Online Threats

Viruses and Spyware

One of the best ways to protect against viruses is to have up-to-date genuine anti-virus software installed on your computer.

This software will help you to detect and remove known viruses after the computer downloads or runs the virus. Please ensure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date as this will help to increase your level of protection.

If you are unsure about which anti-virus package to go for or how to install your chosen anti-virus software please contact a professional or someone knowledgeable for assistance.

Key Logging

A key logger is a type of malware that is used to covertly record what you are typing and doing, on your computer.

A key logger programmed can potentially do the following:

Keep track of websites you visited, when and for how long as well as what you typed on the keyboard while visiting those sites
Record personal information you use to access your PC or the Internet sites you visit
Take screenshots of what is happening on your PC as you type.

A software based key-logger is the most likely type you will encounter at home. The software can get onto your PC in a number of different ways:

By tricking you into installing it, such as a website offering you a free utility or piece of software
Installing automatically when you open an email attachment
By installing software without your knowledge when you visit a malicious website
From opening USB Storage devices, DVDs and CDs from people or other sources you don’t trust.

Once installed on your computer, it makes a copy of all your keystrokes. Details of the keystrokes may be saved to a file on your hard drive where they can be retrieved by the attacker or they may be sent without your knowledge to the attacker's website or to an anonymous email address.

If you discover a key logger is installed on your computer you should have it checked by a professional and ensure the key logger is removed completely.