Staying Safe Online – Unwanted email
Staying Safe Online – Unwanted email
Can I block unwanted email? (Click for more information)
YES
Report any inappropriate behaviour.
What is a spam?
Unwelcome email and instant messages are usually meant for adults and can be upsetting for children. They usually offer goods of little value or a promise of financial rewards if you give the sender money. Spam, or unwanted emails, controls the malicious software to steal damage or delete your files and other data. Avoid them.
Do not accept or put up with them.
What is a Malware?
This is malicious software (spyware, Trojans, viruses and worms) that can be remotely installed on your computer, making it possible for hackers to access information from your computer without you knowing.
What are malicious websites?
They are harmful sites that trap users by promising content on popular breaking news stories.
A firewall is a wall between your computer and the Internet. This means that everything coming into or leaving your computer must go through the firewall, which blocks anything that doesn’t meet any specific security criteria.
What is phishing?
Phishing is: an attempt to “hook” anyone by luring them into revealing personal and confidential information by sending emails promising big sweepstake or lottery wins if the client pays substantial money upfront.
What should I do if I suspect an email message I receive is a phishing attempt?
- Do not reply to the email.
- Forward the message to your Internet service provider (ISP) and contact the company the email claims to be from.
- Contact Action Fraud – the UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting Centre. https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
What if I have already responded and fear I may be a victim of identity theft?(Click and report)
Immediately change the passwords on your online accounts, and notify the fraud department.
How can I avoid malicious websites?
Never click on, or copy and paste, any links that are sent to you by people or companies you don’t know.
What’s the difference between a virus, a worm, a Trojan and spyware?
All these types of malicious software, or malware, pose a serious threat to your computer and data.
What are the risks?
A virus invades a computer and copies, deletes or damages data.
A worm is a virus that reproduces itself and spreads to other computers.
A Trojan (short for Trojan horse) is a virus that, despite appearing to be good or helpful, actually destroys your data, damages your computer, and steals your personal information.
Spyware is software that tracks your online activity without your knowing.
It steals your personal information and alters your computer settings. It usually launches numerous pop-up adverts.
What can I do to protect myself?
- Secure your wireless network and create strong passwords.
- Use a firewall.
- Install antivirus software.
- Install antispyware.
- Use a spam filter.
