1. General information
By taking a few easy steps, you can vastly increase your PC's level of protection from external threats.

Even if you already use anti-virus software, you should update it with the latest virus definitions on a regular basis.

Manufacturers of operating system software frequently release patches to close security gaps that may have opened up in your programs. These security gaps can be exploited by hackers and virus writers to gain access to your PC. You should visit the website of your operating system provider on a regular basis in order to download the latest patches and updates to your PC.

A personal firewall is another means of protecting your PC from external threats from the Internet, by preventing unauthorized data traffic to and from your PC.

You can find suitable applications for your PC in specialist stores or over the Internet.

2. Phishing
Internet fraudsters send e-mails prompting recipients to confirm or update personal and financial information such as account numbers, PIN numbers, passwords etc.

Senders often create the impression that the message has come from a well-known company by replicating the look of their e-mails or including so-called links. Do not reply to e-mails like these and never click on the links they contain. If in any doubt, contact the organisation in question using more familiar means.

Internet fraudsters who gain access to bank accounts in this manner often entice inconspicuous private individuals to transfer money on their behalf so as to cover their tracks. People are recruited via e-mails promising a quick buck in return for carrying out this simple service, which is a form of money laundering.

3. Spyware
Spyware is the name given to applications that monitor and record your Internet activity. This information may be of interest to providers of Internet services.

Spyware is frequently hidden in freely accessible service applications and often installs itself on your PC without the person downloading the information even realizing it.

Spyware can be used to filter out any personal details you may enter on the Internet. Spyware is different to viruses and thus cannot be detected and removed by anti-virus software. Separate anti-spyware software is therefore required.