How do I safely use my browser online?

Your browser

Your browser is an important part of your computer’s security. Keep your browser and security systems (anti-virus software, firewalls, etc.) up-to-date.

Practice good browsing habits

• Pay attention to the links you want to click on and don’t assume a link is safe just because you found it in a “safe” way.
• Don’t install something just because a web page suddenly tells you that you need it.

McAfee Security from Bell is included with all Bell Internet packages and includes Anti-Virus, Two-Way Firewall, Internet Filtering and other applications to help keep you secure online.

What are viruses, worms and Trojans?

Viruses, worms and Trojans are malicious programs that can infect your computer and change the way it works.

How to protect yourself:

• Be wary of email and instant messaging attachments or files, even if they are from people you know.
• Scan downloads with anti-virus software before installing them.
• Ensure your anti-virus software is up-to-date and reliable. Anti-Virus is an important part of McAfee Security from Bell which is included with all Bell Internet packages.

Download and install McAfee Security from Bell now.

What is spyware?

Spyware is software that collects and sends information from your computer without your permission.

How to protect yourself:

• Watch out for unexpected offers, warnings and dialog boxes that suddenly pop up while you’re online. Avoid clicking on them, even to cancel or close them.
• Be wary of peer-to-peer sharing.
• Always read the End User License Agreement (EULA) when downloading from trusted sources.

Get rid of spyware on your computer with anti-spyware software. Anti-spyware is part of McAfee Security from Bell which is included with Bell Internet service.

What are hackers and snoops?

Hackers and snoops 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:

• Update your software and operating system: Upgrades have the latest technology which can make them more secure and worth the investment to stay up to date.

• Firewall: Ensure that you have an up-to-date network firewall and that the firewall that is part of your laptop’s operating system is also running and up to date

• Anti-virus: Keep your anti-virus software up to date and consider regular scans for spyware and malware.

• Maintain security: Two-way Firewall and Anti-Virus are always up to date as part of Bell Internet Security services McAfee Security from Bell, which is included with all Bell Internet packages.

• Choose strong passwords you can remember without writing them down. Mix upper and lower-case letters with numbers and, if possible, symbols.

• Review your credit card and bank statements, and log in regularly to your accounts to check the activity.

Be careful in public places: If you use a public computer or if you use your own computer on a public network (e.g., a coffee shop) do not visit your financial institutions’ websites, or input any personal information or passwords. Be sure that no one else can see your password if you enter one to access your hard drive.

Extra charges from auto-diallers

What are they?

If you use dial-up to access the Internet or can send faxes from your machine (even if you have high speed), you have a dial-up modem.

Many Internet diallers are legitimate software applications where the user initiates the connection. However, an auto-dialler virus uses your dial-up modem and your phone line to make long-distance calls without your permission. You can get an auto-dialler through viruses, spyware or hackers.

How to protect yourself:

• Whether you use dial-up Internet access regularly, or only occasionally use the dial-up access that comes with Bell Internet’s other packages, be aware of your computer’s Internet use.
• Program your modem to make a dialling noise so you can hear it when it makes a new connection.
• Regardless of your Internet connection, you should unplug the phone line from your computer when you are not faxing or on the Internet.
• Don’t use any programs that enable your modem to automatically re-dial to the Internet.
• Ask Bell to restrict your Internet phone line to local calls.
• Read online terms and conditions carefully and be skeptical about claims like "free" and "no credit card needed" in exchange for any online product or service.
• Increase the security settings for your operating system.
• Download and install Bell McAfee^® Security from Bell, which includes Anti-Virus and Firewall.

 

What is Bell doing about auto-diallers?

Blocking calls: We’re blocking calls to several countries that have significant auto-dialler traffic. If you want to call to these countries, you now need to do it with an operator’s assistance (at no extra charge.) Unfortunately, some companies have simply moved operations to regions where call-blocking is harder to put in place.

Offering the best rate for first-time occurrence: Under international agreements, Bell is still responsible for paying the costs of international calls made by its customers, even if the calls were made through fraud. However, if you do fall victim to an auto-dialler scam, Bell offers the best available long distance rate for the first occurrence of an auto-dialled call. Subsequent calls will be billed at your regular toll rate plan.

What are cookies?

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

• Learn how to change your browser’s “cookies” setting to suit your preferences. In most browsers, your cookies options can be changed under “Tools”, “Privacy”, “Options” or “Security.” You may need to check your browser’s “Help” function to find the exact path to the cookies setting.
• Manage your cookies automatically with PC Tune-Up, part of McAfee Security from Bell

What are pop-ups?

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:

• Learn how to change your browser’s “pop-ups” setting to suit your preferences. In most browsers, your pop-ups options can be changed under “Tools”, “Privacy”, “Options” or “Security.” You may need to check your browser’s “Help” function to find the exact path to the pop-ups setting.