Getting information online

The sites and newsletters that carry the latest security information

By now I'm sure everyone in the class will have taken care of the basics of IT security in their business from the simple things like anti-virus software, a firewall and regular updates to the more complicated stuff like secure remote email access and good staff policies.

So you think you're safe? Well don't relax yet. The problem with protecting computer systems today is that the enemy is not a teenage hacker in a darkened bedroom. It's hardcore organised crime. To put it bluntly, they want your money. They are the dotcom entrepreneurs of crime.

Emerging threats

�Like any entrepreneur they are constantly looking for new markets and new products.�

Like any entrepreneur they are constantly looking for new markets and new products. This means that they are constantly finding new and inventive ways to attack computer systems. In addition, the relentless pace of new technology development means that there are always new programs and systems for them to exploit.

While most home users can feel reasonably safe with the basics, business users (and especially small businesses without their own techies) need to stay informed about new threats and how to deal with them.

Get the information

Sometimes it is only a matter of hours between a vulnerability being discovered and an attack being launched so timely information is vital. There are several ways to get this information in a way that is designed for regular people rather than uber-geeks:

What next?