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 ATL on CBN News -Watch ATL on CBN news discussing Google's collection of flu outbreak information and sharing with the government. (Appearance begins at 20:00 minute mark.) End of Google-Yahoo Deal Presents Real Opportunities for Consumers -Washington, DC – In response to today’s developments on the potential deal between Google and Yahoo, Randy Skoglund, executive director of Americans for Technology Leadership issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement that Google will abandon its deal with Yahoo in the face of stiff opposition from regulators, presents a real opportunity for consumers and businesses who have been looking for more choice in the online search and advertising marketplace. Given Google’s strong position in search and online advertising, consumers and small businesses will only benefit from having more choices and more competition.” ATL on Relevant Radio -Cyber Security Month -October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a month that all consumers should use to educate themselves on the types of crimes that can occur online. Given today’s economic climate, the last thing most consumers need is to become a victim of identity theft or an online scam. The economic crisis, along with mergers and consolidations in the financial industry, will create new opportunities for scam artists to prey upon their victims.
Following the typical pattern of previous scams - cyber-criminals will likely start using recent developments as an opportunity to trick unknowing consumers, with phishing emails asking them to confirm account information with their bank or to provide personal information to protect their assets. Consumers need to be aware of these types of scams and protect themselves. While the Internet provides amazing benefits, consumers are rightly concerned about their safety, and the safety of their children online. They are worried about viruses, spam, spyware, online predators and about their privacy on the Internet. Consumers need to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their identities. It’s critical that consumers use the opportunity of cyber-security month to educate themselves about how they can protect themselves, their families and their privacy online. By following a few simple steps, consumers can do a tremendous amount to decrease their risk of being a victim: Install and keep virus software up to date. Many new computers already come preloaded with a trial version of antivirus software from Norton or McAfee that can be renewed online. Off the shelf software may also be purchased at your local retailer. Once installed, be sure to update the software on a regular basis and schedule scans of your computer at least once a week. Both of these functions can be set up to automatically happen at a specific time each week, but your computer must be running for this to happen. If your software is out of date, you will miss the latest viruses. Activate or install a firewall. Microsoft XP comes with a firewall installed and there are several other good products, from Norton, McAfee and Zone Labs, available for purchase. A firewall monitors all incoming traffic to your computer and only lets in those communications which your computer trusts and needs. It "hides" your computer from hackers on the network by closing all the communication ports that you don't use. Some advanced firewalls will stop your computer, if it is infected, from calling out to the internet and infecting others. Keep your software up to date. For both Windows and Mac users, activate the auto-update feature that automatically alerts you when security patches and software updates are available. Once vulnerability is disclosed and a patch is offered, hackers often launch attacks that exploit the corrected problem because they know people are slow to update their computers. This is why the most recent round of viruses spread so rapidly. When in doubt, DELETE. Do not open email or email attachments from people you don't know. Spam is increasingly being used to spread viruses in cute sounding attachments. When opened these programs launch an attack on your computer and use applications like your email program to attack others. One of the most disruptive attacks to date was called the "Love" virus because the attacking email said "I love you." Millions of people apparently thought a complete stranger was in love with them. Passwords are like toothbrushes. Use them daily. Change them regularly. And never lend yours to someone else. Check Privacy Policies. With growing concerns about online privacy, look at the sites you and your children visit, and review their –privacy policy, make sure you can easily find it on the site, that it is easily understood and that you agree with the terms. Additionally, websites such as Google now have map programs that contain aerial views of our streets and our houses. If you are concerned about your home appearing on these sites – like Google Street Views – you can contact the company and ask to be removed. ATL Op-Ed in Buffalo News -Parents must protect their kids on the Internet |
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