New Year's Resolution: Stay Safe Online, Stay Cyberstreetwise

fermi

A lot of people will want to save money by keeping old devices going, rather than getting new ones, and obviously want to keep them secure.

So what options are there for people with outdated and possibly insecure software? e.g. no longer supported Windows XP? Outdated older and possibly insecure Android versions etc?

As decidedly techie, I would install Linux rather than XP, or an up do date 3rd party ROM for Android, but what can less techies do?

niftythrifty33

Hi, my son has been given a second hand laptop that has been wiped and is like new but with no protection/anti-virus or parental controls.

He's 13 years old. I have used the talk talk parental controls on the modem in the past but it doesn't suit us as a family as the rest of us then can't access any socail media.

I would like protection fro his laptop that stops him looking at over 18 stuff and bad youtube videos etc but that will allow him and us to use some social media.

Also, I have AVG on my laptop, is that enough?

Thanks in advance

CyberStreetwise

Morning everyone!

Hopefully you're all sat comfortably as we're around for the next hour to answer any questions you might have.

Don't be shy, fire away!

The Cyber Streetwise Team

Former_MSE_Andrea

Hello and a huge welcome to Cyberstreetwise!

hannonle

Angie50 wrote: »

I have just bought an iPad mini and wanted to know if you need a security package on it like you do with the computer and laptop. I was told with Apple you don't need security. Could you please advise? Thank you.

I was wondering this too. I know they don't have a hard drive so can't catch a virus but it seems so weird that I'm using the internet without protection. Is it just a case of making sure the sites are secure when giving payment details/banking/etc.

Thanks!

CyberStreetwise

In case you're not sure what we're all about; we're a cross-government campaign, funded by the National Cyber Security Programme, and delivered in partnership with the private and voluntary sectors. The campaign is led by the Home Office, working closely with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Cabinet Office. Our aim is to improve the online safety behaviour and confidence of consumers and small businesses

CyberStreetwise

Angie50 wrote: »

I have just bought an iPad mini and wanted to know if you need a security package on it like you do with the computer and laptop. I was told with Apple you don't need security. Could you please advise? Thank you.

Hi Angie,

Just like any other device, iPads and all other Apple devices are vulnerable to viruses and malware. It's important that you install security software. You can find more information and tips here: cyberstreetwise.com/security-software

The Cyber Streetwise Team

CyberStreetwise

ZeroWasteWeek wrote: »

My husband insists I'm supposed to turn OFF my virus protection when I run a disk defrag otherwise it can get stuck in a loop and then to reboot and boot up the anti virus again. Is that right? It always leaves me feeling vulnerable!

Hi ZeroWasteWeek,

Your husband is right and it is fine to turn off your virus protection whilst running a disk defrag. However, we would suggest that you disconnect from the internet while you're doing this. Don't forget to turn it back on as soon as you're done though!

The Cyber Streetwise Team

CyberStreetwise

fermi wrote: »

A lot of people will want to save money by keeping old devices going, rather than getting new ones, and obviously want to keep them secure.

So what options are there for people with outdated and possibly insecure software? e.g. no longer supported Windows XP? Outdated older and possibly insecure Android versions etc?

As decidedly techie, I would install Linux rather than XP, or an up do date 3rd party ROM for Android, but what can less techies do?

Hi Fermi,

Great question!

Obviously everyone should keep their software up to date in order to make sure their security is constantly updated. However, as you mention, some software is no longer supported. Once a manufacturer stops bringing out updates, people have a lot more time to find vulnerabilities as they won't be patched. At this point you should upgrade, it may seem like you're spending a lot of money but it protects you from the financial implications of viruses/malware and will therefore save money in the long run.

The Cyber Streetwise Team

Former_MSE_Andrea

Question from twitter:

https://twitter.com/abinitio1980/status/558589674445623297