Cyber Security Study: Many consumers less secure than they think

In our latest report on staying safe in cyberspace, 7 online blunders, the top mistake we warn about is assuming your security software is protecting you.

Now, a study just released by the National Cyber Security Alliance, underscores our advice by suggesting that many online consumers think their computers are more secure than they really are.

The study, performed by Zogby International and software maker Symantec, polled 3,000 online users and scanned the computers of 400 of them.

Among the findings:

• 75 percent of respondents said they were using spam filters, while only 52 percent actually had a spam filter installed.
• 81 percent of respondents said they were using a firewall, but only 42 percent indeed had a firewall installed on their computer.
• On the other hand, perceptions nearly matched reality for anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

To avoid becoming a victim of online threats, you need to run effective security software. For lots of free advice on how to protect yourself online, and which mistakes to avoid, visit our new Online Security Guide.

—Jeff Fox

Comments

[Robert Smith]

I've had pretty good luck with Norton (symantec) over the years. They used to be difficult to download, but they have made it easier. Clear your temp files and un needed cookies on a regular basis. I check financial sites often. Keep up with live updates, and scan for viruses at least a couple times a month. Always keep up with the newest anti- hack programs, because the hackers never stop.
Make sure your virus protection works in sync with windows, Mac or whatever you use so you are not trying to work behind multiple firewalls.
Stay away from the free prize cons, and from past experience,keep people that are guessing which keys to hit OFF your computer. R.S.

[Wilson]

Exceptional software

www.search-and-destroy.com is an exceptional software. My computer was plagued with pop-ups and spywares. I tried many other programs that didn’t solve the problem. But this software found over 50 threats that were not detected by other software’s. My pc is now adware and spyware free.

[Cain]

I've been working with computers since about 1983 and have HONESTLY only had one infection ever!!! This was due to a corrupted infected file I had discovered on a previous employers network drive which I had also made their IT department aware of before it was an extremem menace!!!

Additionally I must adamatly state to most comptuer users out there take the extra time to make yourself informed of ALL configuration options of your protection software... it is all for your own advantage, growth knowledge and PROTECTION people ;-)

Best Regards and Safe Surfing!!!

[Cisco]

I cannot find CRs best recommendation or reseach for Parental Controls Software. I need to make a decision soon.