Web security overrated
2004-10-25 11:36
Washington - Internet users at home are not nearly as safe online as they believe, according to an inspection by researchers.
They found most consumers have no firewall protection, outdated antivirus software and dozens of spyware programs secretly running on their computers.
One beleaguered home user in the study had more than 1 000 spyware programs running on his sluggish computer when researchers examined it.
The internet always has had its share of risky neighbourhoods and dark alleys. But with increasingly sophisticated threats from hackers, viruses, spam e-mails and spyware, trouble is finding computer users no matter how cautiously they roam online.
The technology industry is feeling the pain, too.
Spurred by the high costs of support calls from irritated customers - and fearful that frustrated consumers will stop buying new products - internet providers, software companies and computer-makers are making efforts to increase awareness of threats and provide customers with new tools to protect themselves.
Still, many computer users appear remarkably unprepared for the dangers they face.
The study being released on Monday by America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance found that 77% of 326 adults in 12 states assured researchers they were safe from online threats. Nearly as many people felt confident they were already protected specifically from viruses and hackers.
When experts visited those same homes to examine computers, they found two-thirds of adults using antivirus software that was not updated in at least seven days.
Complacency
Two-thirds of the computer users also were not using any type of protective firewall program, and spyware was found on the computers of 80% of those in the study.
The survey participants, a cross-section of internet users, were selected in 22 cities and towns by an independent market analysis organisation, said AOL spokesperson Andrew Weinstein.
The alliance, a non-profit group, is backed by the US Homeland Security Department and the Federal Trade Commission, plus leading technology companies, including Cisco Systems Inc, Microsoft Corp, eBay Inc and Dell Inc.
The group's chief, Ken Watson, said consumers suffer from complacency and a lack of expert advice on keeping their computers secure.
"Just like you don't expect to get hit by a car, you don't believe a computer attack can happen to you," Watson said.
"There really is quite a perception gap," agreed Daniel W Caprio, the Commerce Department's deputy assistant secretary for technology policy.
"Clearly there is confusion. We need to do a better job making information and practical tips for home users and small businesses available."
"It is very complicated for the average home user," said Ari Schwartz, an expert on internet threats for the Centre for Democracy and Technology, a Washington civil liberties group.
"There's a lack of accountability all around, from consumers who don't believe they should have to do this to companies who blame the consumer. It's finger-pointing back and forth," Schwartz said.
- SAPA