Most of us are spending more and more time on our computers - for work, play, communication, sharing media, entertainment, etc.... We are increasingly aware of our ability to function safely and efficiently in such a dynamic and complex medium. Our identities and personal property are at risk for being exposed and even violated, as the nature of the internet is very public - unpredictable and vulnerable as the world itself. In our homes, offices (and vehicles), we have the flexibility to regulate temperature, lighting, level of noise, or music, manage distractions, and level of security. We've come to depend on numerous tools, controls, and devices that contribute to our overall level of comfort and well-being.
The same applies to our lives online. We depend on just as many mechanisms and variables to maintain the same level of comfort, safety and productivity that we enjoy offline. We have uninhibited freedom of choice in how we relate, create and display our image or profile online (the language we use, our character, etc...) is as diverse as the imagination. Our virtual presence has as much potential (effectiveness) as our physical presence in the world. Consequently, the degree of crime, corruption, theft, greed, personal harm and worse is unlimited – and advances at the same rate that technology attempts to detect and prevent these malicious motives and behaviors.
Technology has advanced with these unfortunate threats in mind. There is an impressive range of computer / internet security software available, designed to combat the growing distribution of malware (bad-ware). The most well-known of these are: adware, spyware, trojans, phishing, rootkits, keylogging, viruses, spam (both kinds), hi-jackers, (by-jackers)?, and identity theft. Soon to include ghosts, demons, witches, fear...? I'll be comparing options available for internet security - both free versions, as well as paid products.
No comments:
Post a Comment