Online security has recently become big business, however it need not cost Internet users an arm and a leg to surf safely! In this guide, the KUG will discuss cost effective measures of ensuring online security.

Threats

Before looking at ways to protect ourselves and our computers when online, we need to consider the types of threats out there...and there are quite a few! The days of just having to worry about viruses are long gone!

This list is not exhaustive, but does display today's most common online threats:

• Virus - A program that finds a way to execute itself and also replicates using a host file.
• Worm - A program that finds a way to execute itself and also replicates. Instead of using a host file however, a worm will attach itself to a specific type of file or IP port in order to replicate.
• Trojan Horse - A piece of software that arrives disguised as something else, often something amusing or desirable. A Trojan horse does not replicate.
• SPAM - Unwanted email. Often used as a carrier of viruses and worms. Uses previously compromised computers and mis-configured email servers to spread.
• Spyware - A piece of software that is usually installed by legitimate software (often without the user knowing) that has the ability to invade your privacy. Does not replicate.
• Phishing - This describes the process of someone sending out fraudulent email purporting to be from a company, often a financial institution, in an attempt to gain your personal details.
• Rouge Diallers - This is where a piece of software maliciously changes the telephone number your modem calls to connect to the Internet, often to a premium rate number. As such, this only affects dialup Internet users.

The outcome of any of the above threats compromising your computer can vary from one end of the scale to the other. Each of the above threats can vary from being partially amusing through to crippling your computer (and possibly emptying your bank account!). For this reason, all of the above threats need to be taken very seriously.

Prevention Methods

So what can you do to ensure maximum security online? Quite a lot actually! Consider the following:

• Bin the USB modem, it offers ZERO security! If you use broadband, the KUG recommend that you do not use the USB modem that KC provide you with. Instead, buy a modem with an integrated router. This will at least provide you with the protection that NAT offers, and often with a fully configurable firewall. The KUG currently recommend the use of the Netgear DG834.
• Use a firewall to keep unwanted intruders out, and your information in! If using a router is not an option for you, or you use dialup Internet access, then you should always use a software firewall. Windows XP provides a firewall. More information can be found on Microsofts website. If you are not using Windows XP, then you could use the free versions of Zonealarm or Kerio.
• Use anti-virus software to protect yourself from viruses, worms and Trojan horses. Today, most anti-virus vendors charge for their software. For instance Symantec, Trend Micro and Sophos. However, some are still provided free of charge for instance Grisoft AVG (recommended by KC and the KUG) and FreeAV. If you do not want to use anti-virus software, then we at least recommend the regular use of Trend Micros free online virus scanner Housecall.
• Enable the junk mail filter on your email account. The Karoo Control Panel now offers a junk email filter to prevent unwanted email ending up in your inbox! Other email providers, for instance Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail all offer junk email filtering which can be easily enabled by logging in to your account.
• Use anti-spyware software to keep your Internet usage private. Like anti-virus software, most vendors will charge privacy conscious users for such software. There remains some free of charge however and amongst these are Ad-Aware, Noadware and Spybot.
• Keep your operating system and software up to date. If you use Windows XP, please download Service Pack 2 from Microsoft. Also, ensure you are using Automatic Updates or if this is not possible in your version of Windows, visit Windows Update frequently. All other software, especially server orientated software, should be kept up to date as a further precaution.
• Try a different web browser. Microsoft's Internet Explorer is one of the most vulnerable pieces of software in use today due to the sheer number of people that use it. For this reason, many web surfers are looking elsewhere and using Mozilla Firefox. Not only is Firefox more secure, but it also offers features that Internet Explorer 6 does not, for instance tabbed browsing and integrated RSS!
• Enable DEP. If your computer uses an AMD Athlon 64 CPU and you are using Windows XP SP2, you can enable DEP to stop almost any virus, worm and Trojan horse dead in its tracks without the use of anti-virus software! More information on this is available from Microsoft.
• Regularly check your dialup number. All of the Karoo dialup access numbers are shown on the Karoo Services page. If you find your dialup number to be incorrect, the KUG suggest you Contact KC immediately. KC also offer a service that will block the ability to make calls to premium rate numbers.

Other Tips

While the above will ensure that your computer is as secure as can be, much still remains in the hands of you, the user, as to how safe your computer will be.

Simply using common sense and setting some 'ground rules' for computer/Internet usage, plays a big part. Consider the following:

• Never ever give out your personal details to someone or a company you do not know or trust. Banks and online retailers will NEVER ask you for personal details via email.
• Make a policy of not accepting files via Instant Messaging systems unless you implicitly trust the person sending you the file.
• Use different email accounts for different reasons. You could use your Karoo email account for personal correspondence only, and create a number of free accounts for online shopping and other reasons.

Could KC Do More?

While KC do offer security measures to keep its users safe, for instance email anti-virus and anti-spam services, port blocking and rouge dialler advice, more could be done. For instance:

• A good starting point would be to start providing new broadband customers a modem with an integrated router that offers a built in firewall as standard. UPDATE: KC now provide a modem/router as a choice for their customers. Visit the Karoo Portal for more information on this.
• Something immediately noticeable about KC's virus/worm advice is that it is only updated when a major new outbreak occurs. While KC expect the paying customer to be constantly up to date, they do not apply this logic to the advice they offer.
• Some ISP's, notably Nildram, provide broadband services that utilise a Centralised Firewall keeping users of this service safe without having to run their own firewall! KC offer no such service.

Note: The KUG realise that this guide uses a lot of jargon and assumes a certain level of technical knowledge in order to keep things concise. However in-depth explanations on all technical terms can be researched using the Wikipedia, Google or alternately Contact Us for further information.

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