In spite of international events, the fact remains that our greatest cyber-threat is not from terrorists, but from cyber-vandals, who frequently launch malware attacks that can be damaging and costly.

The good news is that as long as we remember a few easy steps, it’s actually easy to protect our systems in this age of connectivity.

1) Understand that your connections make you vulnerable.

The fact that your computer is connected to the outside world makes you a target for cyber-vandals. Your kids surfing the net or conversing in chat rooms; your telecommuting connections; your 24/7 DSL and cable modem services...our increasing connections make us increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks.

2) Install and know how to use security software.

You need to install appropriate security software products and understand them well enough to make sure they’re working properly. Two critical products for residential consumers are anti-virus (AV) software and a PC firewall. AV protects your computer’s hard drive from viruses that enter, primarily, through email. A firewall protects your system’s ports that connect to the outside world, and allows you to control exactly what enters and leaves your computer.

3) Update your security software frequently.

It’s important that your security software is up-to-date. This is easy to let slip, but remember that security software is updated frequently by manufacturers to keep ahead of changing threats. Your software is only as good as its last update. This applies, especially, to AV products.

4) Download software security patches for other programs you use.

You need to regularly download security patches for other programs you use, especially Microsoft Windows software. A patch is a small addition to a program, designed to correct a problem or "patch" a vulnerability in its architecture. Having your programs patched as needed, further protects your computer from incoming threats.

5) Use common sense with email and the Internet.

And finally, use common sense with email and the Internet. Most viruses spread through email, so don’t open email with attachments you don’t recognize. Does the attachment have a strange title or format? Were you expecting it? If you have suspicions, delete it. And be careful which Web sites you visit. If a site does not have clear privacy and security statements, do not surf the site or make transactions. A great public resource on Internet privacy and security issues, posted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, can be found at www.ftc.gov/infosecurity.

Remember, you don’t have to be a techno-wizard to protect your computer - but you do need to be a responsible member of cyberspace. By using security products wisely, you can help keep cyberspace safe.

By Jennifer Satterfield
Norman Data Defense Systems, Madison Office
608.271.6919, www.norman.com/us