Computer Security Essentials

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Computer Security Essentials
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Agenda

• Overview
• Definitions
• Prevention Tips
• Information Websites

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Growing Problem!

• What is computer security
• Why should I care about computer security
• Who would want to break into my computer
• How easy is it to break into my computer

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Computer Virus/Worms

• Virus
• is a manmade program, software application, or
  piece of computer code that is loaded onto your
  computer without your knowledge and runs against
  your wishes.
• There are hundreds of thousands of different
  viruses
• Viruses can slow down your computer or internet
  access, delete files or email
• Worm
• A program that replicates itself over a computer
  network and usually performs malicious actions
• Similar to a virus
• Uses up computer resources and possibly shuts
  down the system

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Spam Mail

• Electronic junk mail or junk newsgroup postings.
  (unsolicited/unwanted email)
• Spam rarely comes from its true source
• It would be much easier to block if it did
• Various spam blocking techniques
• Email filters
• Spam blocking software
• Can be 90 effective, the other 10 can still
  hurt

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Spoofed Mail

• To fool
• Masks the senders identity with that of another
• Phishing attacks
• Growing
• Use spoofed email message and fake Web sites to
  trick customers into giving confidential info

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Spoofed Mail
Outlook blocks certain file extensions
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Spyware

• Also called adware, covertly gathers info
• Typically bundled as a hidden component of
  freeware or shareware programs downloaded from
  the internet (read the licensing agreement)
• Data Mining-monitors user activity on the
  internet and transmits that information to
  someone else

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Tips for Prevention

• Install and use Anti-Virus protection
• Use a Firewall Program
• Install Windows updates/patches
• Use care when reading email with attachments
• Make backups of important files/folders
• Create strong passwords
• Use care when downloading and installing programs

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Information on Computer Security

• www.computerworld.com
• www.informationweek.com
• www.zonelabs.com
• www.symantec.com
• www.lavasoftusa.com
• http//onguardonline.gov