Securing your Computer

There are three important things to remember:

1. Prevention

You should protect your computer from unwanted intrusions and keep optimum performance by taking the following precautions;

Information on threats

  • Keep up-to-date with current threats and scams floating around the internet. The Internet Industry Association's Security Alerts page is updated daily with information on threats that may affect you today.

Anti-Virus & Anti-Spam

  • Ensure areas of your PC that are constantly receiving information from the outside world, like email, are kept clean and secure. Unwired provides free Anti-Virus and Spam filtering on all its uMail accounts.

Internet Security

  • Install internet security software on your computer - there are many good quality products available.

Hardware Security

  • If you are running a home network, ensure that you not only have security software installed in all computers but, if your router includes a hardware firewall, ensure that it is enabled. If you're not sure how to do this, contact the support team of your equipment manufacturer.

Software Updates

  • Ensure that you keep your operating system software and any other installed programs up-to-date. We have provided links at the bottom of the page that will direct you to resources allowing you to download and install critical updates for your computer.

2. Detection

If you don't already have preventative software installed on your PC, its always a good time to get up to date! Installing security software will detect and remove any existing threats on your PC, and catch out other viruses before they get the chance to affect your systems performance.

Unwired understands the threat that viruses can pose to our customers' internet experience and we will notify you if we detect what we believe to be virus-related traffic travelling from your internet connection. Unwired's notifications do not remove any viral threat, and they are not a replacement for security software installed on your computer.

3. Precaution

There are threats everywhere, but this shouldn't deter you from enjoying your internet connection to its full potential. You need to make sure you are aware of active threats, and remain vigilant when performing secure tasks like online banking and security.

  • Always make sure your banking sessions are secure. Contact your financial institution if you are unsure about the security precautions they take.
  • Never click on a link that looks suspicious. Links contained in emails from unknown people, and pop-up windows in your browser are often the initiators of malicious software sneaking onto your computer.
  • Emails you are unsure about should always be handled with great care. Be especially careful of any emails with attachments. The attachments should almost always be deleted unopened if you are unsure of the contents.
  • Instant messenger applications such as MSN are a great way to keep in touch with friends and workmates, but always take extreme care when accepting attachments also, and never accept a file from someone you don't know.