How do I keep my kids from downloading viruses when they check their emai?

Question

What do I need to get to keep my kids from being able to download things that may contain worms, viruses, spyware etc... I can't stand over their shoulder and watch everything, but I don't want them ruining my computer...

Answer 1

Put your computer under Parental-Control, that way you will have control over your computer (password protection) You can not stop them from downloading (I know from experience) but you can have your computer under password protection. The most important thing is, to protect your WHOLE computer with an antivirus protection software, this will protect your computer from vires, trojans, etc no matter who is on it. My thing is, when you have kids and they are on your computer most of the time, it is best to get them a used computer so that you can keep yours viruses free.

Answer 2

There are some basic rules that we must all follow that will help to keep viruses out of our computers. These rules are not an absolute cure, but the help allot.

1. Do Not click on Pop Ups. (This one is a never do)
2. If you receive an e-mail from some one you do not know, don't open, just delete it.
3. Do Not open e-mail attachments from people you don't know, or from people that usually don't send attachments. In the latter case, I would call these people before I opened the attachment. (Remember, a "trogen" can send from your own address book, so the person receiving the e-mail will think that it is coming from you.

Just a word of warning. Younger folks do not realize just how dangerous the internet really is, so we must talk to them constantly so as to help them be safe.

You didn't say what e-mail client you use, but most have security settings that can help. Outlook Express and Windows Mail can block attachments and graphics. To do this open the mail client and click Tools>Options>Security. You want a tic (check mark) in:
1. Restricted sites zone.....
2. Do ot allow attachments.....
3. Block images and other ext.....

With the above security setting Windows can help quite allot in keeping viruses and other nasty stuff out of your computer, but it will make the mail client a little less functional in that your kids won't be able to send pictures, etc back and forth.

Last, be very careful with social network sites like Facebook and My Space. Nasty people post nasty things for downloading. Also, be very weary of P2P sites. These sites post music and software that can be downloaded for (free), but remember there really aren't any free lunches. I have seen way to many system infected with very bad viruses ans malware that was downloaded along with what these folks thought was "something for free".

Answer 3

They aren't going to "catch" viruses, spyware, etc., etc., from just checking their email, UNLESS, they open email and attachments from people they don't know. That's the #1 rule of email - and one of the reasons so much spam still exists. You don't get bad stuff on your computer from JUST email. You get bad stuff from roaming around the internet. So, unless you are prepared to "stand over their shoulder" then talk with them about where they go and what they do on the computer, and try to impress them with the fact that this is YOUR computer.

And Mom, you're a real dodo if you don't have a good firewall, antivirus and antispyware installed and kept up to date. This is YOUR responsibility, as it's YOUR computer. All of the listed things are free, so why don't you already have them?
1. Windows Firewall (if you have Windows XP)
2. Avast 4-Home antivirus
3. SuperAntiSpyware
4. Ad-Aware
5. Anti-spam if you don't use Yahoo email.

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware
http://www.superantispyware.com/
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
http://www.spamfighter.com/Product_Info.asp

Answer 4

Block out everything -> Set spam filtering to the most secure setting so they cannot even read mail they have not directly solicited.

Also set it to never download images in emails, and only receive text emails (not the html parts).

Lastly, don't allow URLs to be clickable within the message. They are set in spam emails to be trackable, and normally send you to a website where the spam attacks happen.

The setting should be in some sort of Tools -> Options -> Email Spam Settings/Spam Filtering.

Those things should cover most things that could happen without the need to actually click on anything or download anything within the message.

Answer 5

You didn't say what email program they are using. But here are some things I do.

I know some allow you to check off: Do not load remote images.
Remote images in email are actually web pages. So turn that off.
Set filters, if the name isn't in the address book, have the email go directly to trash.
Make sure spam filtering is turned on.

Remember, they will get email when they visit sites. You can IE to not allow certain sites, or reduce nudity, language etc.

Answer 6

Have them read and open email through yahoo, hotmail or other free online email instead of your regular home email.

Yahoo, hotmail, etc have regularly up to date virus scanners installed on their systems. Having email opened on their servers is much better and safer than opening it on your own home email account in which your virus scanner may not be up to date.

Answer 7

i'm using ATT uverse as my internet provider and it allows you to download to the computer you're using some tools to help you protect your computer and yourself.. tools like, personal firewall, email scanner, etc..

in your case i believe you need the email scanner which scans whatever you download.. etc..

Answer 8

create a guest account for your kids.
then make usre your antivirus is up to date
firewall too.

Answer 9

Delete the mail if you don't know who it is from

Answer 10

just tell them "Never open any Email that you don't know who sent them"
Good luck!!