What measure would you take to avoid : (i) Virus attack (ii) Spyware (iii) Adware (iv) Spam (v) PC intrusion

Q. What measure would you take to avoid :

(i) Virus attack

(ii) Spyware

(iii) Adware

(iv) Spam

(v) PC intrusion

Answer:-

(i) Virus:-
• Use anti-virus software.
• Do not use disks/software from unknown sources.
• Do not open emails from unknown senders.

(ii) Spyware:-

• Use drop down boxes.
• User should be alert and look for clues when using their computer.

(iii) Adware:-

• Run frequent full-system scans.
• Keep your system up-to-date.
• Use caution when downloading files on the Internet.
• Be careful with email.
• Disable Cookies, if possible.

(iv) Spam:-

• Keep your email address private:- Be careful whom you give your email address to. Before giving your address out on an online form, check if there is a website privacy policy. This policy typically informs you of how they handle your personal information. Signing up for free offers seen online or by email may dramatically increase your chances of receiving spam messages.
• Use encrypted connection always especially if you have to provide sensitive information. Encrypted connections are made possible through protocols like Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) and Secure Shell (SSH) and offer better security to data being transmitted.
• Install personal firewall on computers connected to the Internet so as to keep a check on incoming and outgoing information and connections.
• Always avoid conducting online transactions or using online banking services on public networks or public Internet facilities (e.g., public WiFi).
• Install protection software such as Internet security software that also provides intrusion prevention system to detect and prevent further attacks by eavesdroppers.

(v) PC intrusion:-

(a) Use proper File access permissions when sharing files on the Internet:-

File access permissions refer to privileges that allow a user to read, write or execute a file.

• If a user has Read permission for a file, he/she can view and read the file.
• If a user has Write permission for a file, he/she can edit and write into the file.
• If a user has Execute permission for a file, he/she can execute the file.

File permissions are given for three sets of users: owner, group and others.

• Owner - the user who has created the file.
• Group - the group of users who are working with the owner as a group.
• Others - all other users.

So, you can decide upon the file permissions, so that an unknown user does not get write or execute permissions at all.

(b) Disconnect from the Internet when away:-

Using "always on" Internet connections such cable and DSL increases your chances of some infections and intrusions as your PC is always connected to the Internet. This doesn't mean you should switch back to dial-up Internet- however, you may want to disconnect from your "always on" connection when you don't plan on using it for a long period of time.