| McAfee reports a dramatic increase in computer | | | | and individuals throughout the world. In the US, the |
| security breaches leading to the loss, or potential loss, | | | | annual cost to the overall economy is a staggering $50 |
| of sensitive personal data. Research suggests that the | | | | billion and at least $3.2 billion is lost in the UK each year. |
| numbers of key loggers, for example, has increased | | | | Other countries have similar tales of woe, with the |
| two and a half times in just over two years. | | | | most prosperous nations being victims of more |
| What is a key logger? This is code that is put onto | | | | concentrated targeting. |
| your computer without your knowledge and consent, | | | | Everyone is a potential victim. No longer can it be |
| and that tracks and records your keystrokes - and | | | | assumed that it is a crime that someone else falls |
| that means ALL keystrokes including your personal | | | | victim to. The figures speak for themselves but |
| data, financial details and passwords. It is powerful | | | | disguise the personal devastation faced by identity |
| software designed with malicious intent - to steal from | | | | theft victims. |
| you. | | | | But there are methods to reduce the risk - many of |
| You can add to this the increase in the number of | | | | them very simple, straightforward and sensible. |
| "phishing" and an increasing number of "pharming" | | | | McAfee provides a sensible guide in the form of "tips" |
| alerts, mainly conducted via email scams. | | | | to help us avoid being potential victims. Developing an |
| Identity theft is not benign and exerts a powerful and | | | | increased awareness, according to McAfee, is the |
| economically significant burden amongst businesses | | | | best first policy. |