Jim Jamieson
Province
Computers are becoming as commonplace and utilitarian as any household appliance, but that doesn’t mean users shouldn’t pay attention to security. Any computer that’s connected to the Internet can make our lives more efficient and enjoyable. But it can also wreak havoc through the loss of personal information leading to identity theft.
“A computer has become just another tool for us, just like an automobile,” said Derick Wong, senior security product manager for Microsoft Canada.
“With an auto we put in electronic alarms or The Club to keep people from taking it. So we have to educate users that The Club has to be on their computer to keep it from being hijacked.”
Wong said Internet attacks are trending more toward social engineering, where the recipient has to click on a file or go to a website.
“The bad guys are banking on the [lack of] education of the users, not being careful of what attachments they open,” he said. “We’ve been trying to push education for a long time, but you have to keep drumming it in. It’s like drinking and driving.”
Wong said that, at minimum, users should make sure their operating system and antivirus software are updated regularly, have a firewall installed and never open an e-mail attachment unless certain of its origin.
Microsoft also offers PC security tips at www.microsoft.ca/protect.
© The Vancouver Province 2006
