Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - On Line Security

On Line Security

Keyword

E-commerce Security

Before you buy anything online make a note of the address of the company that you are buying from. This should include details of the telephone and/or fax - never rely on just an email address.
Always use secure sites, These sites have 'https' in front of the web address which indicates that the company has been independently checked to make sure they are who they say they are. A yellow padlock symbol will appear in the browser window to show the payment process is secure.
When transferring money use reliable firms.
Never transfer or receive money for someone else you don't know well.
Check the sites' privacy and returns policy.
Print out a copy of your order and any acknowledgement you receive.
Check your bank statement carefully against anything you buy online.
Keep your passwords secure.
It's always preferable to keep a separate credit card for online usage with a limited account balance.
Make sure to report any theft or assault you face internet fraud.

Email Security

Be wary of unsolicited attachments, even from people you know - Just because an email message looks like it came from your mom, grandma, or boss doesn't mean that it did. Many viruses can "spoof" the return address, making it look like the message came from someone else.
Save and scan any attachments before opening them - If you have to open an attachment before you can verify the source, take the following steps:
- Be sure the signatures in your anti-virus software are up to date.
- Save the file to your computer or a disk.
- Manually scan the file using your anti-virus software.
- Open the file.
Turn off the option to automatically download attachments.
Consider additional security practices - You may be able to filter certain types of attachments through your email software or a firewall.
Use a strong password that can never be guessed by others no matter how well they know you.
Don't send personal pictures or save any personal data in your email account.
Try not to minimize using your personal information when using your email.
Never share your password with anyone else.

Software Security

The Do test: What does the program do? You should be able to read a clear description of what the program does. This description could be on the web site where you can download it or on the CD-ROM you use to install it. You need to realize that that if the program was written with malicious intent, the author/intruder isn’t going to tell you that the program will harm your system. Consider the source and consider whether you can trust that information.
The Changes test: What files are installed and what other changes are made on your system when you install and run the program?
The Author test: Who is the author? Make sure your using licensed and authenticated software.
The Learn test: Has anybody else used this program, and what can you learn from him or her? Try some Internet searches using your web browser. Somebody has probably used this program before you, so learn what you can before you install it.
The File Size test: look at the file size of the files that you want to download. For example, you want to download freeware software from a web site and you know that the software file size should be around 12 or 13 MB. But on that web site, it says 234 KB. You need to be very careful with this as it might be a virus or Trojan because the size is just not right.
Use a Firewall: Use a firewall before downloading any software. If the software you've downloaded is trying to send privacy information to the hackers, it will not be able to do so because the firewall will block its outgoing traffic.

Network Security

Use a Network Security firewall
Do not open unknown email attachments.
Do not run programs of unknown origin.
Disable hidden filename extensions.
Keep all applications (including your operating system) patched.
Turn off your computer or disconnect from the network when not in use.
Disable Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX if possible.
Disable scripting features in email programs.
Make regular backups of critical data.
Disable remote connection options (Remote Desktop connection).
Disable file and folder sharing option.
Make sure to use a strong and unpredictable password for using the network and the devices connected to it.

Wireless Security

Change Your Router's Default username and Password.
Rename and Disable SSID Broadcast on your Wireless Router.
Enable Infrastructure Mode.
Use MAC Addressing Filter on Your Wireless Router.
Change the Default Router IP Address Setting.
6. Use WPA or WPA2 PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access with Pre Shared Key) Encryption - When possible use WPA or WPA2 PSK over WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).
HTTPS, Firewall and Remote Access Settings On Your Wireless Router.
Enable and Monitor Your Wireless Access Logs.
Backup Your Router Configuration Settings.
Turn off Your Wireless Router When Not in Use.
In case you have difficulties in setting up your wireless connection make sure to call your ISP to set it up for you.

LAN/home users Security

Use virus protection software.
Use a firewall.
Don’t open unknown email attachments.
Don’t run programs of unknown origin.
Disable hidden filename extensions.
Keep all applications (including your OS) patched.
Turn off your computer or disconnect from the network when not in use.
Disable Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX if possible.
Make regular backups of critical data.
Make a boot disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised.

Children Online Security

Encourage your kids to share their Internet experiences with you. Enjoy the Internet along with your children.
Teach your kids to trust their instincts. If they feel nervous about anything online, they should tell you about it.
If your kids visit chat rooms, use instant messaging or other activities on the Internet that require a login name to identify themselves, help them choose that name and make sure it doesn't reveal any personal information about them and make sure chat history option is enabled.
Insist that your kids never give out your address, phone number, or other personal information, including where they go to school or where they like to play.
Teach your kids that the difference between right and wrong is the same on the Internet as it is in real life.
Insist that your kids respect the property of others online. Explain that making illegal copies of other people's work(music, video games, and other programs)is just like stealing it from a store.
Tell your kids that they should never meet online friends in person. Explain that online friends may not be who they say they are.
Teach your kids that not everything they read or see online is true. Encourage them to ask you if they're not sure.
Control your children's online activity with advanced Internet software. Parental controls can help you filter out harmful content, monitor the sites your child visits, and find out what they do there.