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Basic security measures

These are relatively simple security measures but they will have a major impact on the ease at which political enemies and criminal elements can disrupt our activities.

Securing a computer or phone

Firstly, it is necessary to secure any computer or phone that is being used to log in:

  • That is, there must be anti-virus software installed.
  • Security updates to Windows/MacOS/Android and other software must also be installed. Preferably, they should be set to install automatically, but, if that is not possible, they should be installed as soon as the notification appears.
  • Care must also be taken not to install dodgy software. That could be apps on your phone or browser plugins.The Android store in particular contains thousands of dodgy apps and care should be taken when installing new apps.

Web browsers

Secondly, most browsers (including Firefox and Chrome) are notoriously ridden with security holes, many which are not yet publicly known. Determined attackers could use these to steal your information simply by tricking you to visit a specially crafted website. They can easily produce very legitimate looking emails masquerading as coming from your bank, internet provider, phone company, Facebook, Amazon etc., but where links will send you to such a malicious site.

  • If you receive something from e.g. Facebook that needs your attention, manually open a new browser window and manually type the URL for the website and login there.
  • All Yahoo users’ address books were compromised a couple of years ago, so be extra careful when clicking on links that come from yahoo addresses, including people you know.
  • Also, never click on any links in spam email, or links randomly sent to you by strangers.

Secure passwords

Thirdly, use strong passwords: How to secure passwords?

Social engineering

For social engineering attacks, pay attention to how you react to something. More often than not these attacks will try to elicit an emotional response and then exploit your impulses.