-
Firewalls
An explaination as to why they're so important.
What does a firewall do?
The World Wide Web is a network and if you don't have a firewall installed, other users on the Internet will be able to access your computer. A firewall is a virtual barrier between the Internet and your home computer network.
Why install a firewall?
Since most people store personal information on their computers, it's important to prevent intruders from breaking in and compromising this data. Firewalls prevent malicious software that uses computer networks and security holes to replicate and spread from computer to computer via the Internet.
What other protection will I need?
Firewalls do a lot to keep your personal documents and information safe; however they don't protect your computer against most viruses. Thus we recommend that you also have antivirus software installed.
Types of Firewalls
We strongly recommend that you also install a software firewall on every computer that connects to the Internet.
Back to top
-
Antivirus
It's vital that your computer is running up to date virus protection.
When a malicious software program is passed from computer to computer, similar to how a virus is passed by people, it's called a computer virus. And like a biological virus, they're not fun and won't make you popular with your friends.
To avoid getting a virus and passing it onto others, we recommend that you run antivirus software on your computer. The people who write these viruses are always coming up with new and innovative ways to get a virus onto a computer, thus it's important that you ensure you perform frequent updates of your antivirus software.
Back to top
-
Spyware blocker
Prevent online thieves from tracking your online activity before it's too late.
Spyware does exactly what it sounds like, it spies on unsuspecting computer users by recording personal information like credit card numbers, home addresses and consumer buying patterns. It is dangerous and should be taken seriously. In extreme cases information from your computer can be taken and used for identity fraud and theft. It is important to understand the risks involved if your computer is left unprotected and how to best protect yourself from the growing trend of identity fraud.
Different types of spyware:
- Adware is designed to get you to visit commercial websites, typically gambling and porn sites. It will pop-up unwanted adverts, often with offensive content. It will download adverts that take up your bandwidth and may hijack your browser and change your settings and home page.
- Surveillance spyware is more sinister. It will scan your hard disk for private data, such as credit card numbers, passwords and other personal information.It will upload this information over the Internet to criminals who will exploit the information.
How to stop spyware from reaching your computer:
- Download with caution
- Only buy software from reputable companies
- Never click on an 'ok' button that appears on a pop up
- Be wary of "free" programs that are paid for by advertising, or if they offer to install additional programs during the installation process. Remember to read the small print
- Most importantly, use anti-spyware software
Back to top
-
Data backup
Back up of all your important files and documents.
Computers get stolen and sometimes catch fire; this can cost you your irreplaceable data and documents. Computers crash, it's a fact of life. And sometimes, simply rebooting doesn't fix things. Disk failure can lead to a complete loss of all the data on your computer.
Backing up your data is a basic preventative measure that will keep you from pulling your hair out. Use a Zip disk, USB flash memory stick, recordable CD or DVD, to save what you really wouldn't want to live without.
You can also utilise online services that automatically back up designated folders and store them remotely and securely.
Back to top
-
Spam protection
Prevent your email address from getting bombarded with spam.
Spam is unsolicited email advertising. As your ISP, we put an enormous effort into preventing spam from reaching you. We constantly monitor incoming email patterns for suspicious activity and update our spam filter with new rules as we see new spam threats emerging. The majority of spam sent to your email address will not get past us; however you may see the occasional few get through.
Have you turned your spam filter on?
Your Waitrose.com email account comes with a spam filter which can be accessed through Webmail. Turn the filter on and customise your filter rules.
How spammers get your email address
By guessing - spammers use automated software to generate addresses by using domain names they know will have many email addresses associated with them, e.g. waitrose.com. Additionally, some viruses and spyware can 'harvest' email addresses from infected computers. Be selective about who you give your email address to. Some online competitions are just an exercise to collect valid email addresses to spam later.
How to stop spam
Never respond to a spam email, this only verifies to the spammer that you exist and makes your email address a higher spam target. Never buy anything advertised on a spam email. Never click on any link contained within a spam email.
Back to top
-
Wireless security
Make sure your wireless connection is being used by you.
Wireless routers allow computers to communicate to each other using a radio link, similar to walkie talkies or cordless phones. Unfortunately this means anyone within the range of the wireless router can pick up the signal.
There are three main risks to wireless networks:
- Eavesdropping: In order to stop people from accessing your private network and seeing your personal information from a remote location, it is vital that your network is encrypted.
- Hacking: You need to restrict your network to outside users and computers. Hardware firewalls can help prevent hackers from breaking into your system.
- Freeloading: Some people will use your paid for bandwidth as their free broadband connection.
How to protect your wireless network
With all other models of wireless router we suggest you use WEP encryption. Make sure that every computer on your network has a software firewall installed and use a strong password.
Back to top
-
Operating system
Keeping your computer up to date with the latest security patches is important.
Your operating system is the central software that runs your computer. Security vulnerabilities are sometimes discovered and the manufacturers often release updates or patches that secure these vulnerabilities. It is therefore important to keep your operating system up to date.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows Automatic Update checks for security repair, compatibility updates and new drivers. It does this by running in the background whilst you are connected on the Internet, and where updates are available, downloads them onto your PC. To learn more on how to update Windows XP, Vista and earlier versions simply visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Mac OS X
Macintosh OS X Software Update automatically checks for software updates on a weekly basis via your Internet connection. You can customise your auto update by choosing a different schedule or if you do not have continual Internet access, check for updates manually. To get immediate updates, follow these simple steps:
- Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.
- Click on the Apple Icon and choose Software Update from your Apple menu
- Choose the items you wish to install and click Install
- Enter your admin details and install
- Restart your computer
Regularly updating your operating system and installing Internet Security software can help keep your computer safe from Internet threats.
Back to top