Internet Security Homepage
There's been a growing trend over the last couple of years for more and more Internet users to connect through broadband connections such as cable modems or xDSL. With this growth has come a proportional problem of spyware, spam (unsolicited email), popup ads and viruses. The writers of these malware (malicious software) programs are using underhanded and sneaky methods of forcing the installation of their unwanted programs onto your computer without your permission. As an Internet helpdesk tech, I deal with customers daily that are fighting a battle against these unseen enemies with zero knowledge of the technology much less the know how of getting rid of them. I'm a firm believer that education is the first step to solving a problem and that's why I've created this Internet Security Page to educate folks about what's happening, without their knowledge, to their computers. For an excellent definition of malware and how to stop it getting on your PC, see this document from Microsoft.
If you don't read anything else on this site, please read and implement the suggestions in this article about how to secure a home computer.
Click here to see a list of current security threats and news that you need to know about
Read this article from CNet News to see how much malware has escalated worldwide business losses in 2003. It's estimated viruses and worms will cost Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the United States $245 million in the year 2004. Some of this additional cost will be passed on to you the end user; but wait, there's more. You may, unwittingly, be the cause for this increase if you're not taking the proper precautions to secure your computer. Click here to see how you may be costing yourself money.
Should the government get involved in enforcing Internet security? This article gives some food for thought. Here's more thoughts on government regulation from the private sector.
Click here to read about the latest legislation aimed at combating spyware.
Microsoft CEO, Bill Gates, comments on some of the new Windows XP security features to be added with the release of Service Pack 2 (SP2) scheduled for mid 2004. Here's an interesting article about how the new security features of SP2 could cause programs and services on your computer to stop working. Click here for the latest update on SP2.
When you click the "I Agree" button for that End User License Agreement (EULA) from an online website or service, you may be releasing them from their responsibility to secure the personal information you give them. Click here to read more about a disturbing trend among businesses providing online services.
Security Web Sites
SANS Institute - Great site for Internet security issues affecting everyone from the corporate CEO to the average home user
Spamhaus.org - Get the latest news on the spam problem facing all of us on the Internet
Spam.abuse.net - A great source for keeping abreast of the legislation affecting the spam problem
Anti-Phishing.org - Have you ever gotten an official looking email requiring you to verify credit card or financial account information? Well, you've just potentially become a victim of a phishing scam. You'll be able to report the phony email here as well as search an archive of reported cases.
US-CERT - US Computer Emergency Readiness Team is a site from the US Department of Homeland Security's National Cyber Security Division (NCSD). You can sign up for cyber security alerts to be emailed to you about threats to your PC's security.
Click on the category below to find more information and/or get help with ridding your computer of the pests keeping you from getting your work done and enjoying your Internet browsing experience.
Antivirus - Having a computer attached to the Internet without antivirus software protection is asking for trouble.
Firewall - A firewall is just as the name implies. Buildings are constructed with partitioning walls through which there are no openings. In case of fire, the flames will be contained thereby impeding progress until they can be extinguished. A firewall on your computer does the same, only here it's impeding people and software from doing damage to your PC.
Spyware - If you're having issues with popup windows (some being pornographic) look here for information and solutions.
Spam - Present statistics show that around 70% of email traffic on the Internet today is unsolicited.