Security

=Security in an Interconnected World=

Security is both the responsibility of the educator and the student. Some important issues pertaining to security are:
 * Viruses and Malware
 * Passwords
 * Going Mobile

Viruses and Malware
Viruses are computer programs (usually executed covertly) that can at least cause inconsistent running patterns or at worse take over and do as it pleases with your computer. Some of the most common types of viruses are:

Trojan Horses
Just like with the [|Trojan Horse], Trojan viruses work the same. Under the guise of something relatively harmless, the virus contains multiple threats that will execute when the timing is right (either through clicking on the application, virus scanner checking it, a certain date, etc.) These can be dangerous due to the fact that they are unpredictable at times.

Worms
Worms can be even more dangerous than the previously mentioned virus because these search for backdoors and security vulnerabilities in the computer programming. They have the tendency to spread through networks of computers and open up a sort of [|wormhole] between host and infected computers.

Malware
Malware is normally not as threatening in terms of damage done to files or computer, but can be even more devastating in regards to information security. Some malware can copy files from your harddrive and send them to a server, others (known as Spyware) will just monitor and report on your internet and computer uses so that companies can get a better feel for what consumers do with their technologies (this is a definite breach of privacy).

Understanding what these viruses and malware can do is very important.. they can easily steal identifiable information, delete important files, and spread themselves (without your knowledge) to other machines. You can easily avoid many of these by:
 * refraining from downloading [|bootleg] software/files/music. See also //[|Warez]//.
 * not opening emails or attachments from people you don't know.
 * avoiding sites known for downloading content to the host computer.

You can avoid these by keeping your Antivirus up to date and always running. If you don't have one, the [|IT Store] offers it for free as a download.

Passwords
As you sign up for, or use services on the internet, you are normally required to have a username and a password. Using the same password for everything is not advisable as it can lead to further problems if the wrong person had control of it.

Here are some characteristics of a GOOD password:
 * Contains letters a-z
 * Contains numbers 0-9
 * Contains capitalization AaBb
 * Is NOT a dictionary word - easy for hacking programs to determine
 * Is not the same for every service you use. (i.e. your facebook password should not be your online banking password)

Mobility
As technology becomes smaller and more portable, we will continue to take more with us on the move. There are many devices that people carry with them almost everywhere they go:
 * Smart Phone
 * PDA
 * Laptop
 * IPad
 * ITouch
 * Etc.

When you think about this, we are all human - we tend to lose things.. If you were to misplace your IPhone, what kind of information would you want to keep safe?
 * Confidential Emails
 * Text Messages
 * Facebook Apps
 * Online Banking Apps

There are a few ways to make sure that this information stays somewhat safe while you try to locate your device.

The first one is a Login Password (can either be complex or simple for IPhone users)



Or you can use a Login Pattern (for jailbroken IPhones and some Android Devices) - you connect the dots -