Keep Your PC From Becoming A Zombie - Be Responsible!
It's irresponsible to buy a computer and hook it up to the internet, but ignore security. By doing that you're not only risking your own computer, but also if your PC gets infected with software that turns it into a 'zombie' it can become part of a 'botnet' where a bunch of computers are used together to attack other computers, send SPAM, or attack a web site or network (many times using what's called a 'denial of service' attack), rendering them unusable. And those are just a few of the nasty scenarios happening all the time across the Internet.
In some instances organized crime uses these botnets to shut down a business' web site (or power company) and then demand a 'ransom' to stop. It's happened many times, and most of the time businesses just pay [quietly] to avoid the embarrassment and hassle of fighting it.
And to think your little computer could be part of something like that and you might not even be aware of it!
You hate SPAM right? So don't let your computer be partially responsible for sending it! And you wouldn't help someone rob your neighbor or a bank would you? Well if you're not protecting your computer you could be helping someone do just that!
With just a little bit of effort you can learn about the dangers, protect your computer, and avoid the bad guys. It's the responsible thing to do.
Here's one way to think about it. Children are taught the dangers that are out there facing them. You wouldn't just let them find out for themselves that it's dangerous to accept a ride, or candy from a stranger, right?
The same principle should be applied to computing. I'm trying to alert those who aren't aware of the dangers, and those who aren't paying enough attention to wake up before they get hurt or robbed.
People really shouldn't have to be told not to help criminals though, should they?
When it comes to computers and the Internet, all too often adults act like children!
"Responsible" adults acting recklessly, and there's no 'adult' watching to make sure they do the right things to stay safe. Much of it comes down to sheer laziness. "Oh it's too complicated, and I don't have the time to learn, or to make sure things are updated". You wouldn't accept that from your kids or an employee would you?
Stop making excuses! Be responsible!
People don't like it it when one person ruins things for everyone else. Well the same thing holds true with computers. The irresponsible people are ruining things for the responsible ones!
What would happen if people didn't get their cars inspected or abide by traffic laws? Driving would be a whole lot more dangerous wouldn't it? Think about it..
Because so many people don't pay enough attention to computer security and effectively leave what amounts to an unlocked door to their house, criminals are able to walk in and set up shop. And more and more it's individual criminals and organized crime groups stealing personal financial information and passwords so they can steal money electronically, instead of pasty-faced troublemakers spreading viruses for bragging rights like it used to be.
As I've said before, as soon as a computer is connected to the internet, it's literally only a matter of seconds before it will be probed to see if it's vulnerable. If it's protected with all the latest 'patches', and behind a firewall you're somewhat protected. There are *constant* scans being done on the internet for computers using software that hasn't been patched. Unfortunately there are plenty of computers out there ripe for attack. The bad guys count on people being lazy (not updating regularly) and at times ignorant that there's updates available that would protect them.
If you don't learn to protect your computer you're basically helping them with their crimes!
Those folks out there who are doing the right thing, good for you! Those who aren't..... well, I hate to put it this way, but it's time to grow up and be responsible adults. This is serious folks. Don't help the crooks by 'propping the door open for them'.
OK, I'm stepping down from my soapbox now, but don't make me stop this car! .. I mean it!
Take care folks, and be safe..
