Internet Security
A message from the Rector ...
Our web designer, Mark Allen, has asked me to draw your attention to the subject of 'Internet Security'. If you are new to the Internet, you may not be aware of the dangers involved. I do not want to alarm you, but just like taking Vitamin C to protect you from the catching the cold virus, there are some simple things you need to do to protect your computer from catching a virus. Indeed even if you are seasoned internet user, may I suggest that you read Mark's advice set out below.
John McDowell
================================================
Hi folks,
I designed this web site, but I was concerned that by creating this new web site for St Mark's it would attract folk who may not be 'up to date' with the wonders and dangers that the Internet brings. As Rev McDowell has mentioned above, I do not want to alarm you. But, I do think that you must know of the dangers of using an unprotected computer on the Internet. I will explain the dangers and also offer FREE solutions to protect you.
Just so you know:
Every time you connect to the Internet to surf, work and e-mail without adequate protection software, your system and your data is in constant danger. Every web site you visit and every email you send, will be recorded somewhere on a computer. A recent BBC programme (BBC Click) illustrated that an unprotected computer could be infected with a virus, trojan or spy ware within 2 minutes of unprotected connection to the Internet. So, if you do not have nay protection the chances are that your computer is already infected!
The risks:
- Viruses that access your PC unnoticed can cause great damage. They can delete your entire data - or even make your computer completely unusable.
- Hackers can access your PC even if you are not surfing the Web. This can raise the danger to become a victim of identity theft.
- Spam mails aren't only annoying, they are also dangerous: phishing mails are camouflaged as official notes from your online bank and obtain valuable access codes by fraud.
What can I do to protect my computer?
Simple: All you have to do is download and install an Internet Security Suite. In the past there were separate products to protect your computer from different types of nasty threats. Now you can get one suite that covers everything. There are many good and free products that will do this.
- If you are on Virgin Cable then download and use their free "Virgin Media Security: Total" package here:
- If you use any other Internet provider then check out Comodo this offers free protection for even Win7 64bit users!
Download, install and run the program. It will want to update itself to the very latest information. Then let it check your computer out. Follow the programs suggestions and either quarantine or delete any nasties found.
The free programs offer really good protection. However, as you might expect, the paid for versions offer even better protection. If you do decide to buy, 'Kaspersky, 'Norton', etc., then I suggest to check the prices with amazon.co.uk first. You will find that you can get a 3 licence deal for much cheaper than going to the official web site.
This is only advice, clearly how you protect your computer is up to you! But the bottom line is simple, if you do not have adequate Internet Security the you will find that your computer becomes slow, (it is being used by others), links to other web sites and searches will be hijacked and may result in the most inappropriate content! All this can be avoided by installing a free, or paid, version of an internet security suite.
Mark
