Consumers often think they don't need to be concerned about Internet security because it's not likely they'll be affected by online threats, or if they are affected, the damage would be minimal. the reality is that anyone who is online is susceptible.
Unsecured home PC's are a threat because they can be used unknowingly to launch attacks that cripple key resources used by business.
Did You Know?
Forty-nine percent were unaware that Internet Explorer contains software flaws and vulnerabilities.
Thirty percent do not understand how computer viruses work.
70 percent are concerned that hackers might use home computers to spread a virus over the Internet that harms other computers
44 percent are not knowledgeable about the ability of hackers to hijack home computers and use them to send spam
48 percent are rarely sure or are unsure that sensitive information is encrypted before transmitting it over the Internet
Forty percent do not understand how spyware works.
59 percent are concerned that hackers might harm American corporations or the government by breaking into their computers
70 percent are concerned that hackers might use home computers to spread a virus over the Internet that harms other computers
* Source: Bentley Survey on Consumers and Internet Security
Consumers, small businesses and enterprises across the globe all experienced a record number of infection rates for the worst types of spyware in 2005 according to the report which contains data and information on the spyware plague for all of 2005. Most alarming was the rise in the most malicious types of spyware -- Trojan horses and system monitors.
This past year was a boon for spyware criminals. Last month Webroot surveyed U.S. businesses and found that over half of respondents reported a spyware-disruption that resulted in lost revenue, a statistic mirrored by a recent FBI study which surmised that computer-related crimes such as spyware cost U.S. business $62 billion. That is 10 percent more than all identity fraud and over 60 times the cost of telecommunications fraud
According to the report, 2005 was the worst year ever for data security losses. In all, more than 130 different security breaches exposed over 55 million Americans to a wide range of illegal activities, including the increased possibility of spyware infection and identity theft.
a steady increase in the complexity and severity of spyware technology. Keyloggers using kernel-level drivers became increasingly common as the year progressed and the usage of polymorphic code continues to increase, according to the Webroot Threat Research Team, the company's internal research arm. While some security analysts attribute this continued rise in technology sophistication to spyware developers' desire to capitalize on the increased number of published vulnerabilities, Webroot also found evidence that spyware developers are advancing their technology efforts to evade detection and removal, and maintain their revenue streams. "Spyware criminals know that many users have some kind of Internet security application deployed on their PCs. These criminals also know that many of these applications do not protect users against the most advanced technologies such as Trojan horses and keyloggers. To capitalize on this security weakness, spyware criminals are increasingly relying on the most advanced technologies to infect users," added Moll. "The only way users can be protected against these types of threats is to use an anti-spyware software that is recognized as a best-of-breed solution and includes frequent, automatic updates."
* Source: State of Spyware Report
Our Service Includes
Un-installation of existing security software (if applicable)
Installation of free anti-virus software (with free updates for the life of the product)
Installation of free anti-spyware solution (with free updates for the life of the product)
Installation and configuration of latest Firefox web browser. Importing of internet explorer favorites (if applicable).
Updating and testing of operating system critical / recommended updates
Configuration and testing of Windows Firewall
Disabling of operating system security holes, such as remote registry service and default hidden administrative shares
Benefits
Safe and secure computing
Tips
1. Use antivirus software and keep virus definitions updated. 2. Install a firewall to protect against Internet intruders. 3. Regularly download security updates for operating systems and other software. 4. Use passwords with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols that are at least 8 characters long and not dictionary words. Consumers should also change their passwords regularly. 5. Don't view, open or execute any e-mail attachments from an unknown source. Be suspicious of unexpected attachments even from people you know. 6. Disconnect from the Internet when not in use.
