Joe's Security

The battle for the home computer is lost. At least that's the consensus of many computer security professionals.

Estimates are that the latest computer worm Downadup (a.k.a. Conficker), infected more than 10 million computers worldwide within two weeks. That's a massive amount of computers! To be sure, this number includes some corporate computers, but you can bet that most of that 10 million is in the ranks of the home computer. Why?

- Most organizations employ substantial firewalls, do daily anti-virus updates and quickly install newly released operating system and software patches.

- Often home computer users jump onto the web by connecting their computer directly to a cable/dsl modem - and DON'T install a separate, firewall device between their computer and the Internet - and their other security tools are often weak, too.

While maybe an over-simplification, one thing is clear, every computer is in the cross-hairs of Internet attackers, and home computer users will always be the least equipped to protect themselves. Why? Because good computer security isn't a quick fix. It isn't about Windows vs. Mac OS, or about one software security suite versus another. Effective computer security is about applying security layers (pros call it "defense in depth") and then keeping an eye on each layer, making sure each remains strong and intact.

Most people don't get decent security info when they buy their computer. Instead they get sold opinions or profit-driven reccomendations about "the security stuff you gotta buy," to stay protected. Good computer security is not expensive, but there is a learning curve. "Joe's Security" is about helping you with that "curve." Do yourself and the Internet a favor - take some time to read Joe's articles on solid security practices. That way your computer can and will be reasonably secure, and just as important, you'll REALLY know why.