Internet Safety
 
In an increasingly connected world, it is important to ensure that your online interactions are conducted in a safe and secure manner.
There are a number of key items that you should be aware of before interacting online:
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Security Checklist

 
Ensure you have a real time antivirus program running in the background on your computer. An active Firewall must be in operation for each one of your computers in order to protect you from online hackers. Below are a few security tips:

1.       Regularly scan and update any anti-spyware applications to ensure your computing systems are clean of Trojans and other Spyware applications.

2.       Regularly check your web browser, mail program and operating systems for security and program updates.

3.       Ensure that you have strong passwords in place that are not easily deciphered; a strong password consists of characters of upper and lower case in combination with numbers.

If you use a wireless network, ensure you take steps to secure it by changing the SSID from its default and preferably hiding it. Lock down the network using encryption such as, WEP, WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK and consider enabling MAC filtering if supported. Any security is always better than no security.

 

Beware of hoax / malicious emails

 
Hoax and malicious emails are emails which are usually mass sent out in attempt to do damage to your computer systems such as creating a ‘spambot’ or attempt to steal personal information (better known as phishing).

 
The common occurrence of Phishing emails, purportedly from major banks and other organizations with online facilities are an ever present danger. Opening these emails can result in unauthorized parties gaining access to your personal data and information, while responding to these emails may result in your Internet banking, or other account access information being stolen. These emails may also contain viruses/trojans/spyware etc.

 
These emails are NOT legitimate. Organisations with online facilities like ISPs,  Banks and other financial organizations will never randomly ask for your password and or logon information via email. You should always refrain from providing any type of personal information, or download any program from an email, which you are unsure of.

 
If you suspect that you have received a hoax email:
 
 
  • Do not open it
  •  Send a sample of the hoax email to the organization concerned
  • After forwarding the mail to the relevant organization concerned, delete the email
  • Never click on a link within the email
  • If you have clicked on a link within the email, perform a complete security scan of your computer to check for computer viruses, trojans and spyware
  •  If you have responded to any email by providing your confidential information, please call the organisation concerned and report it immediately
  
Please be advised that under no circumstances will People Telecom request confirmation of such details via email or other mediums related to the Internet.