CEONET: Communities of Eastern Ontario Network - the rural broadband centre
CEONET: Communities of Eastern Ontario Network - the rural broadband centre

Information Security

Security is one of the least understood issues with access to high-speed internet and to networks. When you have a high-speed connection, your computer is always connected to the internet. Almost as easily as you can connect to web sites and send messages, others can connect to you... except that you will be unaware either of their presence or of their activities. On this page, you will find several links to sites that will help. Precautions are always advised.

Links

Guides and Analysis

Online Tools

Online tools are best described, in this context, as software that you can access using a web browser.

Virus and Security Scans

  • Symantec Security Online - provides online tools to scan your personal computer for the presence of viruses and security holes

  • Trend Micro Free Spyware Scan - scan your computer for spyware and malware directly from your browser
  • Shields UP! - a vulnerability profiler written by Steve Gibson that allows you to test for vulnerabilities of the Windows operating system such as file sharing, common ports, service ports, messenger spam and more.

Updates

  • Windows Update - the only web site for keeping the Windows operatins system updated with the latest security and operational patches. Keeping your operating system up to date is an important part of IT security.

Backup Services

Backup and on-line security services. There is no likelihood of losing hard-drive data when your data is backed up externally from your computer. Monthly fees may vary from at least $5 per month. Here are some suggested sites:

It is especially important not to overlook Outlook files on your computer. To ensure that you neither forget nor lose them, export your email addresses, addresses and agendas. Go into File, Import and Export to a file, Personal Folder File (.pst), personal files (Include Subfolders), choose Export (Do not export duplicate items), and there you are! It's best to carry out this procedure when not using Outlook as the Export process can take time.

Are We Missing Something?

If you've come across a great web site, tool or other resource related to information security, please send it to us; we'd be pleased to include it in this page.

Useful Applications

Anti-Virus

  • Avast Anti-Virus - a free (for home use only) downloadable antivirus suite that provides automatic updates and protection for e-mail, P2P, instant messaging, local network activity, web browsing as well as resident protection of your local files.

  • Symantec Removal Tools - here you can download small pieces of software that are intended to remove one specific virus/worm/trojan

Personal Firewall

  • ZoneAlarm - The world's most popular free (for personal and non-profit use) firewall provides effective protection against network intrusion. This firewall includes a one-click button to halt all traffic in the event of a breach.

  • Comodo Personal Firewall - this free personal firewall allows you to control network traffic to and from your computer.

Encryption

  • GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) - a free software package that allows for secure files and e-mail through the use of encryption and signatures. Documentation on how to use GPG can be found online, here is one source. It is available for almost any platform.

  • AxCrypt - free file encryption for Windows. Allows you to encrypt documents, and drives that can be decrypted by using a strong key stored on a USB key (flash drive)

Web Browser Security

  • SiteAdvisor is an add-on for Internet Explorer and Firefox that attempts to interpret the relative safety of web sites you visit. The add-on is relevant in those cases when you encounter questionable sites that have adware, spyware or other undesirable features. Windows and Macintosh.