Title: 4.1 Did You Know?
Course: Information and Communication Technology: Module B > Section: Section 4 - Security Basics

4.1.1 Did You Know?

Did you know…

- 150,000,000 computers are remotely controlled by attackers?
- 90% of e-mail malware is phishing?
- 50% of Americans currently have their credit card or SSN exposed online?
- Every 39 seconds a computer is probed for vulnerabilities on the Internet?
- Every 14 seconds a web page is created to infect your computer with malware simply by looking at it?
- The country with the highest number of computers infected with viruses and malware is the United States?
- More attacks originate in United States than in any other country (33%)?
- Most attacks are against individual users rather than businesses(93% of all targeted attacks)?
- An infected United States computer averages 8 instances of malware?

4.1.2 Did you Know?

Did you Know…

- 88% of Americans use their home computer for online banking, stock trading, reviewing personal medical information, and storing financial information, health records, and resumes?
- 98% of computer users agree that it is important to know the risk level of a web site before visiting it, but 64% admit they don’t know how to tell?
- 92% of computer users think that their anti-virus software is up to date. In reality only 51% have current anti-virus software that has been updated within the last 7 days?
- 44% of computer users don’t understand firewalls?
- 25% of the population has not even heard of the term “phishing”?

4.1.3 Did You Know?

Computer attacks used to occur primarily by individual local hackers who just wanted to show off their abilities. They primarily created nuisance worms and viruses; however, today’s hackers are primarily organized international groups. They are motivated by financial or political gain. They want to steal confidential information instead of destroying it. Customized malware can be created that blends multiple attacks against a single device. A computer may be at risk without ever knowing it.

Why all the Attacks?

- Speed of attacks – The “always on” internet is faster than ever.
- More sophisticated attacks – Attacks can come from website, pictures, attachments, and even legitimate documents.
- Simplicity of attack tools – Easier to use tools that are available on the internet.
- Faster detection of weaknesses by violators – As connection speeds increase, it takes longer for the detection tools to respond to attacks.
- Delays in user patching – Users often do not patch their computer system and applications on a regular basis.
- Distributed attacks – Hackers take over several individual computers and create a massive computer network from which they attack.
- User confusion or ignorance – Users don’t know how to defend against attacks.

4.1.4 Did You Know?

There are many misconceptions and rumors about computer vulnerabilities. True or False:

1. I don’t have anything on my computer a hacker wants. False – Hackers are not only looking for information, but also for computer systems they can use to attack others.
2. I have antivirus software so I’m protected.  False – Viruses only account for about 3% of all attacks.
3. My IT person takes care of security here at work. False – Yes, your school or company may provide some protection, but it is everyone’s responsibility to keep information safe and know how to protect assets.
4. My Apple computer is safe. False – Every type of computer and operating system is vulnerable.

Our best defenses against attacks are:

- Education & awareness – Teach people what to watch for and how to protect themselves.
- Technology – Keep your hardware and software up to date with the latest patches and drivers.
- Smart behavior – Stay vigilant and know the risks.

Many officials advocate teaching practical security to all faculty, staff, and students. The more you know, the better protected we all are.