Internet Security - Cyber Security Tips

Internet Security - Cyber Security Tips:

Why is Cyber Security a Problem?

You've heard the news stories about credit card numbers being stolen and email viruses spreading. Maybe you've even been a victim yourself. One of the best defenses is understanding the risks, what some of the basic terms mean, and what you can do to protect yourself against them.

What is cyber security?

It seems that everything relies on computers and the internet now — communication (email, cellphones), entertainment (digital cable, mp3s), transportation (car engine systems, airplane navigation), shopping (online stores, credit cards), medicine (equipment, medical records), and the list goes on. How much of your daily life relies on computers? How much of your personal information is stored either on your own computer or on someone else's system? Cyber security involves protecting that information by preventing, detecting, and responding to attacks.

What are the risks?

There are many risks, some more serious than others. Among these dangers are viruses erasing your entire system, someone breaking into your system and altering files, someone using your computer to attack others, or someone stealing your credit card information and making unauthorized purchases. Unfortunately, there's no 100% guarantee that even with the best precautions some of these things won't happen to you, but there are steps you can take to minimize the chances.

What can you do?

The first step in protecting yourself is to recognize the risks and become familiar with some of the terminology associated with them.

Hacker, attacker, or intruder - These terms are applied to the people who seek to exploit weaknesses in software and computer systems for their own gain. Although their intentions are sometimes fairly benign and motivated solely by curiosity, their actions are typically in violation of the intended use of the systems they are exploiting. The results can range from mere mischief (creating a virus with no intentionally negative impact) to malicious activity (stealing or altering information).
Malicious code - Malicious code, sometimes called malware, is a broad category that includes any code that could be used to attack your computer. Malicious code can have the following characteristics:
- It might require you to actually do something before it infects your computer. This action could be opening an email attachment or going to a particular web page.
- Some forms propagate without user intervention and typically start by exploiting a software vulnerability. Once the victim computer has been infected, the malicious code will attempt to find and infect other computers. This code can also propagate via email, websites, or network-based software.
- Some malicious code claims to be one thing while in fact doing something different behind the scenes. For example, a program that claims it will speed up your computer may actually be sending confidential information to a remote intruder. Viruses and worms are examples of malicious code.
Vulnerability - In most cases, vulnerabilities are caused by programming errors in software. Attackers might be able to take advantage of these errors to infect your computer, so it is important to apply updates or patches that address known vulnerabilities (see Understanding Patches for more information).

Sign up with the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) to recieve these alerts in your inbox.

Cyber Security Alerts provide timely information about current security issues, vulnerabilities, and exploits.

Cyber Security Tips

The following Cyber Security Tips describe and offer advice about common security issues for non-technical computer users.

General Information

General Security

Choosing and Protecting Passwords
Understanding Anti-Virus Software
Understanding Firewalls
Coordinating Virus and Spyware Defense
Debunking Some Common Myths
Good Security Habits
Safeguarding Your Data
Real-World Warnings Keep You Safe Online
Keeping Children Safe Online

Attacks and Threats

Email and Communication

Mobile Devices

Privacy

Safe Browsing

Software and Applications

Eagle Internet Security Recommendation - Symantec Software

Eagle Business Solutions, Inc. is an Authorized Symantec Affiliate.

Symantec’s Norton brand of consumer security solutions delivers Internet security and problem-solving capabilities to individual users, home offices, and small businesses. The Norton brand of products is a market leader in desktop protection, with integrated products that work seamlessly to protect customers’ computers from virus outbreaks and malicious attacks. Internet Security Solutions help defend home and home office users against viruses, worms, and other security risks. These solutions include spyware, spam, and personal firewall protection for PCs, Macintosh® computers, and mobile devices. System Performance Solutions help users prevent and resolve computer problems. Backup and Recovery Solutions provide consumers with tools to undo computer malfunctions and safeguard their important data. Remote PC Solutions allow users to manage remote computers securely. Some of Symantec's Norton internet security products include:

Norton 360 All-In-One Security
Norton Internet Security 2008
Norton AntiiVirus 2008
Norton Ghost 14.0
Norton AntiVirus Dual Protection for Mac

Review Symantec internet security products.

Eagle Internet Security Recommendation - ZoneAlarm Internet Security

Internet Security Recommendation

Eagle Business Solutions, Inc. is an Authorized ZoneAlarm Affiliate.

Why ZoneAlarm Solutions for your Small Business? The ZoneAlarm family of products is among the most popular and successful Internet security products available today.

We have used ZoneAlarm products to run several small businesses since 1997. It's the ONLY Internet security software you will ever need. We highly recommend ZoneAlarm products for your small business.

Zone Labs is a leading creator of endpoint security solutions protecting millions of PCs and the valuable, personally-identifiable information on those PCs, from hackers, spyware and data theft. The company's award-winning endpoint security product line is deployed in global enterprises, small businesses and consumers' homes, protecting them from Internet-borne threats.

Review ZoneAlarm internet security products.