Basically, there is no security when it comes to newsgroups. This is
one of the most public of forums, and as such there is little or no
protection from abusers.
However, the good news is there is not much to fear from newsgroups.
Unlike web surfing, you are not anywhere near as exposed to hostile
attackers. There are some things you need to be concerned about, however.
- Viruses. As
with everything on the internet, you MUST be concerned about and
protected from viruses. Newsgroup postings that contain viruses are
rampant. Make sure you scan any binaries that you download from
newsgroups often.
- Spam. The worst thing you will encounter is spam. Tons and tons of
spam. First in the newsgroups themselves, and then if you post you will
start receiving spam. The best protection from spam from newsgroups is
to make sure your "from" and "reply" addresses in your newsgroup
browsers are set to a free email account which you basically ignore.
- Flaming. Occasionally you will get a response to a post which is
very hostile. This is called flaming. It's always best to just ignore
flames, as responding just leads to flame after flame. Newsgroups are
supposed to be about communication, not shouting at each other.
- Software. My advice is to never, ever run any software which has
been downloaded to a newsgroup. Even with the best virus scanner you
cannot be sure it's not a hostile program. If you really want the
software, find it on a trusted web site somewhere and download it from
there.
- Pornography. Unfortunately, porno-scum post dirty pictures to all
newsgroups constantly (except those which are tightly moderated). If you
let your kids rea newsgroups, you can be sure they are being exposed to
plenty of pornography. My advice, never allow your children anywhere
near a newsgroup. These are much worse than the much more publicized
dangers on the web.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos and text is Copyright © Richard G Lowe, Jr.
