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Security Advice

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Introduction

The most common security issues that threaten your It systems and data are:

Viruses

Trojans

Spyware

Spam

In this guide you shall learn what these common security threats do and how to prevent them from taking over your computer software's.

Viruses

A computer software is a small programme designed to spread from one computer to another. They will then interfere with your computers operation and make your pc slow.

A virus could potentially delete your files or corrupt your computer. Viruses are normally found on emails and links.

A computer virus makes several copies of itself.

Computer viruses don’t normally damage your computer but they do damage you files and data

Viruses can slow your computer down and make it very annoying.

To prevent a virus getting onto your computer, you can install an anti-virus software. Examples of this are:

AVG

Norton security

Mcafe

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Georgie Pepper Campsmount Acadamy

Trojans

A Trojan virus does not have the ability to make copies of itself as a common virus could but it can:

Copy data

Block data

Modify data

Delete data

However, it could lead to viruses be installed on your devices.

A Trojan viruses works by claiming to be one thing (like a game) but actually when it runs it causes damage to your computer.

Disrupt your computers by making it slow.

You stop Trojan virus the same way you stop a virus…. By installing an anti-virus software. You do this because a Trojan virus is still a virus so you stop it in the same way.

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Spyware

Spyware is a programme that works by secretly recording what you are doing on your computer.

You can use spyware for good and for bad.

Its aim is usually to discover passwords, banking credentials and credit card details.

Spyware can transmit, monitor and record your online activities.

If you constantly have pop-ups you could have spyware living on your computer.

Spyware doesn’t affect the performance of your computer but it does spy on you.

To prevent spyware from getting onto your computer, you could:

Create a firewall=protect (a network or system) from unauthorized access with a firewall .

Update your software

Adjust internet explorer security settings

Download or install an anti-spyware software

Surf and download more safely

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Spam

Spam is often considered to be electronic rubbish that is sent to many computer users.

Real spam is generally email advertising for a product.

There is little to be done to prevent yourself from receiving spam.

As long as you do not open email advertisements or spam you should be ok.

Spam can often make your computers slow if you open them. Sometimes spam can install viruses on your computer.

Check who it’s from. Spam will almost always come from an unrecognized sender, often with odd email addresses. Don’t open an email if your totally unsure who the sender is.

If you accidently open a spam email then report the spam as quick as possible.