The Need for Online Security

Like it or not, computers are an inseparable part of our lives today. Besides work, we use computers for banking, entertainment and research – just to name a few.

Computer protection today is as critical as protecting you identity and assets. Without data protection, you are virtually exposing your information and identity to the online world.

Internet users have grown rapidly, and more and more users are added every month. Because of the popularity of the internet, more and more hackers are making millions, by getting into the people's computers and stealing business and personal information.

The loss of computer security can lead to corruption or loss of data, misuse or theft of information, identity theft and unauthorized use of personal or client information. 

Online hackers and security breaches can cause service interruptions at vital government installations which can threaten our national safety and welfare. 

Of the top Fortune 500 listed companies only 37 per cent authenticated their email and/or implement Extended Validation Security Socket Layer (EV SSL) certificates - techniques which offer increased protection from online fraud and deceptive emails. 

Be sure the web page you are viewing offers encryption of your data.  Often you will see a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your browser window, or the web address of the page you are viewing will begin with https://.... Both of these things indicate the site is secured and means that this web page uses encryption. Encryption scrambles the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent computer hackers from obtaining it en route. The only people who can unscramble the code are those with legitimate access privileges.

Although there is no silver bullet to stop online hacking, adoption of standards like authentication and SSL certificates are essential to restoring security and privacy on the internet.