Being safe and secure online
Australian government booklet Internet Security Essentials for Small Business
An online training package developed by the Asia Oceania Electronic Marketplace Association, Safety Net Online, provides self assessment tools, case studies and games to increase awareness of security problems.
The Internet Industry Association's Security Portal explains security issues for small to medium organisations. The portal's aim is to build community confidence in using the internet for e-commerce by promoting in all users a culture of security. Have a look at their FAQs and Fact Sheets or submit a question to their experts.
Also see the Australian government’s brochure and a more detailed booklet Trusting the Internet.
Securing your own PC
Keeping Windows updated: Official homepage of Microsoft Windows Updates: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
Detailed instructions on setting up Win 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP for automatic Windows updating: http://www.uic.edu/pharmacy/it/Tips/winupdat1.htm
Internet Industry Association's security portal website
Virus protection
The Internet Industry Association National AntiVirus Initiative: http://www.iia.net.au/novirus/
Internet Industry Association’s security portal website: http://www.security.iia.net.au/australian_resources/security_issues/viruses.html
McAfee – http://www.mcafee.com
Internet Security Systems – http://www.iss.net/
Symantec – http://www.symantec.com.au
Trend Micro – http://www.antivirus.com
Avast antivirus (home version) is a free program that with registration gives access to automated program and virus definition updates.
The free version of Grisoft's anti-virus program http://www.grisoft.com/
Yahoo Australia provides free virus scanning of email attachments: http://mail.yahoo.com.au
Firewalls
AusCERT is a single, trusted point of contact in Australia for the internet community to deal with computer security incidents and their prevention. It is also a useful source of information on security threats, and provides businesses and consumers with early warnings and security alerts.
Symantec Free Online Security Check – a free online scan that checks whether your computer allows unknown or unauthorised internet communications. Also checks Windows vulnerabilities and Trojan Horse issues, and whether you are currently protected by one of the commonly used antivirus program.
Online for solutions and information:
Free-Firewall.org – http://www.free-firewall.org
McAfee – http://www.mcafee.com
Internet Security Systems – http://www.iss.net
Symantec – http://www.symantec.com.au
Trend Micro – http://www.antivirus.com
ZoneAlarm – http://www.zonealarm.com
Backup and recovery
Recommendations from System Administrator Network Security (SANS) include:
Spam
Information on the requirements of the Spam Act is available from http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_and_technology/policy_and_legislation/spam
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for enforcing the Spam Act. If you have received spam you can report it to ACMA via its website
Information on reducing incoming spam is available from the ACMA website by clicking on the ‘consumer information’ link at http://www.acma.gov.au/spam.
Secure web email
Some secure web email providers:
HushMail – http://www.hushmail.com
LokMail – http://www.lokmail.com
Secure email gateways
Suppliers of secure email products and services:
Spyware
Australian Government internet safety site: http://www.netalert.net.au/01664-How-do-I-deal-with-Spyware.asp
A review of various spayware removal products: http://www.spywareremoversreview.com/
A free spyware remover: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Another useful free program is spybot search and destroy
Frequently asked questions on spyware including zombies at http://www.acma.gov.au/ACMAINTER.65646:STANDARD:843197467:pc=PC_1793
Online scams
Try these useful websites to do a quick scam check:
Australian competition and Consumer Commission spam watch: http://www.scamwatch.gov.au
Australian High Tech Crime Site: http://www.ahtcc.gov.au
Australian Securities Investment Commission: http://www.asic.gov.au
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission: http://www.accc.gov.au
Urban legends reference site: http://www.snopes.com
See Choice article on online scams: http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104098&catId=100408&tid=100008&p=1
Phishing and credit card theft
Australian government phishing advice: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/security/fraud_awareness
For more on common hoaxes: http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org
Internet dumping
Australian Government internet dumping advice: http://www.netalert.net.au/01575-How-do-I-deal-with-Internet-Dumping.asp and
http://www.netalert.net.au/01576-Who-can-I-contact-for-help.asp
Other online scams
See Choice article re online auction scams: http://www.choice.com.au/goArticle.aspx?ID=103523&p=01
Australian Government internet scams advice http://www.netalert.net.au/01923-On-the-web.asp
For examples of scams see:
The Little Black Book of Scams http://www.consumersonline.gov.au/downloads/book_of_scams/LBBS_web version.pdf
Australian government’s ScamWatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
Filters
Internet Industry Association’s guide to filters and online content including a list of available filters.
Maintaining confidentiality
Choice article on security zones and privacy with details on how to activate various settings on different browsers.
Network security: modems and remote access
Australian government’s Internet Security Tip – Develop your system with secure passwords (PDF format, size 79KB)