I asked a bunch of questions about the way people accomplish various tasks with security implications on their computers and other internet enabled devices, and got a bunch of answers back that made it pretty clear that it’s a black art to many of the people in my friends list. So, I’m starting a series of posts that touch on security topics that have everyday relevance for most users, at the rate of one or two a week. I’m taking suggestions.
I’ll try not to go too far into the technical weeds in the main content, but will address those matters in the comments in response to questions.
The first topic is going to deal with some misconceptions about security in computing, and I’m going to lay out my three foundational principles:
0) The only perfectly secure computer is the one you buy, and tuck immediately into a closet without turning it on. In other words, the one you take no risks with and store no information on. Congratulations on your expensive new doorstop!
1) Security is not a state you can achieve, it’s a process and a set of practices you engage in with the goal of minimizing the amout of risk you are exposed to.
There is no point at which you, as a computer user, are ever actually going to be completely secure. As with personal physical security, you have to make choices about what you are going to do, how you are going to do it, and how the risks of that activity balance with other concerns and goals.
Security is about adopting a set of practices that minimize risk, and mitigate damage to both your computer, your information and your finances.
2) The biggest risks to your security are human factors, not technological issues.
The most prevalent hazards on the internet are attempts to extract information from users, and most of these really are just variants on classic con-games. A great many threats are just internet versions of these: http://ift.tt/1spMgzP
The single most important factor in staying secure is remembering to ask yourself if the thing you are about to do feels like you’re ignoring a stranger trying put a hand up your drawers.
If something is making you suspicious, it’s probably a good idea to take a second and think about it. via Facebook
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