General PC security

Did you know...

68% of Americans store confidential data on their computers.*

74% of Americans use the internet for sensitive transactions (shopping, banking, etc)*

Despite this,

81% of home PC's lack one or more of the three critical security measures (antivirus, firewall, anti-spyware)*

Nearly half of all wireless networks have no protection.*

Another 40% use an outdated security protocol (WEP)* that can be cracked in less than 10 minutes by almost anyone. (not just hackers)**

So, what should you do?

• Get antivirus, firewall, and anti-spyware software. We recommend Norton Internet Security to cover all three of those bases. Alternatively, visit our links page for free security programs.
• If you use a wireless network, step up to WPA encryption. See our Wireless Security Article.

Sources

* National Cyber Security Alliance (http://www.staysafeonline.org/pdf/safety_study_2005.pdf)
** "The Feds can own your WLAN too" by Humphrey Cheung. (http://www.tomsnetworking.com/2005/03/31/the_feds_can_own_your_wlan_too/)