Protect your computer

Make sure all your software is kept up to date, including web browser applications.

Keep your protection software up to date.
Don't respond in any way to unsolicited emails.
If in doubt, delete.
Make sure all your software is kept up to date, including web browser applications.
Install security software that protects your computer from viruses and other malicious programmes.
If you do not have this software already, install it, along with an internet barrier called a "firewall".
Netsafe, the Internet Safety Group provides information about protecting your computer, They provide a step-by-step guide to computer security.

Enable the 'auto update' function in security and other software.
Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam).
If in doubt, delete them.
Do not click on any links in a spam email or open any files attached to them. Clicking on links may install harmful programmes without you knowing.
New Zealand law requires 'unsolicited electronic messages' that originate here to have an 'unsubscribe' option. By clicking on 'unsubscribe', you can prevent future spam emails from the same source from targeting you. However only click on this option if you are sure that the email originates in New Zealand, and the sender is known to you. If in doubt, never click anything on spam. It is safer not to!
Never reply to a spam email.
Never call a telephone number that you see in a spam email.

Be wary of unexpected 'pop-up' boxes - following the links in the box may install malicious software on your computer.
Avoid using public computers (at libraries or internet cafes) to do your internet banking - it is very dangerous as they may not be secure.
Do not use software on your computer that auto-completes online forms. This can give internet scammers easy access to your personal and credit card details.
Use long and random passwords that would be difficult for anyone else to guess.

Last updated 15 August 2011

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