Why you should take home computer security seriously.
Over on the Grand Stream Dreams blog, Claus Valca has written a post outlining the reasons you should take the security of your computers at home seriously. He mentions various scams that target home users with a few real world examples of people just like you and me who got caught out.
He's told you now. I've told you in the past. Counless others have mentioned it.
It's your credit rating, your internet connection, your bank account, your reputation. Microsoft, Apple, or whatever flavour of Linux you use have to accept some responsibility for their mistakes, but sooner or later, we also have to take some responsibility ourselves and keep our home systems patched, use the (often free) security software you can get, and make an effort. Or if all you want to do is play games, just trade your computer in for something more appropriate.
But it doesn't happy to people like me anyway!
Nonsense. I've got a mailbox full of spam, phish and scams right here. It wouldn't happen if there were not people falling for it. And - if it helps - I'll admit I've fallen for a Phish email before now.
But I'm insured
Sure - checked the terms lately? Sure they include being ripped off on the Internet? Anything in there about taking due care and attention / appropriate precautions?
But I don't know how to protect myself!
Ok, this can be a fair point. So ask around, there are lots of places that offer help with securing your system. If you're a home user, you can get free AntiVirus from the likes of Grisoft and Alwil. You can get free spyware scanners like AdAware or Spybot Search and Destroy, and you can get help in lots of places (like Microsoft Communities) with putting these together and keeping your computer working well.