Viruses, worms and Trojans are malicious programs (or malware) that are transmitted through email, instant messages, web downloads or shared USB devices. Once a device is infected, these malicious programs can cause serious harm by destroying data, stealing personal information or locking a device and/or data for ransom.
How to protect yourself:
For Bell customers, anti-virus is available with your Internet service.
Spyware is software that collects and sends information from your computer without your permission.
How to protect yourself:
For Bell customers, anti-spyware is available with your Internet service.
Hackers are people who try to get your personal information like credit card numbers and passwords by getting into your computer remotely. They may also try to get social insurance numbers and other important information so they can commit fraud.
Hackers get into your computer using viruses and specialized software, but they may also get access by simply looking over your shoulder in a public place.
How to protect yourself:
Cookies are small pieces of information about you, such as what you did on a website. When you revisit the site, your browser sends the cookie back to the site to help customize what you see. Cookies are limited in what they can do and mostly don’t pose a risk to your privacy. Sometimes, however, you may want to delete your cookies, especially if you are sharing a computer or using a public computer.
How to manage browser cookies
For Bell customers, cookies are managed through security software available with your Internet service.
Pop-ups are small windows that open automatically on some websites, partially or fully blocking your view. They usually display advertising and are not dangerous if you don’t click on them.
How to protect yourself: