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GoogleManaging Today's Internet Threats
November 6, 2006
Summary
Get a handle on the latest and most widespread Internet threats.
What it means: It’s critical to protect your home computer with a complete security solution. It’s also important to update your security software often and to stay informed about the latest threats.
What it means: Your Web browser is an unfortunate point of vulnerability. However, the people who make browsers know this, and they provide security patches whenever a vulnerability becomes known. Be sure to regularly download those updates.
What it means: Using IE exposes you to more attacks than other browsers. IE also has the longest window of exposure once a vulnerability is discovered; on average, it takes Microsoft 9 days to provide a patch. If you’re using IE, you may want to consider trying a different browser.
What it means: Your identity, finances, and privacy are at risk—especially when dealing with online banks and merchants. To protect your identity and finances from phishing and other scams, consider an online transaction solution, like Symantec’s new Norton Confidential. To combat malicious code, use top quality antivirus, personal firewall, antispam, and antispyware solutions, and keep them up to date at all times.
What it means: The average home computer user encounters dangerous spam on a regular basis. To protect yourself, don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know or that you didn’t expect to receive. Use a good spam filter, a strong personal firewall, and an antivirus solution that is able to scan email and IM attachments.
What it means: You may be fooled into buying worthless security software, or worse. In a typical scam, an online program that appears to be a security scanner will report that your computer is exposed to threats. It then tries to persuade you to buy software to address those threats. The threats, however, are nonexistent and the software offers little or no protection. In worst case scenarios, they not only leave you unprotected, but also plant malicious code or steal the credit card information you provided to buy the software.
To avoid these scams, keep your antivirus software up to date and only use security software from a vendor you trust.
What it means: Taking advantage of the interconnectivity of these technologies and the implicit trust built into their user communities, Symantec expects phishers and other cybercriminals to launch new attacks from these platforms. So, as you use blogs, share files, and engage in online social networking, make sure you have the latest security software, and be suspicious of anyone asking you for sensitive personal information.
In This Article
Introduction
Home computers remain a favorite target for cybercriminals and other online threats. Discover what the latest statistics show and what it all means for you.Home computers targeted
Key statistic: According to the Symantec Internet Security Threat Report released in September, 86% percent of recent Internet attacks were targeted at home users.What it means: It’s critical to protect your home computer with a complete security solution. It’s also important to update your security software often and to stay informed about the latest threats.
Web browsers are under attack
Key statistic: The number of newly discovered Web browser vulnerabilities rose by more than 50% during the first six months of 2006.What it means: Your Web browser is an unfortunate point of vulnerability. However, the people who make browsers know this, and they provide security patches whenever a vulnerability becomes known. Be sure to regularly download those updates.
Internet Explorer targeted most often
Key statistic: Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) remains the most commonly attacked browser.What it means: Using IE exposes you to more attacks than other browsers. IE also has the longest window of exposure once a vulnerability is discovered; on average, it takes Microsoft 9 days to provide a patch. If you’re using IE, you may want to consider trying a different browser.
Confidential information under attack
Key statistic: Phishing emails are up over 80% in the past six months, while 60% of the most common malicious programs exposed confidential information.What it means: Your identity, finances, and privacy are at risk—especially when dealing with online banks and merchants. To protect your identity and finances from phishing and other scams, consider an online transaction solution, like Symantec’s new Norton Confidential. To combat malicious code, use top quality antivirus, personal firewall, antispam, and antispyware solutions, and keep them up to date at all times.
Spam delivers dangerous payload
Key statistic: One in every 122 spam emails contains malicious code.What it means: The average home computer user encounters dangerous spam on a regular basis. To protect yourself, don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know or that you didn’t expect to receive. Use a good spam filter, a strong personal firewall, and an antivirus solution that is able to scan email and IM attachments.
New trend in fake security scams
Key statistic: Three of the top ten new security risks involve scams intended to mislead users into thinking they need useless security software.What it means: You may be fooled into buying worthless security software, or worse. In a typical scam, an online program that appears to be a security scanner will report that your computer is exposed to threats. It then tries to persuade you to buy software to address those threats. The threats, however, are nonexistent and the software offers little or no protection. In worst case scenarios, they not only leave you unprotected, but also plant malicious code or steal the credit card information you provided to buy the software.
To avoid these scams, keep your antivirus software up to date and only use security software from a vendor you trust.
On the horizon
Key statistic: Symantec experts agree that the next big threat may involve blogs, media file sharing, and social networking sites.What it means: Taking advantage of the interconnectivity of these technologies and the implicit trust built into their user communities, Symantec expects phishers and other cybercriminals to launch new attacks from these platforms. So, as you use blogs, share files, and engage in online social networking, make sure you have the latest security software, and be suspicious of anyone asking you for sensitive personal information.
Summary
With old threats getting more widespread and new ones appearing all the time, the security landscape has gotten more complex for home computer users. However, you can stay ahead of the cybercriminals with good tools, the latest information, and a vigilant mindset.Related Links
- Symantec Internet Security Threat Report Vol I
- Product: Norton Confidential: Identity Theft Protection - Antiphishing
- Product: Norton Internet Security: Spyware Protection - Anti Virus Software
- Product: Norton AntiVirus: Antivirus Software - Spyware Remover
- Product: Norton 360: Best Antivirus - Antispyware - Firewall Protection
- Norton Downloads
- Viruses & Threats: Conficker Worm (aka April Fools 2009, April 1st Virus)