“IT will never happen to me” — most of us are guilty of believing in this one time or another. When it comes to computer security, we hold on to a similar belief. But the reality is one in five people will fall victim to cybercrime — that can be anything from your email account being hacked into and your identity being stolen to your bank account being cleaned out.
The frightening part of cybercrime is that we can’t put a face to the criminals. We don’t know just who or when we can be deceived or tricked.
To avoid a scary experience on the Internet, computer security company Symantec is advising people to avoid the Seven Deadly Sins of Internet Security to keep their PCs, cash and their personal identities safe. David Freer, vice-president of Symantec Consumer Business, Asia Pacific and Japan, says there are simple steps people can take to protect themselves, but often people don’t follow this advice. “I know it’s tempting when you’re offered half-price designer goods or a link to a juicy news story — but to avoid damaging your PC and bank account, you have to remember the Seven Deadly Sins of Internet Security. These are sloth, gluttony, pride, lust, envy, greed and wrath.” It is best, says Freer, to take a common sense approach to combating cybercrime.
“Be vigilant with online security. This involves keeping an up-to-date browser and operating system, and ensuring anti-virus and firewall software is up to date with the latest definition set.”
1. Sloth: Feeling too lazy to install security updates or patch your machine because you can’t be bothered? This leaves you wide open to infection and potential upset when your identity is stolen!
2. Gluttony: Gorging yourself on Internet gossip — among celebrity pictures, there may be a dirty malware worm hiding, which could leave a nasty taste in your mouth.
3. Pride: “I know better than my security software” — people who turn their software off, or ignore the warnings, and proceed to sites or to download stuff anyway may be in for a nasty shock when malware creeps in!
4. Lust: Just be careful what you click on. If pictures, videos or links to exciting content take your fancy, check that the site is safe or trusted before you go! Website rating services will give you guidance.
5. Envy: So you want a designer handbag or Jimmy Choo shoes but don’t want to pay full price? Beware of the tricksters who will try and con you into buying fake goods and potentially hand over your credit card details to criminals.
6. Greed: Bargain sales? Two for the price of one? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
7. Wrath: What might happen if you succumb to all of the above? You’ll be full of wrath, as your PC could get infected and your cash stolen.
Source: CHANDRA DEVI RENGANAYAR