Why cyber-criminals target your computer or network
 Your computer, your passwords, your internet connection and your data could be a valuable resource for cyber criminals. Passwords might be used for illegal purposes: to send spam, make illegal purchases or draw money from bank accounts. Your internet connection might be used to send spam or transfer and store illegal data. And if you have valuable files on your computer, these might be downloaded.
Just as you protect your home, possessions and financial information, so you should protect your computer and internet connection.
AfricaOnline scans incoming and outgoing e-mails to prevent malicious viruses and phishing, but you can still be caught by links on websites and infected files on USB drives and discs. Use the information on this page as a guide to protect yourself and your computer.
IMPORTANT: Password security and preventing identity theft
Identity theft is a growing concern on the internet. If you don't take basic precautions, personal information that you post on the web can be used by cyber-criminals. Personal details are often used as passwords, so consider whether or not your personal details could be a present or future risk, and take appropriate measures. Find out how to choose, change and look after passwords, here>>
Jump to...
1. Why cyber-criminals target your computer or network
2. How AfricaOnline protects you
3. Why you need to protect yourself
4. Warning signs and symptoms
5. How to protect yourself with software
6. How to protect yourself with safe behaviour
7. About phishing and spoofing
8. How to protect an organisation or business
Why cyber-criminals target your computer or network
Your computer or network is a potentially valuable resource for cyber-criminals. If they can gain access to your computer or network, they can use it in the illegal ways. Find out how criminals could use your computer, here>>
How AfricaOnline protects you
AfricaOnline gives the highest priority to internet security and uses several tools to protect your computer. More>>
Why you need to protect yourself
The AfricaOnline Spam Server and Virus Wall provide protection for e-mail only. There are other methods of committing cyber-crime and gaining access to your computer, so you need to protect yourself. More>>
Warning signs and symptoms
Although you may not know that your computer has been hijacked, there are certain warning signs and symptoms that you should watch for. More>>
How to protect yourself with software
There are many different ways in which you can protect yourself and your computer with software. Find guidelines and links to software, here>>
How to protect yourself with safe behaviour
Cyber-criminals rely on certain types of behaviour and surfing patterns to gain access to computers. These guidelines tell you how to avoid cyber-criminals with safe surfing and behaviour. More>>
About phishing and spoofing
Before cyber-criminals hijack computers, they often use phishing and spoofing to trap unsuspecting internet users. Use these guidelines to recognise an attempt to hijack your computer. More>>
How to protect an organisation or business
A business or organisation with a number of computers on a network is a good target for cyber-criminals. By corrupting the network, the cyber-criminal can take control of many computers at once. Find IT policy guidelines here>> |
