untangling_the_web

DOCID: 4046925
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Increase Your Knowledge
Most computer users think they are much safer on line than they actually are
according to a survey of 329 computer users by America Online and the National
Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) during 2004. 174 To conduct the survey, AOL and the
NCSA sent technicians to 329 homes to inspect users' computers. Here's what the
survey found:
~ Four out of five users had spyware and/or adware on their computers, and
most did not know this software was running on their computers.
~ Nearly two-thirds had been infected by a virus at one time (and this is just the
number who knew about an infection).
~ 85 percent had anti-virus software, but more than half hadn't updated it in a
week or more.
~ Two-thirds of users did not have any type of firewall protection.
~ Nearly three in five users did not know the difference between a firewall and
antivirus software.
~ 38 percent of wireless users had not bothered to encrypt their networks.
Users are endangering not only their own privacy and security, including any and all
financial and personal data stored on a computer, but they are putting everyone else
at risk. The proliferation of spyware opens the gates to intruders who can potentially
gain control of individual computers. When networked together, this system of
personal computers can form what is usually called a "zombie army" of PCs that can
be used to attack other networks. Like it or not, each individual is responsible for his
or her own computer privacy and security, so please pay attention to the basics to
protect yourself and others. Here are the minimum steps you need to take:
~ Keep your system patched and regularly update all security software.
~ Install, routinely run, and UPDATE an anti-virus program (at least once a
week).
~ In general, do not open email attachments.
~ Install and use firewall software and/or hardware (make sure settings are
restrictive).
174 America Online and National CyberSecurity Alliance, "AOL/NCSA Online Safety Study,"
Staysafeonline.org, October 2004, [PDF]
(14 November 2006).
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