Using a computer connected to the Internet is not without risk. The following pages on cyber security are intended for "general public" users and their objective is to describe some of the IT risks and the possible remedies or preventive behaviours to adopt.
Several application categories exist on the Internet; the user can use them to carry out various operations: surf on the Internet, read his e-mails, transfer files, etc… Each behaviour linked to these applications is listed under one theme and each theme is linked to a series of specification sheets describing the risks involved and the possible remedies.
Theme 1: Browsing the Internet
This theme gathers 5 specification sheets which precise the security problems linked to the mere browsing of the Internet.
The first sheet (Risks involved) indicates how the system may be infected by the user when it clicks on a link which downloads and executes a programme. The 4 following sheets concern privacy and describe:
* how to surf while remaining anonymous (Surfing anonymously) ;
* the cookies issue (Cookies) ;
* spyware;
* adware;
Theme 2: Code of Conduct
This theme gathers 2 sheets which describe the behaviours to adopt when the user communicates electronically or surfs (Netetiquette), as well as the tools allowing to filter/limit access to some contents (Parental controls).
Theme 3 : Electronic mail
The 3 following sheets describe how to behave to manage mail carefully (regarding viruses, spam, etc…).
The three issues concerning electronic mail are:
* unwanted e-mail (Spam, Scam, Mailbombing, viroax);
* infected attachments;
* e-mail clients (pop, imap, webmail) .
Theme 4: File exchange and sharing
This sheet describes more precisely the risks involved when one computer is put at the disposal of other Internet users.
File exchange (downloading, file sharing, p2p, ftp)
Theme 5 : Being connected
This theme includes 2 sheets explaining the risks existing when a user logs into the Internet without necessarily surfing.
* Being connected ( Intrusion)
* Wireless (wireless networks)
Theme 6 : Download
This sheet explains the security risks involved when a user downloads programmes from the Internet.
Software installation and uninstallation (Installation, Signatures, Uninstallation, Updates, Pack/patch service )
Theme 7 : eCommerce
This theme explains the risks involved to make purchases or online banking transactions or to send banking information on the Internet.
Online financial transactions (Online purchase, eBanking, Phishing)
Other key elements on cyber security are summarised in 4 sheets:
* Protection tools : This page lists the tools described on the other pages (Antivirus, Adaware, Firewall, Parental control, Antispam….) ;
* Viruses/antiviruses : New viruses are constantly emerging. However, with some preparation, it is possible to protect oneself against malicious acts
(Viruses, Worms, Trojan horse, …), but also to spot a hoax;
* Authentication : several tools exist to allow online purchase, data protection… (passwords, SSL/encryption, certificates) but these tools are also
risky; good use is essential;
* Firewall is an essential tool in security matters.