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AITI's tips for cyber safety and security

Cyber bullying is any kind of harassment, insults and/or humiliation that uses mobile, wireless or Internet-related technology in some way to hurt a child, preteen or teen. Believing they can remain anonymous, online bullies may be more aggressive than traditional bullies.

Teaching the children how to respond to, and more importantly, when to ignore cyber bullying, is crucial. Some should be simply ignored and the sender blocked. Others should be reported to parents and teachers.

SAFEGUARD YOUR PASSWORD

A password is commonly used to access a computer system. A password is like your house keys. Most people would not leave the house keys hanging on their front door and so should you safeguard your password.

You should choose a strong password that is easy to remember but difficult to guess. You can use a paraphrase to create a strong password. For example, the password "ah2r3da1c" is derived from the first characters from the phrase "Abu has 2 rabbits, 3 ducks and 1 cat".

Always remember:

* A password is crucial to safeguard your computer. Choose a password that is difficult for others to guess.
* Your password should consist of at least 8 alphanumeric characters. (Alphanumeric means numbers and letters, for example: 8emA93d)
* Never share your password with others. Be very wary of hackers who may try to trick you to reveal your password over the phone or email.
* Never store your password in your computer as anyone can access it or write it down. You should memorise it and make it uniquely yours.

BE SAFE WHEN SURFING ON A WIRELESS NETWORK

Wireless networks are easily accessible and provide convenience to Internet users. However, they must realise that they are exposed to the danger of losing personal and/or sensitive information to someone with malicious intent who is spying on the wireless network.

Security Pointers

* Secure your electronic devices - laptops, mobile phones and PDAs before surfing on a wireless network.
* Make sure you connect to authorised wireless networks only and disable the auto-connect feature in your setting.
* Always use passwords and encryptions to protect personal information before transmitting them over a wireless network.

SECURE YOUR WIRELESS NETWORK

A wireless network refers to wireless LANs (Local Area Networks). This technology has become increasingly popular in business, industry, schools and in homes. Wireless network can be used by more than one person within range to access the Internet.

This means any neighbour or passer-by in the street with a wireless laptop can find and access your home network. You have to secure your wireless network with a password. An unsecured network makes it easier for hackers to access your computer.

There are five simple steps to get basic security on your wireless home network:

* Buy a Router with a built-in Firewall * Change the Service Set Identifier (SSID)

Your router will have its own default name (SSID). Hackers know the default manufacturer's settings so you need to change the SSID to prevent them gaining access.

* Disable the SSID Broadcast

An SSID broadcast sends a signal to nearby computers to tell them you have a wireless network, so it is important to switch it off to keep your network hidden.

* Change Your Router's User Name and Password

* Enable WEP Security

WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy and you can ask Windows XP to automatically turn it on. It encrypts your wireless broadband signal to prevent anyone snooping on it.

FIGHT SPAMS

Spam refers to unsolicited emails often sent to large groups of recipients. Do not provide your email address to just anyone. Alternatively, you can have multiple email addresses for different purposes that will allow you to use a "disposable" email address when you are at unfamiliar websites or posting to newsgroups.

Security Pointers

* Treat your email address as an important private data, like your phone number or home address, and give it only to people you know and trust online.
* Avoid publishing your email address on the Internet.
* Do not reply to a spam, including asking the spammer to remove you from its mailing list. Your reply tells the spammer that your email address is active, and you may receive even more spam.
* Some people send spam for the purpose of identity theft - this is called "phishing". Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes around the world. You should be aware of all requests for personal information. If you are storing personal or private information on your computer, be sure to use a firewall and keep the information protected by using a password.
* Establish multiple email addresses for different purposes. Use a free email account to help get spam under control. Even if you don't need another email account, signing up for an extra with Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail for example will allow you to use the account to give to retailers or other online sources that might end up selling your email address to spammers. Never give out your work email for non-work related purposes.
* Spam may even contain viruses or adult content that is vulgar and inappropriate. It is a good idea to use anti-spam software or the spam filtering service of your email service provider.

MY COMPUTER IS UNDER ATTACK - WHAT DO I DO?

* Disconnect your computer from the Internet immediately.
* Perform an overall virus scan on your computer.
* Contact BruCERT (Brunei Darussalam Computer Emergency Response Team) to report the incident and get further advice on what to do.

WHAT IS BruCERT?

Brunei National Computer Emergency Response Team ( BruCERT ) was established in May 2004. It was formed in collaboration with AITI and the Ministry of Communication to become the nation's first trusted one-stop referral agency in dealing with computer-related and internet-related security incidents in Brunei Darussalam.

BruCERT will coordinate with local and international Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs), network service providers, security vendors, government agencies, as well as other related organisations to facilitate the detection, analysis and prevention of security incidents on the Internet.

In its capacity as BruCERT, Information Technology Protective Security Services Pte Ltd (ITPSS) is affiliated with Asia-Pacific CERT (APCERT), which acts as a platform to share and gather information related to cyber security with other CERTS worldwide. Its membership makes ITPSS a window to security related activities in other parts of the world.

BruCERT's contact details:

Hotline: +6732458001 Email: cert@brucert.org.bn Website: www.brucert.org.bn Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30 am - 5.00 pm

BE CYBER SMART! Stick to these rules:

* Never tell anyone you meet on the Internet your home address, your telephone number or the name of your school, unless your parent or carer specifically gives you permission. * Never send anyone your picture, credit card or bank details or anything else without first checking with your parent or carer.
* Never give your password to anyone, not even your best friend.
* Never hang around in a chat room or in a conference if someone says orwrites something which makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, and always report it to your parent or carer.
* Never respond to nasty, suggestive or rude emails or postings in Usenet groups.
* Always tell your parent or carer if you see bad language or distasteful pictures while you are online.
* You can't win the lottery or lucky draw if you never participated or bought a ticket so don't believe emails telling you that you've won.
* Never send money to someone you don't know in response to an online request or via email.
* Always remember if someone makes you an offer which seems too good to be true, it probably is so refer it to your parent or carer. (Courtesy of AITI)  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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