Security and Privacy Issues for Internet Users

The Internet environment has become increasingly hostile during the past several years. This session covers all the "best practices" and specific precautions an Internet user should follow while online to help ensure their privacy, and protect their computer from attacks.  Note: this session is intended for Internet users - It is NOT a system administrator course.

The Following Topics are  covered in this course:

1. Introduction to security and privacy – Current issues, recent statistics.

2. Internet Access – Types of Internet access at work,  and the usage policies associated with each.  Types of Internet access at home (dial-up, cable, DSL) and the security risks associated with each.   Persona issues will be discussed in detail for each type of access (work or home).   

3.  Firewalls – hardware and software firewalls for the home environment.  Methods for testing your computer’s security (i.e. port scanners.)

4.  Viruses – Methods of transport and how to protect against them. 

5.  Web Surfing Issues: Java, Active X risks; cookies, third party cookies, web bugs; web site log analyzers, Browser settings, Privacy policies, P3P, online registrations, forbidden sites. 

6.  Email Issues: Imbedded gifs, Spam, scams, hoaxes, viruses, attachments, preferred settings in your email client.

7.  Risks associated with authoring online content such as email, mailings lists, Usenet news postings, personal web pages and domain name registrations

8.  Other applications – risks associated with running other applications such as Chat, IM, File Sharing, online gaming, and other peer-peer applications, media streaming.  This section also includes a discussion about Trojan and spyware programs.

9.  User actions to protect security and privacy: installing operating system updates, use of passwords, local file encryption, parental control options.

10.  Future techniques: biometric identification, legislative trends, security of other online devices (cell phones, PDA’s)

Note for my Alumni: Your referrals are always appreciated