Some practical tips on how to protect yourself while surfing the Internet

Some practical tips on how to protect yourself while surfing the Internet

Brief history about the internet

The Internet started with a group of engineers, programmers and scientists who developed new technologies that became the basis of the development of Information Technology. These ideas originated with Nikola Tesla who sought to design a “wireless” (electromagnetic wave) system in the early 1900s. But this idea came to life in the early 1960s. Based on the concept of computers linked to a network, data were managed to be transmitted electronically by establishing the basis for Internet building.

October 29, 1969 will mark the beginning of transmitting the first message between two computers. During the 1970s, modeling of the TCP/IP protocol was created which set the standard on how data was to be transmitted over computer networks. On January 1, 1983, scientists managed to connect these networks, creating the modern Internet. In 1990 the world’s online connection was formed and the computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee designed the World Wide Web (WWW). Now “online” data can be accessed by using websites or various links (hyperlinks).

How should information be protected?

The use of the Internet and launch of new technologies is always associated with the protection of information. Therefore, institutions, businesses, etc. should take appropriate measures by:

– making aware employees through trainings.

– informing clients that they should carefully store the information.

– investing in various protective equipment or using modern means to monitor various activities.

– developing policies and procedures for the use of the Internet, and each user should be aware of various accesses or clicks while using the site. They should also pay attention and be prudent when downloading materials that may contain bad codes which are automatically installed on the computer without the user’s knowledge.

8 simple tips recommended to better protect yourself from hackers:

1. Install and regularly update the antivirus application.

2. Perform regular (preferably weekly) computer scans by running antivirus.

3. Use strong passwords by combining letters, numbers and special signs such as (@ #, etc.).

4. The length of the passwords must be not less than 8 characters.

5. . Do not use simple passwords, such as numbers “12345678” or consecutive letters “asdfghjk”.

6. Do not use the same password for computer access, e-mail account access, or access to different Web applications.

7.  Be careful in clicking different links on websites because hackers use different techniques such as: suggest to download a music or movie that you might like. Therefore, they take control of your computer.

8. Pay attention to any incoming emails, especially when you are asked to click on a malicious link or open any document attached to the incoming email which may contain malicious codes leading to computer infection. Therefore, it is always recommended to verify incoming email addresses.

Banking institutions and Credins bank have held awareness campaigns regarding the use of the Internet or e-mails by conducting various trainings. Particular attention should be paid to password management and the main focus is how they are created and used. The storing of information has become more secure by raising the awareness of employees, applying security policies and procedures, regular monitoring and using secure (encrypted) communications,.

Author: Artan Xhiku – Chief of the Information Security Sector