Knowing Your Cyber Landscape
For years, the Internet has provided easy access to information, online education, real-time communication, and even online shopping. but, the dangers in cyberspace are as plentiful and extensive as the benefits.
computer viruses, worms, and other malicious software can find their way into the recess of your computer’s memory. your e-mail is flooded with spam. you get pestered with pop-ups and online scams that steal personal information. and the worse is just lurking around the corner - the identity fraud depicted in the movie. The Net (starring Sandra Bullock: 1995), is already happening in America, Europe, and other parts of the world.
according to Peter Allor, director of intelligence for United States - based cyber security firm Internet Security Systems, "most consumers are unaware of the need for sophisticated computer maintenance. the online world is colored by a constant, if unseen, battle between cyber security firms and agencies, as hackers work to get around protective measures, now for profit instead of notoriety."
"The Internet connection is the front door for most computers now. In the 1980s, the floppy disk was the front door. but now it’s the Internet, and you need a security guard."
-Kraig Lane, Symantec product manager
