1. I.T Security Advice for Dummies By Kirsty Pollard Kirsty Pollard Campsmount Academy

2. Introduction Most people have a computer in their home, which they use quite regularly. But if your computer gets infected by a virus, then it will be a massive disaster. The most common and easy spreading threats are: Viruses, Trojans, Spyware and Spam. All of these can affect your computers performance, and it often make you become very frustrated. This security advice will inform you of ways to prevent getting a virus, and how each one affects your computer in different ways. Did you know? Older computers are more prone to being attacked by a virus. This is because they don’t usually have the most up to date software. Also they are weaker in some areas, so the security isn’t as effective as the modern versions. This makes your PC more easier to access. Also, windows PC’s are more likely to get a virus then other types of computers such as: Macintosh (Mac’s) and Linux. This is because there are more people using a Windows PC, and because the people who are using a Linux tend to know more about computers. Kirsty Pollard Campsmount Academy

3. Viruses A virus is a type of software that can get into your computer. When it enters your computer, it gradually makes copies of itself, so it’s just like a biological virus. But, the only difference is that a computer virus doesn’t damage your PC, it just damages your data and files. If you have a virus, then it will slow your computers performance down. Viruses can spread as they can be downloaded from websites such as: if a website is offering free music for download, or if a website is saying that you have won 1 million pounds! If you click or download this file, then there is a high risk that a virus could be hidden inside. Also if you receive an email from someone that you don’t know, then don’t click on it or open any of the attachments, as a virus could be hidden in them. If you use a USB stick which is infected by a virus, then you could transfer the virus onto your computer. You can remove a virus by making sure that you have anti-virus software installed on your computer. The software will scan your hard disk, and instantly remove a virus. It is also important to update your anti-virus software, as new viruses are being made every single day! So your software won’t recognise the new viruses, and its important to update at least every week. Kirsty Pollard Campsmount Academy

4. Trojans A Trojan gets its name from the Greek story about the Trojan horse. In the story, a group of soldiers try to break into the castle. But they couldn’t get in, so they build a giant wooden Trojan horse and they all hid in the inside of it. So they joined the parade that was happening on the inside of the castle, and when the timing was right, they broke out of the horse and started a war. They then destroyed everything! A computer Trojan does exactly the same thing as what the soldiers did. Usually, they disguise themselves as a real program, and they hide on the inside of your computer. Also they multiply, and they steal information from you. A Trojan waits until the right time, then they ‘attack’ and harm your PC. If you have a Trojan, then whenever you go online you can be spied on, and you can even harm others without you knowing. To protect yourself against a Trojan, then you should have a firewall installed on your PC. A firewall only lets certain things have access to places. For example a key fob only lets certain people into a certain place. This is so a Trojan won’t be able to spy on you, while you are online. Kirsty Pollard Campsmount Academy

5. Spyware A spyware is a type of malware. Malware is a piece of software which is created to harm your computer, and steal information. You can get a spyware as it can become installed, and it begins to collect information on a computer, without the user knowing. Like a virus in a human body, spyware are really difficult to detect as they hide themselves in your computer. Spyware are used by hackers, as they collect personal data such as: bank details, passwords, and private pictures of you. A spyware works by attaching itself to a real piece of software, and then the two program’s get downloaded together without the user knowing. You get a spyware on your computer because of something that you do or click on. For example, if you click on a button on a pop up window, which is agreeing to install a software package. These can usually include a spyware. To protect yourself against a spyware, then you should read before you download something. Also, you should install anti-virus software, and scan your computer with it regularly. Kirsty Pollard Campsmount Academy

6. Spam Spam is a piece of data sent to you through your email. It is usually an advertisement, and it is copies of the same message each time. Also, spam is sent from computers with a computer virus, and if you open it then you could infect your computer. Spam can affect your computer by hacking your email, and it can take over your email account. You can protect yourself against a spam by installing spam filtering/blocking software onto your computer. Also, you should not respond to suspicious emails, and you could create an email name that is hard to guess. To stop spam completely, you could report the offense if you are receiving it quite often. Kirsty Pollard Campsmount Academy