ask you to go to a website and give your bank account details and PIN. No bank will ever ask you to do this. If you have any doubts about an email that seems to come from your bank, telephone the bank using the phone number on your statement.

Never give out your bank details or PIN in response to an email, or enter them into a website. Only give credit or debit card details when you are using a secure online shopping site. 

Chatrooms and email groups

If you are using any of these, it is important to take care of your personal safety. 

When you are using a chatroom or email group, don’t give out personal information such as your address or phone number to people you don’t know well.

If you arrange to meet someone from a chatroom whom you have not met before, arrange to meet in a public place where there will be plenty of other people. It might be a good idea to take a friend or relative with you the first time.

It’s a good idea to set up a separate email address for chatrooms and email groups, then, if you start to get annoying messages, you can simply cancel that address.

Shopping online

Only buy from online retailers that have a good reputation, either as ‘high street’ shops, or established online stores. If you do buy from a small company, make sure that its website shows an address and a fixed telephone number (not a mobile). If you use auction sites such as eBay follow their security advice very carefully.

Any website that asks you for credit card or bank details should be secure’. This means that the information you send it cannot be read by anyone else. A secure website will display a padlock or a key symbol either at the bottom left, or at the top of your screen.

If the company wants to pass on your details to other companies, it should give you the right to say no. Look for a tick box on the site, and only say yes if you really want to get junk mail. 

Never download pirated software, music or videos. This is illegal. 

If you buy online, it is worth using a price comparison website to make sure you are getting the best deal. 

Backups

Backups are copies of computer files that ensure the data is still available even if your computer fails or is damaged or stolen. Make backups of all important financial information and anything else that is precious to you, such as photos, on CD or DVD, and keep them somewhere safe.

For more useful advice about online security see the website: www.getsafeonline.org