Computers? Beware! It is a jungle out there...

Does anyone ever think about the world of electronics, mobiles, computers and the associated stuff that comes with it? How despite so-called regulation, that world is awash with criminality. Some of it even sponsored by and actually originating from nations! And I suppose the UK is no different despite mealy-mouthed assurances and policies. Well whatever but what surprises me is the world of so-called defense. Anti-virus and a thousand different formats and tastes. It always seems to escapes peoples notice that anti-virus is basically a sham. Viruses do exist of course, there are far too many half-baked university graduates who sit all night with a single light on in the room, a cat on the sofa which has seen better times and fag ash spilling over the ash tray, tinkling on the ivories of the keyboard, who develop this type of nuisance. However, anti-virus can only ever be detected after it has already wreaked havoc. As such people lose money every hour of the day. You could say, anti-virus is useless. It is basically a medicine which you take after the bugs got in your body. So, how do viruses get into your computer? Well, sorry to say this, it is you! We could easily blame about everybody and the kitchensink, Windows Microsoft’s flagship operating system is so full of holes you could drive a horse and cart through it and is really no different for every other OS either and that includes Linux. As time goes on things improve, get better but in the end a computer system that can ‘talk’ to the world is always ‘open’. And if you ‘talk’ to another it means it can send stuff back inclusive of ‘malware’. Or if as a person you ‘talk’ to another person and send emails with ‘attachments’ like photos or links to other websites and ‘click on such items, you could inadvertently cause WW3.

OK, so what IS best practice? Well, your own behaviour behind the keyboard. Let’s start with the person. Choose good equipment and software to start. Use a Unix operating system like Linux. There is plenty of choice geared to what the person wants to do. Use all the safety stuff recommended. Use passwords that are NOT 12345 or your dog's name but contain different symbols. Use a password manager like Bitwarden, it is free to use and its password is the only one you will need to remember. Linux use is based on user safety through having to use a password every time you download software or update. Meaning that no-one but the owner can download or install anything! But personal use should also include not clicking on software, links or otherwise that are sent. Not looking or downloading inappropriate software either. I know it’s nice to look at females (in my case) in bikinis or no bikinis but unfortunately a lot of that stuff comes with unwanted baggage like viruses or other malware. Better buy a newspaper like the SUN (in the UK) if you need that sort of pick-me-up. Another thing that is important is the need to ‘update’. But do not set it up on automatic. You really do need to see what is going on and even in Linux not all of the updates that are sent need to be installed. It depends how you have set the computer up and what it is used for. The other thing to be aware of is WiFi – it is a great development, it allows mobiles, tablets and about everything else to be used around the house. But like everything else it can easily be seen by others as well. The signal can be picked up outside by people walking by. So use a strong password so logging in is nearly impossible. Similarly for Bluetooth or NFC. NFC allows you to use the mobile as a pay-station. Very handy, but switch it off if not in use. Sames as Bluetooth. Finally, be careful using cafe or hotel ‘free’ WiFi. If you do, use a VPN. At least free VPN’s can be set up quickly, it would be better to have a paid-for one (more safer again). So, be careful, it is a jungle out there!