Internet Security
How To Protect Yourself Online
We do all we can to keep you safe online, but there’s also plenty you can do to help protect yourself.
Anti-virus Software
Anti-virus software is a computer program that searches your hard disk for viruses and removes any that are found. It only protects against what it already knows about. New viruses spread very quickly so you must update your anti-virus software regularly, on a weekly basis at the very minimum.
What Anti-virus products are available?
There are many anti-virus products to choose from, so it’s best to do your research. Most anti-virus suppliers also offer a firewall product at little or no extra cost, and these can be set up at the same time.
You’ll need to ensure your chosen product is configured to check for updates every time your computer is switched on and runs a weekly scan. Typically updates take a couple of minutes and will happen in the background. Ideally, it should also be set up to perform a full scan of the computer once a week.
What is spyware/adware and how to prevent it
Spyware is a program that secretly gathers information about what you do on your PC, and quite often it does this without your knowledge.
In its least dangerous forms, it is known as adware. Adware collects information about your internet habits on behalf of companies and can occasionally pop up adverts as you surf.
How does it work?
In its more dangerous form, it can act like a Trojan virus which is installed on your computer without you realising. You do not have to be connected to the internet to be spied upon, but once on the internet, any information gathered can be sent to the fraudsters spying on you.
How can I prevent it?
Spyware removers, search out these programs in the same way as anti-virus and can also block those annoying pop-up adverts.
There are many free anti-spyware programs which can be downloaded and used to scan your computer for spyware and adware, like Ad-aware.
Signs of infection
If you keep getting pop up windows all over your screen, you may have been infected with spyware or adware. You should run a scan like Ad-Aware or Windows Defender to detect and to remove it. Also, if you run Windows XP Service Pack 2 or newer, you can enable the pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer.
How to enable the pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer
- Tools
- Internet Options
- Privacy tab
- Check the pop-up blocker box
What is a firewall?
A personal firewall protects your personal computer and private network from malicious mischief. Malware, the malicious software, is the primary threat to your home network. There are two ways a firewall can prevent this happening:
- it can allow all traffic to pass through except data that meets a predetermined set of criteria, or
- it can prohibit all traffic unless it satisfies a predetermined set of rules.
What firewall products are available?
There are many firewall and anti-virus products to choose from, so it’s best to do your research. We have included some suppliers below, but none of these are specifically endorsed or recommended by Nationwide.
Most anti-virus suppliers also offer a firewall product at little or no extra cost, and these can be set up at the same time.
Firewall products
Firewall software should be configured to update automatically. As a minimum, if you don’t have this firewall or one as part of your Anti Virus package, you should make sure that the Windows firewall is switched on (this is found in the Security Centre of the Control Panel).
You’ll need to ensure your chosen product is set up to check for updates every time your computer is switched on and runs a weekly scan. Typically updates take a couple of minutes and will happen in the background. Ideally, it should also be set up to perform a full scan of the computer once a week.
What are browsers?
A browser, short for a web browser, is a software application that enables you to view and access website pages.
For your security and safety, we strongly recommend that you use the latest version of your preferred browser. To update modern browsers follow the links below.
Microsoft provides security updates and technical support for their Internet Explorer 11 and Edge browsers only. If you’re using an older version, your PC or Mac may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware and other malicious software.
Change your browser settings
Internet Explorer (PC and Mac)
Change your privacy settings:
- Choose Tools
2. Choose Internet Options
3. Select Privacy
4. Choose a setting, but not ‘Block all cookies’ (we recommend Medium High)
5. Select Apply
6. Select OK
Advanced privacy settings
If you use custom settings on Internet Explorer, make sure the ‘Always allow session cookies’ box is checked within the Advanced Privacy Settings.
Email Security
Occasionally, bogus emails are used by fraudsters in an attempt to extract your banking details. It is important to remember, Summis Global will never ask you to update any information by email. Neither we nor the police will ever contact you and ask for your details, PIN or passwords. If you do receive an email that seems to have been sent from Global Media Risk asking for your details, pin, passwords, or you are suspicious in any way, please delete it immediately. Do not call any telephone number or respond to the email; legitimate emails can always be re-sent.
