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Internet World Stats > Internet Coaching > Internet
Security
Never Forget to Play it Safe
by Enrique
De Argaez
Did you get blasted by the
Blaster worm? That little piece of code infected hundreds of
thousands of computers connected to the Internet, probing for
vulnerable systems and enslaving those systems so that it could
propagate itself. Wired News
Daily reported on
August 13, 2003 that although the fix for the MSBlaster worm has
been available for weeks, wary or ignorant users kept it off lots
of computers.
Microsoft admits it may have to work on its patch-delivery
system. If your computer runs a Microsoft-based operating system
make sure you visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
and update your PC to the most
recent patch level.
Pat yourself on the back if you run antivirus software that
updates automatically when users connect to the Internet –
be sure to scan your system periodically. And if you believe
you’re safe without antivirus software, the least you can
do is to frequently scan your computer online for free using any
of the following links:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan
If your computer runs a Microsoft-based operating system,
visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and update your PC to the most recent
patch level. Most attacks target Windows XP and 2000 systems.
Human nature has it to put locks on the doors and windows after
you have been a victim of the burglars. In cyberspace this is the
equivalent of updating your antivirus and making your PC ports secure
after you have been hit by a new virus.
The Gartner
Internet research company
estimates that, in the next two years, a fifth of the world's
companies will register a serious incident related to Internet
security.
Gartner's analysts affirm that until 2005, 20% of companies will
be attacked without noticing, although these attacks will put
their information and intellectual property at risk. In its
report, the consultancy highlights the fact that it can often be
more expensive to be the victim of one of these attacks than
taking security measures to prevent them.
In any network, a computer without the adequate protection is a
potential risk for other computers. The risks and
expenses of security measures are high, and both tend to
increase together.
According to Gartner, the main problems related to IT security
affecting companies nowadays, are: the usage of unsecure
commercial software; an inadequate update system and the belief
that it is never going to happen to them.
Sometimes we are just too busy to check our Internet security.
Time goes by very quickly and last week's security might not
respond to today's threats. Don't wait until you are hit by a
virus, worm, or trojan and your PC is unoperational for
installing a good security solution in your system.
Fixing the damage can be a real time consuming nuisance. It's
better to take precautions from the very beginning and to stay on
the safe side.
Visit Grisoft for antivirus programs and advice.
Forget the money problem, you can even get an Anti-Virus cost
free. There is no excuse, so do yourself a favor and.... play it
safe.
Get Net Wise:
GetNetWise is a project created by Internet industry
corporations and public interest organizations to help Internet
users to have safe and rewarding online experiences. Get free
advice on kid's safety online, preventing spam, PC privacy and
security at GetNetWise.
About the Author:
Enrique de Argaez is webmaster of a dozen Internet
websites and author of four newsletters. He is active in Internet
Global Marketing,
and Internet Usage Research. Visit his main English website
at http://www.internetworldstats.com
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