GSM Web Security

Cookies

What is a Cookie?: Cookies are used when you use your browser to visit web sites on the Internet. Cookie files allow a web server to store information about you on your computer, and to retrieve that information to identify you in the future. A cookie is a tiny piece of text that is placed on your hard drive. Its job is to record bits of information such as the pages you've visited, items you've put into an online shopping cart, your user name and password.
Practical Uses for Cookies: Cookies were created to maintain user information and to customize web sites. In many cases, they make it easier to navigate and use the Internet. For instance, upon your first visit to a site you are often asked to register by giving your name and a password for access to that site. The site will then place a cookie on your hard drive, which contains that information. When you return to that site, the cookie is retrieved and read and the web site "recognizes" you as an authorized guest. This means that you only have to register once. Because cookies allow a site to know who you are, they can customize information for you. Like going into a shop where the salesperson knows you personally and knows your preferences so he or she is able to present you with customized merchandise in order to make your shopping easier.
What Information can a Cookie Extract?: Cookies cannot be used to get data or view data off your hard drive. Cookies do not give anyone access to your computer or any personal information about you unless you have given that information to the web site by answering questions or filling in a form.

Customising Cookie Use

You can configure your privacy settings in Internet Explorer 6 by clicking Internet Options on the Tools menu, and then clicking the Privacy tab.

The Privacy settings available with the slider are:

Block All Cookies: Cookies from all Web sites will be blocked, and existing cookies on your computer cannot be read by the Web sites that created them. Per-site privacy actions do not override these settings.
High: Blocks cookies that do not have a compact privacy policy or that have a compact privacy policy which specifies that personally identifiable information is used without your explicit consent. Per-site privacy actions override these settings.
Medium High: Blocks third-party cookies that do not have a compact privacy policy or that use personally identifiable information without your explicit consent. Blocks first-party cookies that have a compact privacy policy which specifies that personally identifiable information is used without your implicit consent. First-party cookies that do not have a compact privacy policy. Per-site privacy actions override these settings.
Medium (default level): Blocks third-party cookies that do not have a compact privacy policy or that have a compact privacy policy which specifies that personally identifiable information is used without your implicit consent. First-party cookies that have a compact privacy policy which specifies that personally identifiable information is used without your implicit consent are downgraded (deleted when you close Internet Explorer). Per-site privacy actions override these settings.
Low: Third-party cookies that do not have a compact privacy policy or that have a compact privacy policy which specifies that personally identifiable information is used without your implicit consent are downgraded (deleted when you close Internet Explorer). Per-site privacy actions override these settings.
Accept All Cookies: All cookies will be saved on your computer, and existing cookies on your computer can be read by the Web sites that created them. Per-site privacy actions do not override these settings.

NOTE: The Privacy slider is designed to work only in the Internet zone. All cookies are automatically accepted from Web sites in both the Local Intranet and Trusted zones, and all cookies are automatically blocked from Web sites in the Restricted zone.

Cautious Surfing

Protect your financial and other sensitive information. Do not provide or post your any personal information such as address, phone number, bank account or credit card numbers, that could be used by criminals.
Social networking sites are like billboards in cyberspace. Police,employers, stalkers, con artists, nosy neighbors – anyone can see what you post. Don’t disclose anything about yourself, your friends, or family members that you wouldn’t want to be made public. Once information appears on a Web site, there is little chance it can be completely erased. Even if it’s modified or deleted, older versions may exist on others’computers.
Be cautious about meeting your new cyber friends in person. AIt’s hard to judge people by photos or information they post about themselves, it's easy to lie on the other end of a keyboard. If you decide to meet someone in person, do so during the day in a public place, and ask for information that you can verify, such as the person’s place of employment.
Think twice before clicking on links or downloading attachments in emails. They may contain viruses or spyware that could damage your computer or steal your personal information – including your online passwords and account numbers. Some messages may “spoof,” or copy the email addresses of friends to fool you into thinking that they’re from them. Don’t click on links or download attachments in emails from strangers, and if you get an unexpected message from someone whose address you recognize, check with them directly before clicking on links or attachments.
Beware of con artists. Criminals scan social networking sites to find potential victims for all sorts of scams, from phony lotteries to bogus employment and business opportunities to investment fraud. Go to fraud tips to learn more about how to recognize different types of Internet fraud.

Spyware

Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. It is often used interchangeably with adware and malware. Personal information is recorded/obtained without the users knowledge. Purposes range from overtly criminal to simply annoying. Due to the proliferation of spyware, software vendors have jumped into this niche market and others have incorporated spyware prevention and removal tools into their security suites.
Most spyware is installed without users being aware. Users do not install software that would disruipt their work or cause them to knowingly give out their personal details, so, spyware deceives users, either by jumping on the back of a piece of desirable and 'free' software, or fooling them into installing it (the Trojan horse method). Other methods include being bundled with shareware. Internet Explorer is a large target for Spyware installations, due to it's popularity and known security issues.

Effects and behaviors

A spyware program is rarely alone on a computer: an affected machine can rapidly be infected by many other components. Users frequently notice unwanted behavior and degradation of system performance. A spyware infestation can create significant unwanted CPU activity, disk usage, and network traffic, all of which slow the computer down. Stability issues, such as application or system-wide crashes, are also common. Spyware which interferes with networking software commonly causes difficulty connecting to the Internet.
In a number of instances users are completely unaware of being infected by Spyware and blame other things, such as their hardware or software. It has been known for systems to be completely formatted and re-installed in order to get the system back to a decent working order.

Spyware Removal Tools

Spy Sweeper - Dangerous and annoying spyware can infect your system in many different ways when you use the Internet. Spy Sweeper gives you 360 degrees of protection. Powerful new Smart Shields block known and emerging spyware threats as you browse - before they ever reach your computer and personal information. If your PC is already infected, Spy Sweeper's advanced discovery methods find and completely destroy malicious spyware that hides within your PC - even spyware that hides using rootkit technology.(Spy Sweeper)
CounterSpy - Stops spyware from slowing and crashing your PC. Protects your privacy and personal information. Immunizes your computer against future infections. Blocks homepage changes, pop ups, and unwanted redirects. Defends your computer with real-time Active Protection.
Additional Powerful Features:
History Cleaner: Erases the trails you leave on your computer as you surf the Internet.
PC Explorer: View and modify computer security and Internet browser settings that are normally difficult to change.
Secure File Eraser: Ensures the complete elimination of all files you want removed from your computer. Completely removes all traces of any document, image, music, movie, or application you choose.(CounterSpy)
Trend Micro Anti-Spyware - Trend Micro AntiSpyware is a comprehensive spyware detection and removal solution, designed especially for home users. Built on technology that has shipped on more new PCs from major computer manufacturers than any other anti-spyware product available, it features solid detection capabilities to help identify and halt attacks before they can cause unrecoverable damage. Unlike other spyware products, Trend Micro AntiSpyware features thorough cleaning technology to help ensure proper removal of unwanted spyware remnants.(Trend Micro Anti-Spyware)
Spyware Doctor - Spyware Doctor is advanced technology designed specially for people, not experts. That is one reason why it won the People's Choice Award in 2005 and 2006. It is automatically configured out of the box to give you optimal protection with limited interaction so all you need to do is install it for immediate and ongoing protection. Spyware Doctor's advanced OnGuard technology only alerts users on a true Spyware detection. This is significant because as you should not be interrupted by cryptic questions every time you install software, add a site to your favorites or change your PC settings. Such messages can be confusing and lead to undesirable outcomes such as inoperable programs, lost favorites or even Spyware being allowed to install on the system. We've done the research so you don't have to. (Spyware Doctor)