| If you've been diligent about keeping up to date on | | | | - 14 worm attacks - 11 by "Blaster" worms and 3 by |
| computer security issues, you probably are aware that | | | | "Slammer" worms, both of which would have rendered |
| the number of attempts by hackers to violate home | | | | the machine useless. |
| computer systems has been on the rise. However, | | | | - 2 port scans were attempted, most likely by hackers |
| according to an experiment performed by the BBC | | | | looking for vulnerabilities. |
| News Website team, the number of regular attacks on | | | | - 1 attempt at a computer hijack, which, if successful, |
| unprotected computers is far higher than many | | | | would have left the computer under control of the |
| anticipated. | | | | hacker who made the attempt. |
| The experiment showed that the average home | | | | So what's a user to do? For starters, remember that |
| computer is at risk of being attacked more than 50 | | | | many hackers have programs designed to scan the |
| times a night. The BBC team set up a "honeypot," a | | | | internet for vulnerable connections, so securing your |
| computer that is programmed to masquerade as a | | | | computer is the best place to start: |
| vulnerable system but that actually tracks and records | | | | - Install antivirus software that scans for and removes |
| attacks made on it, and hooked it up to a broadband | | | | viruses, spyware, and adware on your computer. |
| internet connection for seven hours. According to the | | | | - Install a popup blocker. |
| BBC website, the honeypot used was "a PC running | | | | - Install and run a firewall to keep hackers and |
| Windows XP Pro that was made as secure as | | | | attackers at bay. |
| possible. This ran a software program called VMWare | | | | - Install a threat scanner to periodically scan for |
| which allows it to host another 'virtual' PC inside the | | | | malware. |
| host." Using VMWare, the experimenters then installed | | | | - Update your software and computer programs |
| an unprotected version of Windows XP Home, | | | | regularly. |
| configured to mimic characteristics of an average | | | | You can also help eliminate online attacks by curbing |
| home computer. During the seven-hour time span, 53 | | | | your own web browsing behavior and avoiding links |
| attacks were made on the system - one about every | | | | and sites that may be problematic. For instance: |
| 12 to 15 minutes. | | | | - Don't open emails or follow links sent to you from |
| Scary? Yes. Especially when considering the types of | | | | unfamiliar sources. |
| attacks: | | | | - Don't download files or programs from unknown |
| - 36 "warnings" and ads for fake security software, | | | | sources. |
| which likely were links or download buttons for | | | | - Avoid websites notorious for adware and spyware, |
| spyware or other malware. Remember the "don't click | | | | such as adult sites and gaming sites. |
| the popups" rule? This is why. | | | | - Don't click on popup ads or security "warnings. |