FAQ
2. Is it risky to make bank transactions on the Internet?
5. Is it risky to use my first and last name in my email address?
8. How do I know if the antivirus software that was included with my computer is effective?
10. When you put a computer on standy, is this as safe as completely shutting it down?
1. Once information about me is made available on the Internet, is it possible to completely erase it?
Unfortunately, once information is posted on the Internet, you lose control of it and you cannot be certain that it will be erased from everywhere that it was copied or captured.
However, you can erase information, text or images on websites to which you have access, such as your Facebook profile or personal webpage. But nothing prevents someone from capturing your texts or images and saving them elsewhere.
By using a search engine such as Google, for example, you can check whether your name appears on the Internet and ask the webmaster or the blog administrator to remove your information. But you may not be able to find all the places where you are mentioned and you can never be sure that the webmaster will agree to erase your information.
2. Is it risky to make bank transactions on the Internet?
It is not the action of making bank transactions on the Internet that is most risky. Financial institutions usually have security controls to protect communication, for example, the small padlock at the bottom of the browser's window indicating that the communication between your computer and the banking institution's server is encrypted.
The risks are greater at both ends of communication, i.e., your personal computer and the institution's computer, where personal or sensitive information is stored.
You cannot do anything to protect your financial institution's server because it is their responsibility. However, you can adopt safer behaviour when using your computer at home or at work. Antivirus software, a spyware blocker and a firewall can help protect your computer, but that is not all. You also have to adopt safe behaviour. Refer to the Online Code of Conduct for more information.
3. My employer has a portal on which all of my personal data is posted. I have access with my password, but some managers do as well. How can I be sure that the portal is safe from identity theft and is secure?
Owners are responsible for proving that their websites are secure, and they must implement security controls and ensure that they are working properly. As a user, you can ask the website owner for explanations and, based on the quality and credibility of the answers, then decide whether or not you want to continue using this portal.
Ideally, the proper functioning of all the security controls should be checked during the development of the system. Unfortunately, few companies carry out these rigorous checks.
Another method, which is less effective but easier, consists of carrying out vulnerability and security tests on an existing system. This second method identifies major security holes, but the quality of the results depends on the tester's expertise and competence. Moreover, like all verification processes, if a tester does not find any problems, it does not necessarily mean that there are none.
4. Do you have to provide the PIN numbers on the back of your credit card when asked by certain suppliers? If you do not provide the number, can they refuse to sell you the goods?
Yes, if a supplier asks you for the three numbers on the back of your credit card, you can comply. This number is not your Personal Identification Number (PIN) but rather a Credit Card Validation Code (CVC). During an online or telephone transaction, vendors use it to verify that their client (you) do indeed have an authentic credit card in your hands.
This code does not prevent theft but rather prevents cloning of credit cards. The idea is that, when fraudsters clone credit cards, they will not take the time to copy the three numbers on the back of the card.
5. Is it risky to use my first and last name in my email address?
No, it is not risky to use your first and last name in your email address, and definitely makes it easier to communicate with your friends and family. The first and last name of an individual are not considered to be enough information to identify someone with certainty. For example, depending on the situation, in addition to your first and last name, more information, such as your home address and phone number, would be necessary to identify you.
6. When I participate in online contests and I give my information such as my first and last name, address and age, how is this information protected?
The protection of information contained on each website or information system depends on the security controls that were requested and implemented by its owner. Unfortunately, there are currently no standards or regulations that stipulate how a website should be secured. Moreover, as a user, there is no way that you can check whether or not a website is well protected. That is why it is important to always deal with reputable suppliers. Your level of confidence in the organization or company that owns the website will help you decide whether or not you want to post your information or make an electronic transaction on their website.
7. To participate in some contests, I have to download software. How can I be sure they do not contain any viruses?
The two main ways to prevent viruses are by using up-to-date antivirus software (and it is important to update it regularly) and basic common sense. If an organization's website asks you to download an application to participate in a contest, it is completely up to you to decide whether or not you really want to participate in this contest, despite the fact that you would have to install this new software on your computer.
Next, the antivirus software takes over and will attempt to ensure that the application you are downloading does not contain any known viruses. This is why it is important to keep your antivirus software up to date. Through these updates, your antivirus software receives the signatures of new viruses without which it cannot detect them.
8. How do I know if the antivirus software that was included with my computer is effective?
In general, the effectiveness of antivirus software depends on two factors. The first factor is the effectiveness of the detection engine that identifies viruses, i.e., software. The second factor is the virus signature base that is used by the detection engine. This file contains information that makes it possible to recognize viruses. It is therefore important to ensure that the manufacturer regularly provides clients with updated files, which contain signatures of new active viruses.
9. Does antivirus software prevent spyware or do I have to get other software installed that prevents spyware?
Not all antivirus programs can detect spyware. Antivirus software that includes spyware blocker is usually known as "Internet Security Suite." If your antivirus software does not fall under this category, you must install an independent spyware blocker.
10. When you put a computer on standy, is this as safe as completely shutting it down?
Yes, putting a computer on standby is just as safe. In both cases, the computer completely shuts down and is no longer accessible via the network or the Internet.