After watching the video above, it is noticeable that advancement of technology brings security issues; however, this is not a new problem.
The video also presents an interview with Donn Parker, a computer security expert at Stanford Research Institute. Parker mentions that “the more we are using computers, the larger the losses potentially are.” Most important, how can we determine if we are taking the reasonable computer security measures to protect information?
Computer security engages protecting information by preventing, detecting, and responding to attacks, from viruses removing an entire system to large amount of unauthorized money transfer. No one is totally protected, but few steps can be taken to minimize the risks:
- Choose passwords wisely and protect them safely
- Understand anti-virus softwares, spyware, and firewalls
- Maintain good security habits such as locking and disconnecting the computer if you are away from it, evaluate security settings, backing up data
- Safeguard data by keeping softwares and anti-virus up to date, using passwords and encrypting sensitive files and disposing them properly
- Establish guidelines for computer use
- Choose an email client carefully
- Use caution with email attachments
- Reduce spam by not giving email address out randomly
- Analyze the benefits and risks of free email services or softwares
- Take advantage of Blind Carbon Copy (BCC)
- Make use of digital signatures
- Use instant messaging and chat rooms safely
- Stay safe on social network sites by limiting the amount of personal information posted, being wary of strangers and acting skeptical
- Protect portable devices (physical and security)
- Secure wireless networks
- Protect your privacy by being anonymous, encrypting emails, erasing files, saving files with passwords
- Evaluate web browser's security settings, active content, and cookies
- Shop online safely by doing business with reputable vendors and frequently checking credit card and bank statements
- Disable Bluetooth technology or use it in hidden mode
- Avoid copyright infringement
- Evaluate security setting of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
- Learn the risks of file-sharing technology
- Review end-user license agreements
Not only should you be aware of your own personal settings in term of security, but others’ too. I recently received several emails from trustful credit card administrator alerting that their emailing list has been stolen. Safety concern involving computers are rapidly advancing in significance in today's world where significant confidential information have the possibility of being hacked.
Source:
Video: http://www.archive.org/details/Computer1984_2
Transcript: http://www.library.ucsb.edu/istl/02-fall/internet.html
Images: recently received emails comunicating that unauthorized party accessed files containg email addresses - scanned by Cheila Garcia, copyright 2011
.
