Contrary to popular stereotypes, today's seniors are as much a part of the Internet culture as most other age groups. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 75 percent of adults ages 51-59 go online, and they rank near the top in categories such as email use (over 90 percent), access of health information (84 percent), online purchases (67 percent), and travel reservations (64 percent). This heavy use of the Internet, coupled with higher than average disposable income and bias toward "doing the right thing" makes seniors an ideal target for today's cyber-crooks.
Who can blame seniors for jumping on the Internet bandwagon? Nothing rivals the Internet in terms of ease of use and convenience. In addition to the ability to instantly access virtually any information source, users can pay bills, rearrange stock portfolios, connect to the office, communicate with distant friends and family, and even purchase groceries, all from the cozy confines of home.
Despite the convenience of the Internet, there are inherent dangers involved in transacting in cyberspace. Spammers, scammers, phishers, hackers and other forms of nefarious characters prowl the internet looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. The risks are real, and those who don't pay heed to the dangers can pay dearly.
Consumer Reports, in its recent "State of the Net" issue, reported that 29 percent of consumers surveyed had incurred costs due to malicious software or email in the last two years. And it's not subsiding anytime soon. The magazine cited an experience at Symantec, a leading security vendor, where 59 million attacks had been detected in a 24-hour-period.
However, savvy Internet users can fight back by arming themselves with the knowledge and tools required to safely navigate and enjoy the full convenience and efficiency of the Web.
Viruses, spyware and rootkits
Of the many Internet pitfalls, malware -- the all-encompassing term for viruses, spyware, adware, rootkits, worms and other malicious programs -- is the biggest threat to the health and performance of your computer. These programs are created with the specific intent of damaging your computer, spying on your online activities -- or worse -- hijacking your computer to send spam or engage in other criminal activities. Oftentimes these programs are designed to install on your computer without your noticing their presence until it's too late.
To protect your computer from malware, there is a wide variety of security software available to consumers. Most cost less than $80, and do a terrific job protecting your computer from outside intruders. One of the most comprehensive and effective is the Norton Internet Security suite from Symantec. This software can block, catch and eliminate potentially hazardous programs before they install on your system and become a problem. It also employs the use of a firewall, a barrier which prevents unauthorized intruders from accessing the information stored on your computer. Another invaluable feature of this security suite is phishing protection which identifies and blocks fraudulent Web sites attempting to steal your personal information.
In addition to full-service security software like Norton Internet Security, there are a variety of free programs available that can detect and remove most malicious forms of adware and spyware. Free downloadable programs such as Lavasoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy offer protection from spyware and adware; however, their protection is not as comprehensive as a full-service suite such as Norton.
Email protection: Know what's real
Once your computer is protected with antivirus and antispyware software, it's time to turn your attention to your email account. Criminals are increasingly using phishing schemes -- attacks which use email and fake Websites to entice victims into entering personal or financial information for the purposes of identity theft. These threats can be quite convincing as they employ the ageold motivators of fear and greed.
These crooks are clever, and they can still con you without necessarily infecting you with malicious software. So you'll also want to have the latest protection available for interacting with email and websites. Most browsers now incorporate anti-phishing toolbars that give you a "green/yellow/red" indication of the safety of the Websites you visit. If the site is known to be bad or suspect, the toolbar will give you an instant visual indication.
For greater protection against phishing, our new Truemark service from ICONIX provides a visual indication of real messages in your inbox, so you don't have to play the guessing game. It's free, simple to install, works with most email programs, and is available at download.com and iconix.com. Using this service, you will be less likely to fall victim to fake messages, no matter how urgent or enticing.
Buyer beware
Even with this protection, it pays to be vigilant -- just as you'd be wary of any suspicious characters or activity near your home. Use your finely tuned common sense and follow the guidelines of your Internet Service Provider and companies you do business with online to avoid being an unwitting victim. But be sure to take these basic technology steps as well. They will free you to enjoy the full convenience and efficiency provided by the Internet, and ensure that you're not just savvy, but safe.
