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Online security guide
What is Net Abuse?
We define Net abuse as any conduct that is likely to cause abuse to internet users either as individuals or as a group or which is an illegal activity, in breach of copyright or intellectual property rights or the accepted norms of the internet community in general, whether or not expressly mentioned in our Net Abuse Policy, or in the terms and conditions of use or our Acceptable Use Policy.
Tiscali TV reserves the right at all times to prohibit any activities that damage its commercial reputation and goodwill.
Common sense online
Tiscali TV already provides a level of pre-emptive security in respect of any attempt to attack our network. or example with "denial of service attacks".
However, because your connection to the internet works both ways, it is possible, though unlikely, that someone could use your internet connection to gain access to your PC. For this reason, we would recommend that you consider the risks involved and investigate some of the personal security products available.
Using a personal firewall product, for example, will increase your online security and give you peace of mind when you use the internet.
"How can I be sure my children are safe when using the internet?"
The best way to ensure your child is safe is to supervise their time online. Be especially careful when using chat areas as well as email and newsgroups. Here are some guidelines, which you may find useful.
1. Don't give personal information to strangers.
Try to ensure you don't give out your full name, home address, telephone number, the name of your children's school, or any other personal information that could help someone find out your true identity. The same applies to any family and friends. Don't reveal anything about others that could possibly get them into trouble.
2. Be wary when publishing pictures of your home or family online.
Putting together a family web site with pictures etc is innocent enough, however, consider what the content of the site says about you and your family. Avoid providing details of your address (perhaps in a photograph) or specific references to times or places when you or your children may be regularly away from home.
3. Abusive behaviour
if you receive a message that is nasty or which makes you feel uncomfortable. Do not reply to the sender no matter how tempting it may be - sending a response may just encourage them.
4. Use Parental Control software like SurfPatrol, which enables you to filter out abusive language, block websites with dubious content etc.
Useful links
The following web links provide further information on many of the issues above.
Usenet
www.cybernothing.org/faqs/net-abuse-faq.html
www.sputum.com
Virus
www.vmyths.com/
What is a Firewall?
Although Tiscali TV provides a level of pre-emptive security, there will always be a minority of individuals on the internet seeking to gain unauthorised access to other peoples' computers, perhaps just to see if they can, but also sometimes because they're criminals. For this reason, a firewall can be extremely valuable.
In simple terms, a firewall seeks to protect your computer from unwanted internet traffic. Its primary function is to let the traffic you want pass through while blocking unwanted traffic. When installed, a firewall exists between your computer and the internet.
The firewall lets you request web pages, download files, chat, etc. while making sure other people on the internet cannot access services on your computer like file or print sharing. A firewall will help keep you and your computer safe.
Useful Links
The following URL's will point you to some firewall sites.
www.symantec.com/region/reg_eu/product/
for both Mac and PC
uk.mcafee.com/
for both Mac and PC
www.norman.com
for PC
personalpages.tds.net/~brian_hill/brickhouse.html
interface for Mac OS X firewall
seaotter.berkeley.edu/cab/mac-firewalls/
products-macos-classic Mac firewall products
www.tinysoftware.com/home/tiny2?la=EN
Firewall software for PC
This is by no means a complete list but will give you some idea of the range of products available.
Website Filtering
Tiscali TV is a member of the internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) and supports the work of the internet Watch Foundation (IWF). Tiscali TV is conscious that in many households with an internet connection it is easy for parents to allow their children access to the internet with minimal time overseeing their usage patterns.
Innocent key words entered into a search engine can sometimes generate a list of sites which may carry banners that many would find unsuitable for their offspring to view.
This is where you might want to consider filtering of some websites.
There are many software packages available that will allow you to filter specific websites and block access to them so that children cannot see them.
The following website offers some good advice and ratings as well as a step-by-step guide on how to use internet Explorer's built-in Content Advisor settings to apply ratings for content.
The following web links will take you to websites of companies who offer filtering software for evaluation and re-sale and which we believe are established products with a reputable name in the marketplace.
Important Disclaimer
The internet related products and services mentioned in this section are included for information purposes only and do not constitute any form of advice, recommendation or endorsement by us that you purchase or install such products and services.
If you choose to make a contract with a third party who is named or referred to on this website, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are comfortable with the terms of that contract and to take legal advice if necessary.
