Door Peninsula Internet, Inc.
sales 743-4999 or 487-9998       support 743-4999 or 487-9998

This page contains an over view of various Internet/Security issues and some ways to protect yourself and your computer from them.  Your best defense is knowledge and common sense as no one program can protect you from everything.  So here are some of the basics you should consider:

Secure Browsing (SSL) - Secure Sockets Layer or SSL is a means of encrypting data before transmitting it over the internet.

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You can tell if your browser is using SSL by looking for the closed pad lock icon. SSL is a great way to ensure your private data isn't intercepted in transit, but you should also make sure you trust the site your using.  Check the address bar to make sure you are on the correct website, and check the business out at the Better Business Bureau.  For more information on SSL see the Webopedia.com definition of SSL, and RSA Security's SSL Basics for Internet Users.

Phone bill charges - Have 900, International, and third party billing blocked by your local phone company and long distance carrier on the phone line used to connect to DoorPI.  See our setup page for more information.

First - Keep your computer up to date with the latest updates/patches for the operating system (Windows?) and Internet applications (Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Anti Virus, etc).   If you use MS-Windows(tm) be sure to visit WindowsUpdate often (weekly). Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 Updates on  CD

Viruses are a problem that any Internet user is at risk for. Fortunately, new technology has brought about excellent anti-virus software that can help prevent or fix any damage that a virus may cause. Below are some links to the most effective anti-virus software packages available.

We are an authorized reseller for AVG Anti-Virus.  While there is a free version, it is only for home users on single, non-networked computer, does not come with technical support and updates are available on a best effort basis.  For the best protection at the most economical price, we recommend AVG Pro version 7.  Their fee is just $38.95 for TWO YEARS (most others require a renewal fee after one year). The paid version includes updates via high speed Akamai servers, email technical support, and we will perform the installation free of charge in our office.  To schedule an installation call 743-4999 or 487-9998.   To download a 30 day trial, click here.  Then call us to purchase your license code when you are ready.

For a free online scan, visit  PC-cillin House Call  This is handy if your PC got infected before you had taken the time to install an anti virus program.  Another good option is by Computer Associates.

Pricing subject to change at any time, check their websites for current info.
 

w32.Bagle worm - Click Here to download removal tool
                            Separate patch to prevent infection from just viewing emails.

MS-Blaster worm - Click Here to Download Removal Tool
                          - Click Here to Download Patch from Microsoft

Other Types of Protection

Personal Firewalls - not as critical on dialup connections because your not always online and your IP address is changed every time you dial in.  Still, a firewall can protect you from various types of virus worms that use their own email server or other unauthorized access via your internet connection.  Some anti-virus software includes this feature.  Windows XP also includes a basic firewall but it must be turned on under your connection settings.  It has been improved with service pack 2.  A very good firewall, FREE for personal use is ZoneLabs ZoneAlarm.

Spyware - Many times, free software is actually spyware.  It secretly sends information about your computer and the websites you visit to someone else.  These spies can slow down your system and invade your privacy.  Sometimes they come into your system by simply visiting certain websites or using music sharing programs.  A FREE program is available to find and remove these from your computer from PepiMK Software called SpyBot Search and Destroy.   Another program is available free from LavaSoft called Ad-aware and is a bit easier to use.  To further protect yourself, download and install the free SpywareBlaster that blocks some known exploits of Active-X.

Ad-aware
SpyBot Search and Destroy
SpywareBlaster
Microsoft AntiSpyware (requires legal copy of Windows 2000 or XP)

Homepage Hijacking - Related to spyware, but more like a trojan.  It is usually a program of sorts that runs in the background to make sure the homepage is always reset to the hijackers choice not yours.  May also populate your favorites list.  Read more about it here.  If you are a victim of the CWS version of this, you may be able to download and run this program to clean it (CWShredder).

PopUp Ads - You may visit some websites that annoyingly pop up ads over or under the page you are trying to view.  While these may be needed to support that websites existence, if you want to have them blocked, there is a FREE program from EMS called EMS FreeSurfer mk II.  Another option is the Google(tm) toolbar which includes a popup blocker.  A new type of spam is hitting Windows 2000 and later computer.  These popups are not web browser windows but more like system alerts with only an OK button.  This service was originally intended for IT departments on in-house networks but is now be abused by spammers.  If you are affected, a firewall, as mentioned above will block them or better yet, disable this service on your system as follows: Start->Programs->Administrative->Services, then right click on Alerter and select properties, then set the startup to "disabled".  Do the same for Messenger (don't worry, this is different than MSN Messenger).

EMS FreeSurfer mk II
Google(tm) toolbar

Phishing - Phishing is where you get an bogus email warning you to log into your account somewhere (Ebay, Paypal, ISP or financial institution) to avoid some big problem.  First rule is "DON'T CLICK THE LINK", instead if you want check things out, open a new browser window and type the web address in yourself and make sure the little padlock shows up in the taskbar.  The goal of the "Phisher" is to take you to a fake site and collect your account information for use in identity theft.  There are some programs available to alert you if a site is bogus.  One is Fraudeliminator and it has a free version.

Family Filters - You may wish to protect your family from stumbling onto sites with inappropriate content.  For this we recommend the "BSafe Online" Filter.  It will block the viewing of web sites with pornographic and violent material.  Costs about 14 cents a day and can be installed on up to THREE computers.  It's updated daily by "real" people, not just a keyword filter.  Automatically updates itself. Can block Chat and Instant Messenger programs.  Includes a Firewall and PopUp Blocker free!

As an alternative, there is a free porn blocker available for download at Radiance.

For more information on how to protect your children, you may visit www.getnetwise.com which has a lot of good information on the subject.