Your Security & how i work (Home support)

I still believe that the vast majority of people are good! Even though i believe that. I still believe its sensible to be careful! This is how I aim to make you feel safe & secure on any home visits I attend.

1. Book a time that suits you. (That could include evenings or weekends).

2. Have a friend, Neighbour or relative to be present.

3. Inform a friend, Neighbour or relative of the appointment.

4. Check my credentials when i arrive. I will always carry my driving licence & my DBS.

You can even take a picture & post it on Facebook!

I always explain this fully on any telephone call. I pride myself in being honest, trustworthy & flexible. To fit in around your arrangements. I will always suggest that you have a friend, neighbour or relative present on any home visit. I would also suggest that you inform friends, neighbours &\or relatives who I am. My website & contact details & not just when I am due to attend. But how much I’m going to charge you.

I take pride in being open, honest & trustworthy.

IT Security. What is it all about?

Passwords (Important)

It all begins with your password! Every device, some programs & some websites. Will want a username & password. Any of these that contain your bank card details. Must have a separate & strong password. Other sites. Not so much. I do not wish nor want to know YOUR passwords! However I will be able to advise some of the best ways to manage these.

Antivirus/Antimalware Software

These programs are designed to check for unwanted (or dangerous) programs on your devices. Advise on what is best for you is available upon request.

I will always advise on Free programs where possible!

Email Security

This, outside of your passwords, is important! Most scams, Virus’s or other nasties come in via your email. These are some of the many things to be aware of.

Spam

The actual term comes from the Monty Python Sketch ‘Spam’ where a couple are lowered into a restaurant & presented a menu that has Spam as part of every meal. The sketch ends with a group of Vikings… It is Monty Python after all… Singing loudly ‘Spam, Spam, spam, spam… Lovely Spam!’

In computer terms. ANYTHING that you receive via email is potentially Spam! However one persons Spam is another persons wanted information. I currently use Vodafone for my mobile phone (I am not suggesting you do by the way!). However if I receive any promotional emails from them. I think of that as Spam. As i do not want it. I can help you manage this via your email.

Phishing (Pronounced as Fishing) - (Important)

Phishing is a scam where attackers trick you into sharing personal information, like passwords or credit card numbers, by pretending to be a trusted source, such as a bank or website. They often use fake emails, fake texts or fake phone calls to steal your details. NEVER give out your usernames, passwords, bank account numbers or any information that is requested. Unless you are 100% sure. The simple rule is…

Take their details & tell them you must confirm they are who they say they are. No Bank or reputable company will ever ask for these.

Spoofing

Spoofing is when someone disguises a message, call, or website to appear as a trusted source, tricking you into believing it's real. The term comes from "spoof," meaning to imitate or deceive, often used in comedy to mimic or fake something. You may of even received an email or message yourself pretending to be from a friend or relative… or worse a bank or company. This is often used to extort money from you pretending to be a company that you owe money to. They are VERY clever & believable. As with Phishing. Unless you are 100% sure. The simple rule is…

Take their details & tell them you must confirm they are who they say they are. Then find the contact details yourself or contact me to help you.

Attachments in emails

Attachments are often a major way ‘Hackers’ get computer programs onto your system. This can do untold & sometime unrepairable damage to your ‘data’… Data is the computer word for information on your system.

Parental Controls and Child Safety

This can be put in place for almost all digital devices today. Often you will have these built into the devices you have or the internet that is used by you. However it is possible that I may need to help find something that suits your needs. If this is something you wish to discuss. Call me free & we can talk over what you need.

Network Security

What is a network?

A network connects your devices—like computers, phones, tablets and smart TVs—so they can use the internet. It’s managed through your internet box (This is called a router), which links these devices to each other and the internet, allowing you to watch YouTube or Netflix (streaming), go to websites, buy things and share files.

What is a firewall?

A firewall is a security tool that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing internet traffic. It acts like a barrier between your device and the internet, blocking things you do not want & only allowing access to things you allow. This helps to prevent cyber threats like hackers and malware. This is often a computer program that is already on your device.

What is WiFi security & why do i need it?

Wi-Fi security protects your home internet connection from hackers and unauthorized users. Without it, others can access your network, steal personal information, or use your data. Securing Wi-Fi with strong passwords and encryption ensures your privacy and safety online.

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that hides your online activity by creating a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. Think of it like a tunnel that connects your device to a place in a different area of the UK or even abroad. This helps protect your privacy, making it harder for hackers or websites to track you or steal your data. As it believes you are somewhere else entirely & stops hackers ‘looking’ at the information you are sending out from your device as this is encrypted & sop cannot be seen.

Most of this is already built in. However I can review this for you & both explain (in English) & advise what… If anything… You need.

Are Hackers bad guys?

Actually. To be honest they are not! Hackers (Now re-named to ethical hackers) are people who write or change computer programs for free for the benefit of all of us. Android, which is what most mobile phones use to work, was created & is improved by Hackers. There are 1000’s of programs created by Hackers for the benefit of all of us.

The problem is the media. The media call bad guys Hackers. Rather than the correct name ‘Crackers’. Crackers are ‘bad guy’ Hackers. They create programs that damage or try to get your information without your permission. Crackers will hit you with a Phishing attack, send Spoofed emails or write dangerous code into files that get emailed.

I have used the term ‘hackers’ on the security area simply because that is what people know them as. As a younger man i was proud with the label of Hacker. As I ‘hacked’ a number of computer programs that improved the use of them for my colleagues & customers. This was over 20 years ago when the term Hacker was understood better & the media had not misinformed people of what a hacker really is.

Finally…

Modern large companies now employ teams of people who only work & specialise in CyberSecurity. This is such a threat to modern business that it is more cost effective to ‘try’ to prevent attacks. Than to manage things once they have happened. I could spend weeks writing articles & advise on everything i know & still miss areas. The ‘Bad guys’ are always at least two steps ahead. However good password management, Antivirus software, Firewalls & understanding about Phishing & Spoofing will keep you safe 99.999% of the time. The bad guys are genuinely after the big companies & organisations. As normal people. Our threat level is much lower. I can help you be confident in using these devices without the worry that is often caused by TV, Radio & Newspaper articles.