CODA
Good advice that bears repeating
Enterprise security is important, but it is no substitute for common sense and safe habits among individual users. Ammon “Doc” Leeson, deputy director of the 19th Communications Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., recently put together a brief article to remind military personnel and employees of their responsibilities when online. The advice is simple and low-tech:
“Spread the word and remind your family and friends to use common sense: There is no Nigerian banker who wants to pay to use your bank account. Don’t open e-mails from anyone you don’t know. If anyone you know forwards you an e-mail that looks in any way suspicious, do not click on any links! Computer security starts at home!
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Always use up-to-date antivirus software.
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Use Windows Automatic Updates to ensure the latest critical patches are loaded.
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Install and use a firewall such as a router box and/or Windows Firewall.
Be safe, be smart and don’t become another victim of identity theft, e-mail scams or phishing.”
This should go without saying. Unfortunately, it never goes without saying.
About the Author
William Jackson is a senior writer of GCN and the author of the CyberEye column.