You are here > Home > News
Keep computers and networks secure, BCS urges
IT News |
31/01/2012
Too many home PC and internet users are underestimating the IT security risks they are exposed to, it has been reported.
According to BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, there is a huge gap between people's perceptions of their security risk as a home PC user and the reality.
Just 17 per cent of those surveyed by the organisation made the correct assessment of the dangers, with 80 per cent underestimating the risks, BCS said.
These respondents believed themselves to be in the low-medium risk band, when in fact they were high risk, the institute added.
Rob Rowlingson, author of BCS publication 'The Essential Guide to Home Computer Security', said the results were "surprising" considering how often people use their home computers.
"For example, over 90 per cent of respondents said they did either e-banking and/or online shopping and over 80 per cent said they had Wi-Fi, network or remote access for their PC," he revealed.
Mr Rowlingson advised that a risk assessment is "the cornerstone of good security".
"The higher the risk, the more security that is required. These results suggest that many home users don't necessarily understand the risks and may not be doing enough to avert them," he added.
The IT security expert said there are some simple steps everyone can take to greatly reduce the risks when using a home PC.
These include installing, utilising and keeping anti-virus software up to date, making use of firewall solutions and other security tools, and creating and safeguarding strong passwords.
PC users should avoid choosing a password using common names, the names of family members or famous people.
"Don't use a word from the dictionary. Use different types of characters: upper and lower case, letters, symbols and numbers," Mr Rowlingson urged.
He also warned against keeping passwords stored in browsers, or in the web cache and history.
Where Wi-Fi is concerned, people should ensure their connection is encrypted and default passwords on the router have been changed to a customer alternative.
"Set up users with 'standard' user accounts and limit the use of administrator accounts - so that users, or imposters, cannot gain complete control of your PC," Mr Rowlingson advised.
He also called on PC owners to back up any files they do not want to lose in the event of a security breach or PC failure.
"One important thing about keeping yourself secure online is to remain aware. No one can be complacent; maintaining good security is an ongoing process," Mr Rowlingson said,
"The security environment evolves continually and the risks change, there's always a new scam around the corner that someone is willing to try."
Posted by John Lynes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IT Recruitment Agency - 12.5% Fee / 3 Month, 100% Rebate - Transparent Recruitment Fees Since 1999.
Sign up to our e-newsletter service to receive our headline news directly to your inbox
