TAKING A BITE OUT OF CYBERCRIME
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL COMPUTER RESOURCES
Submitted by: The Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences
Nova Southeastern University

Information technology has made revolutionary advances in the way that we communicate, shop, and manage our finances. While computers have provided a variety of benefits, each advancement in the technology seems to have a corresponding dark side. The security of computer information systems is a rapidly growing problem. While 90% of businesses indicated in a 2001 survey that they had suffered a network attack in the previous year, the potential threat posed to home computer users is often overlooked. How can individuals defend themselves against an increasing threat from network attackers?

James Cannady, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems suggests:

• Make sure that you install all necessary patches and security updates for your computer. Most software vendors provide these patches as free downloads as part of their on-line support. You should check for these updates regularly and install any that are new.
• Use an updateable anti-virus program to protect your computer from malicious software. Since anti-virus programs use specific characteristics, or signatures, to identify viruses these signatures must be updated frequently to insure that your computer is as safe as possible from these threats.
• Think twice before downloading ‘freeware’ and/or ‘shareware’ from the Internet. These programs frequently include viruses. The price might be ‘right’ initially, but the real cost can be much higher later.
• Turn your computer off after you’ve finished using it, especially if you have a high-speed Internet connection (e.g., ADSL, cable, satellite, etc.). Since your computer is connected to a network it could be attacked in your absence and used as part of other attacks. As an example, many personal computers were used as part of the denial of service attacks against eBay and other on-line systems. Trojan Horses (malicious programs) that participated in the attack had been installed on the machines without the owner’s knowledge during an earlier attack against the computer.
• Limit your on-line purchasing to well-known vendors (e.g., Amazon.com). Remember that a professional looking website doesn’t necessarily make it a legitimate one. Also, don’t send your credit card number, social security number, or other personal financial information across the Internet unless the site is secure, (you can usually tell this by the closed padlock icon in Internet Explorer).
• Consider using a software firewall, especially if you have a full-time Internet connection. Several of these products are available and they are typically inexpensive and easy to use. A software firewall will prevent an attacker from entering your computer as well as preventing programs on your computer from accessing the Internet without your knowledge (which could occur if a Trojan Horse has been installed on your computer).
• Remember that unless you use some form of encryption all of your messages are insecure. You should never put anything in an email message that you wouldn’t send to someone on a postcard. The level of security between the two is basically the same. Consider using an email encryption program (e.g., PGP) for any sensitive email messages.
• Most importantly, use your computer. Information technology has provided us with an incredible array of new ways to inform, to entertain, and to more effectively manage your information. Do not be afraid to use your computer. But always remember that like any other powerful tool your computer has the potential to cause damage if not used intelligently.

For more information about preventing cyber crime, read the article written by the Associated Press at www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/ptech/07/18/computer.security.ap/index.html. or visit the website of the Center for Internet Security at www.cisecurity.org or the National Security Agency at www.nsa.gov.