Understanding Cyber Security & Safety
The Internet has radically changed the way we communicate. We can now interact with people across the world we may never meet in person. The Internet is indeed a great way to talk to people around the world; but with this new form of communication comes new concerns.
Bullying has always been a problem, and the Internet is not immune. All web users should be aware of cyber bullying. It takes many forms, from e-mailing mean statements to text messaging about someone behind their back. Online, bullies may be more aggressive than traditional bullies, believing they can remain anonymous. Sometimes these bullies are predators that may want to harm you; if you think that may be the case, tell someone.
One important safety measure is to treat your e-mail address as important private data like a phone number or address, and only give it to people you know and trust online. Not only can publicizing your e-mail address put you at risk of bullying or predation–you might attract unwanted spam mail. Spam is junk mail delivered through e-mail. Sometimes spam contains viruses or adult content that is vulgar and inappropriate. It is a good idea to have a spam filter for your e-mail.
Top Cyber Security threats are:
Constant negative news reporting and adverse analysis undermining public and business confidence in leadership, business management and economic recovery efforts.
- Criminal manipulation, fraud and subversion of financial markets by opportunists and competitors.
- Identity masquerading to abuse, attack, blackmail, bully, extort, terrorize or molest others.
- Criminal fraud by password and identity theft via phishing, pharming, spyware, malware and theft of hardware.
- Criminal use of botnets and botnet-like technologies, for example email (marketing and rumor) spam and denial-of-service attacks.
- Criminal exploitation of social networks.
- Criminal use of cloud computing and software-as-a-service infrastructures for cyberattacks and spam.
- Spying and theft of data by governments, industry, terrorists and other criminals.
- Sabotage, theft and other attacks by disgruntled employees and insiders.
Natural disasters, accidents, errors and unintended consequences without malicious intent.
Some people send spam for the purposes of identity theft-this is called phishing. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, and around the world. You should be aware of all requests for personal information and never respond to spam. If you are storing personal or private information on your computer, be sure to use a firewall and keep the information protected by using a password.
Even with all these concerns about online safety and security, the Internet is not all bad. The are many great cyber citizens out there–people who use the Internet for positive change. You can be a good cyber citizen using tools like TakingITGlobal and the many other online communities devoted to positive social change. You’ll find many different ideas in our resources section [link].
August 17, 2009
Posted in: Security Tips 
No Comments
Free Computer Maintenance Tips
Maintenance and cleaning up of your computer should be part of a regular routine to ensure that you don’t have any long-term problems with the computer. Unfortunately most basic computer users may not understand the mechanics of a computer or may feel intimidated with the maintenance. There are really simple steps anyone can take to ensure that your computer will continue working at the level it did when you first pulled it out of the box.
You may not realize it, but your PC and your car have something in common: they both need regular maintenance. No, you don’t need to change your computer’s oil. But you should be updating your software, keeping your anti-virus subscription up to date, and checking for spyware. Continue to read on to learn what you can do to help improve your computer’s security. Here are some basics maintenance tasks you can do today to start improving your computer’s security. Be sure you make this part of your ongoing maintenance as well.
Sign up for software update e-mail notices. Many software companies will send you e-mail whenever a software update is available. This is particularly important for your operating system (e.g., Microsoft Windows® or Macintosh), your anti-virus program, and your firewall.
Register your software. If you still have registration forms for existing software, send them in. And be sure to register new software in the future. This is another way for the software manufacturer to alert you when new updates are available.
Install software updates immediately. When you get an update notice, download the update immediately and install it. (Remember, downloading and installing are two separate tasks.)
- An ounce of prevention, few simple steps will help you keep your files safe and clean.
- Update your software
- Backup your files
- Use antivirus software and keep it updated
- Change your passwords
July 23, 2009
Posted in: Security Tips No Comments