At a glance…
- Antivirus Protection
- Spyware Protection
- Firewall Protection
It is recommended to use a combination of virus, spyware and firewall tools.
Ensure all tools used are kept up to date. Suncorp recommends you do not use Internet Banking until you are sure your tools are up to date and activated.
Antivirus Protection
An anti-virus program is software that detects and deletes computer viruses. Anti-virus software can also prevent viruses from infecting your computer in the first place.
The software can also check for computer viruses when you download files from the Internet, receive emails and insert disks into your computer.
- To gain maximum protection from viruses:
- Regularly scan your computer with your anti-virus software.
- Avoid using shared computers (eg. at an Internet cafe) as you may be unable to check whether the anti-virus software is up-to-date.
- Ensure your Operating System (eg. Windows 2000 or XP) and Internet browser are updated regularly with the latest security patches. To update Microsoft operating systems, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
- There are many effective anti-virus programs to choose from. Some locations where you can find out more about anti-virus programs are:
Spyware Information
Spyware (sometimes called 'adware') is any program on your computer that is intended to perform a task of tracking or recording activities or operations on a computer with or without your knowledge.
Spyware can operate in many ways:
- Act as a simple tool (usually in the form of cookies) by advertisers to track users' web browsing preferences.
- Covertly monitor keystrokes
- Scan files
- Install additional spyware and trojans,
- Reconfigure browsers,
- Snoop email and other applications and much, much more.
- Capture screenshots or turn on webcams.
Follow these tips to help prevent your computer from becoming infected with spyware:
- Ensure you install and enable a firewall on your computer before connecting to the Internet.
- Download and regularly use a spyware removal program
- Use discretion and common sense when using the Internet. Don't click on online advertisements or go to sites you suspect may be suspicious.
There are numerous anti-spyware programs to choose from, and they are often packaged with the latest anti-virus software. Some locations where you can find out more about spyware tools are:
Firewall Information
A firewall is a program that helps protect your computer and its contents from outsiders on the Internet. It prevents unauthorised access to and from your computer.
There are many effective firewalls to choose from. Some locations where you can find out more about firewall products are:
