Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger
Whether you realize it or not, your computer is one of the biggest threats to your personal safety. The Obama administration believes that your computer is also one of the greatest threats to national security.
The message is: "Think before you click Knowing who is on the other side of that instant message What you say or do in cyberspace stays in cyberspace - for many.. see, steal and use against you or your government
.the Internet is incredibly powerful and not particularly secure. It is powerful enough to bring people together, to educate, inform and make life easier . But it is also used to hurt, scam and debilitate in many ways.
Pentagon computer systems are probed 360 million times a day, and one prominent power company has acknowledged that its networks see up to 70,000 scans a day. every single day, utilities, banks, retailers and almost all computer networks face attacks. Many of these hacks are insignificant. Many are conducted with intention to commit crimes such as espionage, theft of financial data, or destruction of critical information. Criminal hackers could be cyber terrorists who seek to destroy the United States or its economy, factious simply sowing havoc for itself, or opportunists who seek a profit.
The US is a prime target for a number of reasons. The most obvious is that we made mistakes that many in the world hate us. Then there is our financial system that offers instant credit to anyone with a social security number. And of course, credit card security is an oxymoron, since everyone can use a credit card at any time. We have a bull's eye on us and we put it there.
"weapons of mass disruption" are a growing concern. The US and many other countries are electrically and digitally dependent. Our critical infrastructure, including drinking water, sewer systems, phone lines, banks, air traffic and government systems, all depend on the electric grid. After a major successful attack that we would be back to the dark ages instantly. No electricity, no computers, no petrol, no refrigeration, no clean water. Think about when the power goes out in your home for a few hours. We thwarted.
The Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security hire thousands of computer experts to protect our networks. But the weak link in the chain is not the government but the citizens. The government has much work to do, but moms and pops are the most vulnerable. Corporate networks have become hardened, while small businesses and the lowly consumer know enough about information security to get hacked. Awareness is key. You are either part of the problem or the solution.
Read blogs and articles to stay on top of what is provided in technology and new security measures to maintain security. Build your vocabulary of computer security. Protect yourself and your business.
security software Internet use that includes virus and spyware protection software, parental controls and firewalls.
Back up your data locally and in the cloud.
Understanding the risks associated with the wireless band, especially when using unsecured public networks.
Protect your identity, too. The most valuable resource you have is your name. anyone to pose as you and damage your reputation is almost facilitating a crime. Nobody will protect you except you. Get a credit freeze. Go to ConsumersUnion.org and follow the steps for your particular state. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases, it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. And invest in identity theft protection. All forms of protection against identity theft can be prevented, but identity theft protection services can dramatically reduce your risk.
Robert Siciliano, theft speaker identity, discussing data security on Fox News.
Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, an expert on identity theft, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 and start-up companies as a consultant on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. the thoughts and advice of Siciliano on all these issues often appear in both television and print media news, including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of safety training as a member of the American Society for Industrial Security. He is the author of two books, including The Safety Minute: Living on high alert; How to take control of your personal safety and to prevent fraud . He also established a partnership with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness of the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips on how you can protect yourself.