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by Dr. William G. Perry
The FBI and Computer Crime Survey Institute report that loss from cyber attacks in 2003 totaled more than 400 million dollars. The number is likely to be much higher because the results of the survey were based upon only 512 respondents.
You computer has probably already been the object of
a cyber attack without your being aware.
If you have yet to be attacked, it's only a question
of "when" it's going to happen not "if".
Computer security pros refer to the Internet world as
being an "asymmetric threat environment". That means
that you can be attacked from multiple sources at any time.
Included among the possible threats are: Identity thieves,
Competitors wishing to steal information, viruses, Trojan
horses, worms, loss of confidential information, fraud, denial
of service attacks and the theft of your computing power.
Cyber attacks can be initiated from virtually any
location and by anyone. Indeed, research shows that cyber
theft and attacks come from insiders as well as outsiders.
Included in the cast of "bad guys" who might try to
cause damage to your information processing resources or
steal from you are disgruntled employees, accomplished on-line
thieves, individuals who are affiliated with organized crime,
cyber terrorists and what could be called cyber punks or thrill
seekers.
A startling truth about Internet and computer security is
that you must make provisions to protect yourself. Forget calling
law enforcement. They are understaffed and under funded.
Officials in some communities even refuse to investigate and
prosecute cyber crime.
Do you think that cyber criminals know where they can
conduct cyber attacks with impunity?
So how do you secure your home business computer from
the threats you face on the Internet? The answer has many
components. Above all else, however, you have to be proactive.
Take steps now that can help you avoid problems later.
Additional resources related to computer security can be
obtained at www.cert.org and www.sans.org.
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You can receive a FREE copy of the e-publication "9 Steps
You Can Take to Secure Your Home Business Computer".
No sales pitches or SPAM. Just send the author a note and
refer to the publication.
Dr. William G. Perry
The Learning Net / www.thelearningnet.com
email:wperry@t...
Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828)293-2542
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