Showing posts with label IT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IT. Show all posts

Friday, March 21, 2014

SAFETY FIRST (UPDATED)




Don't know about you but I'm an avid traveller. Naturally changing times mean our travel habits are also transforming. Nowadays I find it hard to disconnect from the slew of gadgets I tote around especially if it's a working trip.


While I'm more vigilant when I'm out and about on my daily routine, staying safe online is a different kettle of fish all together. But thanks to some useful and timely tips from Norton by Symantec, I'm relooking at ways to stay safe online during my travels.


As a frequent user of the internet and various apps downloaded into my BB, I find these handy hints listed by Norton by Symantec worth sharing:

·       Secure our mobile device and tabletEnsure our mobile devices and portable tablets have Internet security software before we travel. A comprehensive security solution for all our gadgets such as Norton 360 Multi-Device from Norton by Symantec can prevent possible online fraud and stop strangers from using our precious gadgets in case of loss or theft. It will also detect and eliminate mobile threats, block unwanted calls and texts, and provides anti-phishing web protection at airports and other risky public Wi-Fi areas.

·       Mind our settingsSet any Bluetooth devices to "hidden" instead of "discoverable". Better still turn OFF the Bluetooth function and disable geo-tracking on smartphones.

·       Reset passwordsUse strong passwords on all mobile devices, laptops, and tablets.  Remind family members to do the same. Also, change your network configuration to manually select any wireless network that it joins instead of automatic selection.

·       Back up!Before you leave, remember to back up your files, programmes and your personal data.

·       Share with caution Avoid sharing actual holiday dates, places, and time with friends and family on social media and/or online as criminals always look for such information to locate your house and steal from you. Better to be safe than sorry so remember to be cautious when talking about your holiday plans online.


·       Beware of fake promotions – Be careful when clicking on travel promotions and offers for flight or hotel booking as they might be disguised to look like trusted and reputable brands to steal your personal information.


·       Avoid online financial or important transactions Complete all your financial transactions before you depart. Avoid entering user names and passwords on a busy, crowded, and unsecured airport Internet. Always assume your Wi-Fi connection, particularly at the airport, is vulnerable. Limit email and IM to casual communication.

·       Remind your kids Teach your kids about smart and safe Internet use in public places. Tell them to be wary of anyone sitting too close and  ensure they NEVER share their user names and passwords. Insist on them sticking to off-line games and videos instead of online activities especially at the airport or other crowded public places.

·       Stay alert“Shoulder surfers” are crooks that zoom in on people who are so absorbed in online activity that they won’t notice someone else 'memorising' their passwords and other information that's being keyed in.

These identity thieves hang around airports, hotel lobbies, crowded bars or restaurants – anywhere where you might be mindlessly surfing the Internet.  Be aware of your surroundings!   If you can read the magazine of someone seated nearby, they can probably read your laptop or tablet screen too. Why not buy an affordable privacy screen as a great in-flight option? They’re sold at most stationery shops.


·       Turn off file sharingIf you have highly sensitive, confidential or personal data, consider storing it elsewhere. Always turn off file sharing at airports and crowded public places.

So what's the solution for intrepid travellers like us? This is where the latest Norton 360 Multi-Device from Norton by Symantec comes in handy. Designed for compatibility with the new features of Windows 8.1, the Norton 360 Multi-Device software is a single licence that protects up to five different devices: PCs, Mac, iPhones, iPads, Android smartphones or tablets.

The latest version of Norton 360 Multi-Device is priced at RM189 and provides one year of protection for up to three devices. Now available for purchase in Malaysia through various retailers and online at http://malaysia.norton.com.

WIN A FREE COPY OF 
NORTON 360 MULTI-DEVICE!


I'd love to hear from you! What are YOUR best tips on staying safe online 
The three (3) best answers will each receive a copy of Norton 360 Multi Device (worth RM249 each). Each copy of Norton 360 Multi Device provides one year of protection for up to five devices just for you! Share your tips in the Comment Box or email: alice12134@gmail.com before 1 April 2014. Winners will be notified by email.

 * * * * *
Congratulations to Lina for being the FIRST winner! 
Remember - you can still share YOUR TIPS to win
a copy of Norton 360 Multi Device software!

Here are LINA's enlightening tips for staying safe online. 

  1. Install a good antivirus software and make sure it is updated with the latest databases.
  2. Use a password that contains a variety of letters, numbers and symbols and change it regularly.
  3. Visit websites by typing the URL into the address bar, do not follow links. This simple action can help to prevent visiting a fake or malicious website. 
  4. If there is no padlock in the browser window or ‘https://’ at the beginning of the web address to signify that it is using a secure link, do not enter personal information on the site.
  5. Protect computers with firewalls. It reduces threats from hackers by filtering out potentially dangerous data and preventing unauthorized access.
  6. Use Wi-Fi safely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
  7. Do not open email from unknown sources. Some files transport and distribute viruses and other programs that can permanently destroy files and damage computers.
  8. Disconnect from the Internet when not in use. Turning off the Internet makes sure that someone else on the Internet can't enter your computer and cause harm.
  9. Do not be tempted to download programs or apps that are not from a trusted source, as they could contain malwares.
  10. Review all requests for permissions access carefully when installing applications.
  11. Treat all Wi-Fi links with suspicion. It could be a bogus link that has been set up by a cybercriminal that’s trying to capture valuable, personal information from unsuspecting users.
  12. Always log out of sites before closing the browser.


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