Save & Share2010 Press Releases
Pensioners to get savvy online
Marlow, 21st May 2010 -- Friday May 21st marks the ninth annual Silver Surfers' Day in the UK, a day packed with free activities and training aimed at the estimated 9.2 million over-55s in the UK without internet access. It is believed that a majority of the "older generation" do not currently use the internet - many of them are fearful of the technology, or of falling victim to online fraudsters.
New statistics released by Trend Micro today have revealed that in April this year alone, over a quarter of us (26%) have been subject to online scams. These scams prey on your sympathy vote and appear, for example, as a link in an email asking for donations to fake charities. Over 13% of the spam identified by Trend Micro in April was disguised as legitimate emails from our favourite online retail shops offering the latest deals and discounts.
It was found by Trend Micro that more than one in ten emails (11%) in April were malicious, disguised as special offers to those looking to buy medicine online, so. for the 84% of those pensioners who do use the internet and who use email to stay connected to family and friends this can put them at risk.
Many silver surfers are increasingly using the web to find information, join forums and groups with common hobbies and interests, book holidays, shop online, download photos and videos as well as sign up to social networks.
Rik Ferguson, senior security advisor at Trend Micro said: “Criminals have now largely moved away from sending unconvincing looking mails or directly attaching malicious files, although of course these remain a risk. Instead Spam and Phishing now look far more professional and credible. If you receive email you were not expecting or that you are unsure of; do not be tempted to click the links in the email. One click on a booby-trapped link can be enough to get your machine infected and under criminal control.”
“Online criminals operate on a mass scale so are indiscriminate about who they target”, said Tony Neate, Managing Director at GetSafeOnline.org. “Whether they are successful or not depends largely on two factors: firstly, how good we are at securing our computers; and secondly, how much we avoid risky activities and behaviours while we’re using the internet.”
Internet security firm Trend Micro has issued a list of simple guidelines, such as keeping anti-virus software up to date and tips on how to stay secure online.
How do I protect my computer?
Some terms explained and tips to make life easier
Spam e-mails
Unwanted email that fills your inbox, Spam is mostly commercial in nature, pushing counterfeit products or product that my not even exist at all.
Phishing
For Phishing read “fishing”; these are emails that purport to come usually from your bank or credit card company. These emails try to persuade you to part with your login details either in an email reply or by directing you to a fake website.
Fake websites
Web sites that are designed to look exactly like the one they are impersonating, usually banks, shopping sites or social networks. Criminals set up these web sites in the hope of luring their victims to part with their user names and passwords. Always check the address in the browser is the one you expect, if in doubt, use your bookmarks.
Spyware
Malicious programs that steal your data and send it to criminals – typically for financial gain through theft of personal and confidential information
Adware, pop up
Software which displays advertising on your PC or replaces legitimate advertisements on the web sites that you open – click on it at your peril
What tools are available?
Anti-virus software
Install the latest software and regularly update its list of known viruses
Firewalls
A firewall is a ‘real time’ barrier that blocks criminals from being able to connect to your computer directly.
Junk email filters
Most e-mail clients use sophisticated tools to filter Spam and junk mail, but some
still slips into your inbox – if in doubt, don’t open it!
What else can I do?
Browse the internet safely
Beware of strange looking web addresses. If the site you’re visiting is unfamiliar to you, only proceed if you’re absolutely sure the webpage will be safe
Stop spyware
Only install programs that you can be sure of, avoid installing or running anything proposed to you by an unfamiliar website. If in doubt contact the site directly over the telephone, if there’s no number listed on the site, proceed with caution.
Secure wireless networks
If you’re using wireless broadband, make sure that it is password protected and there is a firewall in
stalled in your router (most come with one built in). If this is not something you feel confident with, ask a family member for help.
Get software up dates
Make sure your software is updated to the latest version. Internet browsers and operating systems are most targeted by hackers, so constantly update their software with new security features.
Compact top tips:
- Always install, update, and maintain firewalls and intrusion detection software, including those that provide malware/spyware security
- Use the latest Web browser version and install security patches when available
- Be sceptical when receiving emails that request account details (financial institutions should never request financial details in emails)
- Never email financial or personal details
- Only open email attachments from trusted parties and even then, double check with the sender.
- Never click on links in suspicious emails
- Report suspicious emails to appropriate authorities
- Regularly read the latest news and information regarding phishing
About Trend Micro:
Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in Internet content security, focuses on securing the exchange of digital information for businesses and consumers. A pioneer and industry vanguard, Trend Micro is advancing integrated threat management technology to protect operational continuity, personal information, and property from malware, spam, data leaks and the newest Web threats. Visit TrendWatch at www.trendmicro.com/go/trendwatch to learn more about the latest threats. Trend Micro’s flexible solutions, available in multiple form factors, are supported 24/7 by threat intelligence experts around the globe. Many of these solutions are powered by the Trend Micro™ Smart Protection Network™ infrastructure, a next-generation cloud-client innovation that combines sophisticated cloud-based reputation technology, feedback loops, and the expertise of TrendLabsSM researchers to deliver real-time protection from emerging threats. A transnational company, with headquarters in Tokyo, Trend Micro’s trusted security solutions are sold through its business partners worldwide. Please visit www.trendmicro.com.
