| What You'll Learn | Locations & Dates | Reviews from Past Attendees |

| Register Now |

Why does the average Net user need a course on cyber security? There are two mistakes computer users make when it comes to Internet security: First, they assume they will not be targeted in cyberspace. But consider that 95 per cent of malicious traffic on the Internet is launched indiscriminately, like random acts of violence on the streets. There is nearly a 100 per cent chance that a home or business user will have their computer scanned for vulnerabilities while connected to the Internet on any given day. The second mistake computer users make is underestimating what they have to lose through a malicious attack on their system or even an unintentional mishap such as a power outage.

One of the main attractions of the Web is its ease of use. Very little computer knowledge is needed now to roam cyberspace or send e-mail. People can use the Net without understanding how it works. But this strength is also its weakness. People focus so much on the positive things that can be done on the Internet that they tend to forget or ignore or fail to learn about the negative things that can happen. The apparent technological sophistication of the Internet may lead the unwary to believe that someone somewhere is running the show. But despite continual efforts by various governments and organizations to regulate activity on the Net, you are on your own in cyberspace. You have very little practical recourse if something goes wrong.

Businesses large and small have been pressured to get on the Net in order to stay competitive. In many cases the bulk of available resources has been directed towards computerization, getting "wired," and trying to keep pace with rapid technological change. There is often little time, money, or thought given to security issues. In small businesses there is rarely a system administrator or technician to turn to if there are problems. Staff are typically given e-mail and Web access in addition to existing computer applications with little or no instruction about safe use. Rarely are there any formal computer security policies or procedures in place. Even in many large computer-dependent organizations, you would be hard pressed to find a systems or network security position. Most people are responsible for their own online security. However, few realize it until something bad happens.

As the Internet becomes more and more integrated with our daily life and commercial activity, the number of things that could go wrong will increase, as will the extent of the damage and the financial impact when they do. In the past few years we have seen the havoc that fairly simple malicious software can wreak. And while the Y2K issue appears to have been much ado about nothing, the publicity about it made us more aware of how reliant we have become on the Internet. In addition, the ubiquitiousness of cable modems and DSL lines have made home computers more attractive targets for those wishing to cause chaos. The increased power of home computers that makes access to the Internet faster and easier also increases the speed and ease with which someone with malicious intent can gain access to them.

RETURN TO OUR SEMINARS PAGE