Just how safe are you?
Worried about viruses? Confused about phishing? Take the Get Safe Online safety test below to see how much you know
1. Psst! Pass it on…
Which of these passwords is most secure?
Password
Arsenal
F002ball
The correct answer is (C) - F002ball
Arsenal is very easy for someone to guess, especially if they know you are a football fan or they are using password cracking software; password is even easier! F002Ball has a good mix of upper and lowercase letters and numbers, so is the most secure password, and by using zeros for 'o's it is easier to remember and you don't have to write them down! It is important to change passwords regularly.
2. Gone phishing
How can you tell if an email is a fake or phishing email, sent to trick you into giving away personal information?
The 'from' address looks suspicious.
It asks you to do something you wouldn't otherwise do, such as respond with your user name, full password and credit card details.
You weren't expecting an email from the company that sent it.
The correct answer is (B) It asks you to do something you wouldn't otherwise do
The 'from' address can be faked easily and so is no guarantee of a phishing email. Many trusted organisations send email to their customers, so getting an unexpected email doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem. All these answers are right to some extent, as any email that asks you to login to your bank or eBay account, or asks for other personal information such as password or PIN, is likely to be bad news.
3. Sound as a pound
You're about to buy online and provide your credit card details. Which of these websites would you trust?
Image of title bar with web address 'https://www.buyourstuffonline.com' & Golden Padlock to right of address bar
Image of title bar with web address 'http://www.lotsofstuftobuy.com' without padlock
The correct answer is (A) https:// & Golden Padlock
Always look for the golden padlock and the letters https:// rather than just http:// before a website address. Otherwise you could be entering private information, including credit card details, into an unsecured site.
4. Faking it
Which of these is a telltale sign that a website isn't real, and is in fact designed to trick you into giving away your private information?
The website looks unusual
It looks less professional than you expect
It's impossible for most people to spot a well-designed fake website.
The correct answer is (C) It's impossible for most people to spot a well-designed fake website.
The address and the design could indicate a fake site, but criminals are very good at faking websites. After all, the more realistic it looks the more likely you are to enter the information they want: passwords, credit card numbers, bank details...etc. You need to use the latest version of your browser with a built-in phishing filter for maximum protection. It's also a good idea to type a website address into your browser rather than clicking on a link in an email.
5. There is a virus doing the rounds
Which of these computers is protected from viruses?
Screen A - Image of windows security centre with virus protection turned on.
Screen B - Image of windows security centre with virus protection out of date.
The correct answer is (A) virus protection turned on
Thousands of new viruses appear every year. If your anti-virus software hasn't downloaded the latest signatures and updates, or if your subscription has lapsed, you aren't protected. You need to have anti-virus software on your computer AND it must be up-to date.
6. Wireless worries
How should you protect your wireless network from eavesdroppers and possible freeloaders?
Don't broadcast your SSID (your 'Service Set Identifier' or the name of your network).
Use encryption.
Only let known computers connect to your access point.
All the above.
The correct answer is (D) All the above.
Wireless networks are easy to set up, but more difficult to set up safely. So you can't be too careful. You must follow the instructions in the manual or vendor website to stop other people getting access to the broadband connection you paid for, or worse, hacking into your computer/s over the air.
7. You've won the lottery…
If you received this email, what should you do?
Delete it.
Immediately call the number to claim your prize.
The correct answer is (A) Delete it
Sadly, thousands of people fall for fake lottery scams each year, normally sending off administration fees to 'collect their prizes'. Remember, if you didn't buy a ticket, you can't win a lottery! If it sounds too good too be true, it probably is
8. This question will self-destruct…
What is spyware?
Makes downloading images from emails safe
Virus-like software that sends your private data to crooks.
Hidden webcams or closed circuit TV cameras.
The correct answer is (B) Virus-like software that sends your private data to crooks
Spyware is nasty stuff. It has a lot in common with viruses that infect your computer without your knowledge or permission. Criminals use it to find out private information like passwords, credit card numbers and bank account details.
The best way to protect yourself is to have up-to-date anti-virus, anti-spyware software and to use a firewall
9. No smoke without fire
What does a firewall do?
Removes viruses from your computer.
Makes sure that any peripherals you plug into your computer don't damage it.
Prevents outsiders from connecting to your computer over the internet.
The correct answer is (C) Prevents outsiders from connecting to your computer over the internet.
A firewall sits between your computer and the internet, stopping unwanted outsiders accessing your PC. It will also protect you against 'worms', viruses that can spread from computer to computer over the internet.
Read more about firewalls
10. Not my problem
Who is responsible for making sure your computer is safe online?
My internet service provider.
The people who make it.
Me.
The correct answer is (C) Me
You don't get a police escort every time you go to the shops to buy a loaf of bread. Your driving instructor doesn't come with you every time you go on the motorway. And it's the same with your computer. You're the only person who can make sure it is properly protected and safe to use.
Luckily, Get Safe Online is here to help with free independent advice.
