Internet fraud terrorized 12% of UK in 2006

It has been no secret that with the advent of internet-centric business, fraud was sure to follow. The UK has seemingly fallen particularly susceptible to internet theft within the last year, says a report released by the government and Get Safe Online today.

More stunning than the 1 in 10 statistic of internet users who were victimized was the average amount the average user was looted for: a stunning 875 pounds.

While we’re on a roll, more than 1 out of every 2 people surveyed believed they were not responsible for their own safety on the internet; many felt that banks, online companies, and well…everyone except themselves was to be held directly responsible for their safety.

Just as innumerous other computer-related problems arise, many of the users failed to keep their protection software up to date, or used 1 main password for multiple sites. 45% of users polled revealed their passwords were comprised of real words, which authorities say can be cracked by skilled criminals.

A large group of users admitted replying to spam in an attempt to be taken off mailing lists (this might be a good time to illuminate the lovely “junk mail” or “spam” folders most mail programs integrate) .

46% of those polled revealed they used no anti-spyware software, while 7% said they didn’t even employ anti-virus software. It may come as a surprise to most average computer users that spyware poses a much more constant threat than viruses on today’s internet. A defense spyware and malware must be constantly in the forefront of computer system protection today.

Moving down the list of sad atrocities, the report found that 13% of internet users don’t use a firewall; 12% said their home wireless networks were unprotected as well. As much as Apple likes to poke fun at Windows Vista security, perhaps those pestilent messages are a necessity.

13% of users were stuck in an “AOL” mindset, believing their internet service providers should be held responsible for the safey of their patrons.

The Get Safe Online group has outlined a few simple ways through which users can increase the overall safety of their home computers and personal information, at www.getsafeonline.org.

Though many may feel like the general public is more “computer savvy” in the 21st century, it seems many are still lacking the knowledge necessary to navigate the internet safely. I’ve outlined a few simple tips of my own for those that aren’t quite up to speed:

1. Use your integrated firewall – Windows and OS-X both have integrated firewalls, and they both function well; in fact, if you disable your firewall in Windows, it harasses you to turn it back on at every opportunity. DO SO. If you experiencing difficulties with downloads or gaming, learn how to manipulate firewall ports. Abandoning your firewall is not the answer.

2. Spend the money on an anti-virus program – just so you know, the free 30-day trial of anti-virus software really does run out after 30 days if you don’t pay for it. Not only that, virus makers keep designing new stuff your old software doesn’t know about. McAfee VirusScan Enterprise is my virus protection of choice and comes highly recommended, but there are other great options. The idea is to choose one.
3. Employ a pop-up blocker. In the old days, you had to pay for a 3rd party pop-up blocker to protect your screen from those bothersome ads; today all good internet browsers integrate them. If you have to disable it for a trusted site, return it to active status immediately after.

4. Regularly use spyware protection software – unlike virus protection, spyware protection can require a user to update definitions and search for new spyware. Make sure to follow all the steps (update, search, immunize) to ensure you are protected against the latest barrage of spywares. I use McAfee AntiSpyware, Spybot Search and Destroy, and AdAware SE. Why so many? I like my computer clean, and each program has its uses.

5. Use multiple passwords – not only that, change your passwords frequently. Many government or state affiliated sites require a password change every two months, and new passwords must be comprised of at least 8 characters, including capital letters, numbers, symbols, etc. This may seem obvious, but if your name is Harry and you’re a pilot, your password shouldn’t be “harryflies”…other things to avoid might be using spouse or relative names, interests, etc. Stick to a letter-number combination, and vary it regularly.

• 

• Hackers attack Excel, batten down the spreadsheet!
• Review: Norton Internet Security 2011 is up to speed
• Does Symantec’s Norton 360 Cost Too Much?
• Malware hits Yahoo and Microsoft Instant Message services
• Review: Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 keeps your computer safe.