So many times in the media we here about viruses, security breaches, identity theft and all of the other plagues pervasive computing has brought us! Even our precious BlackBerry devices are becoming the target of attacks! Why are these attacks successful? Well, it isn’t because we don’t have the right equipment and it is not entirely the fault of the software engineers who make buggy code (although they are also to blame). The real problem is US, the users!

Ultimately it is our information we are trying to protect (or in more important cases the information of our valuable customers!) Here’s some pointers to becoming a better and more secure cyber-citizen.
Patches aren’t just for cabbage!

Sure, I’ll be the first to admit it, software companies write awful code. In the rush to be first to market, initial releases of the programs we all need to be productive ship filled with security vulnerabilities. How can you overcome this! You need to routinely patch your systems…ALL OF THEM!

Viruses and attackers often exploit the easiest and most well known vulnerabilities first. Fortunately, these are also the ones that manufacturers correct first. Periodically (and this amount of time will depend on your requirements and time constraints) visit the website of the company who wrote your software and download their latest updates. This should take care of all of the low hanging fruit! Here’s a great link for more info.

AntiVirus Software: digital immunizations for your PC

Imagine you are going on a trip to an exotic jungle nation, rarely visited by people. Without question you would get vaccinations for all the horrible diseases you might catch on your way! Well, if you don’t have AntiVirus software running on your computers you might as well let a malaria infested mosquito hang out on your arm!

AV software is another cornerstone to protecting your data and your system integrity. Without it, your system might become unresponsive or worse, might be infected for months or years before you notice. All the while an attacker might be exfiltrating your personal data or using your machine to mount other attacks.

Raise your hand if you have Antivirus software installed on your system and think you are safe! Come on…I know you’re out there! Most of us have heeded the call to save ourselves by installing AV software, but does that make us safe? Not really.

AntiVirus software needs to be continuously updated! You can pay for these updates, but you don’t need to! A great alternative is the ClamAV antivirus system. Available for free and for both Windows and Linux operating systems, ClamAV is a great way to go for budget minded enterprises and personal users alike!

P@$$w0rd Protection

I know you’ve all heard it before, but poor password generation and protection can result in devastating consequences! Believe me, I sympathize with the fact that in today’s society we have to memorize social security numbers, PIN numbers, account numbers, telephone numbers and that frequently changing passwords or choosing long ones can be difficult at best.

Know, however, that as computing power increases and becomes more available, it is becoming easier and easier for malicious users to guess your password. Change your password as often as you can and be sure it is more complex than your first initial and last name. Here are some great tips on generating a strong password! Also, never give out your password via e-mail or over the phone! You never know who might be listening!

These concepts are relatively simple to introduce, but can provide you with 90 percent of the security you need to be safe in today’s networked world! Know that there are people out there who mean you harm and that you can defend yourself. Recognize also, however, that you are a citizen in the online world and that you have responsibilities as well! Be safe out there!