How JMRL protects you, while using Library computers
While JMRL strives to keep Library patrons safe while online, there are circumstances outside of the Library’s control. The following details what JMRL does, why unpredictable issues arise, and what you can do to help the Library and yourself. This document only applies to JMRL public computers, not your personal devices.
How JMRL protects you:
- Antivirus software: Our Antivirus regularly scans computers for signs of virus activity,as well as scanning everything coming in over the internet, and blocks known viruses from getting into the machine in the first place.
- Restriction software: This helps prevent anything from being installed on public computers. All viruses are programs and JMRL’s restriction software tries to block unknown programs from starting.
- Rollback software: This software restores every file on the computer to its original condition every time it’s restarted. So even if a virus gets past the antivirus and restriction software, it will be gone after a restart. In other words, you always sit down to a “clean” computer.
What are some unpredictable issues?
- Unknown viruses: New viruses appear online every day, so all of JMRL’s computers get anti-virus updates daily. Usually, researchers discover new viruses within hours of being released, but there’s still a window between release, discovery, and update, where it can slip past an antivirus program.
- Malicious websites and emails: These intentionally try to install malware on the computer, the browser, or steal your identity. No software program is capable of preventing all identity theft.
- Hacked websites: Legitimate websites sometimes get hacked. That is, everything looks normal, but now it’s become a malicious website as described above. This issue has caused website operators to pay more attention to security, but it does still happen.
- Changes by legitimate websites: Sometimes websites, even very large websites like Google and Facebook, make legitimate changes that fail miserably, and give the appearance of something fishy going on.
How can you keep yourself safe?
Sometimes, it’s obviously a scam (For example, “Your $1,000,000 inheritance is waiting!”), but some are good enough to fool professionals.
In general, be suspicious. Too good to be true? An “emergency?” Threats? A link you “have to see” or “won’t believe?” Deportation warning? Verify the source before you click, and definitely before you send money. Only crooks will insist on a gift card or crypto currency! If it’s anything about your bank, Facebook, etc, don’t click! Call, or go to the website yourself. If it’s people you know, contact them some other way to confirm. If it’s a “problem” with your computer that includes a phone number or chat, restart your computer, or consult an expert.
More help at: https://staysafeonline.org and https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security.