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 With all the concern about
the lack of privacy on the Internet, the small dial-up user
without recourse to the firewall and other sophisticated security measures
employed by many big businesses is particularly vulnerable.
The good news is that rigorous security features will become the standard
soon as new Internet encryption and authorisation features are introduced. But,
meanwhile, what can the small business or home users do to foil those who try
to breach their personal privacy or steal/corrupt their data? Well, they
could stop using the Internet ... or:
Always assume you could be a target - even if you don't think your data or
messages are important:
- Take regular back-ups of your data and update passwords frequently;
- check downloaded files for viruses - even if from a reputable source
- always use the latest version of browser and Internet software and ensure
that all the latest patches for known holes in security have been included
(i.e. beware software from old magazine cover disks);
- use encryption of data and messages where necessary;
- use digital signatures on e-mail messages;
- use an anonymous account or remailer when posting to USENET;
- don't accept Cookies from sites you visit - or, if you do, run housekeeping
routines to remove unwanted ones from your hard disk;
- and, make sure you know what security measures your Internet Access
Provider operates
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Simple isn't it? Well maybe not (unless you are a Nethead). So here are a
few URLs worth book-marking and monitoring to maintain an awareness of the
potential risks and effective counter-measures:
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