With hacking on the rise throughout the world, a myriad of programs and changes in personal habits can help protect many users, according to CSU East Bay associate professor Levant Ertaul for mathematics and computer science.
The importance of such measures continues to rise as hacking groups like Anonymous and AntiSec continue to wage a digital war with businesses.
“They don’t need guns, this is a cyber war,” Ertaul remarked. “They are showing how vulnerable systems are. Big corporations and banks are vulnerable if they don’t pay attention to security.”
With such high security businesses as Apple, Fox News and others being struck, the situation may seem dire for individuals to be able to protect themselves, yet a few simple acts can bolster any person’s digital security.
One of the easiest places to begin is with the use of multiple passwords, rather than simply using one password.
“People have many accounts on the internet, whether it’s for email, Google, or Amazon,” said Ertaul. “Some people can have as many as 35 accounts online. Every account needs to have its own password, and the passwords should be changed every 3-4 months.”
If every account uses the same password, and the password is compromised, then all of the accounts will be compromised.
Passwords are only the beginning, according to Ertaul, as he points out just how important it is to protect against a far more malicious and deadly threat in computer viruses and how “an antivirus program is important.”
While people may choose to buy antivirus programs, there are also many free and effective programs, including AVGFree, Avira and Avast.
Antivirus programs are only as good as their newest updates, since new viruses are created and sent across the internet frequently.
“A computer virus is similar to a real virus. New types come out, like swine flu, and there is no prescription,” said Ertaul. “When a new computer virus emerges, the antivirus companies need to learn how to disable the virus, but what if the company is slow to react?”
The answer potentially lies in the use of another important tool in digital security-firewalls.
“Firewalls check for malicious codes,” explained Ertaul. “It checks email attachments that look suspicious. The firewall will scan the content of the message, and if a virus is present it is killed at the source.”
Like antivirus programs, there are firewalls available for purchase but also some that are free, including ZoneAlarmFree and Comodo.
CSUEB students can attest to the security and peace of mind that many free programs provide while using the Internet.
“I buy things online, and I feel protected,” commented junior Sharnit Maharoj. “I use Avira security, which is free. I feel comfortable with it.”
Junior Awan Rust also felt safer because of his security programs but believed that knowledge is just as important.
“I’m satisfied with my security. I use McAfee and I have had no problems before,” said Rust. “I would consider taking a general knowledge course in computer safety.”
One such class offered at CSUEB that covers security and the learning of vulnerabilities and weaknesses is Principles of Wireless, Mobile, Grid and Pervasive Computing Security, which is offered this fall quarter.
Even with increased knowledge and stronger security tools, people should still be ready for the possibility of a hack.
“No system is 100 percent secure; there is always vulnerability,” said Ertaul.