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What are the Internet security threats facing computer users at home and in the office?

In today's Internet environment, where most people are connected to the Internet with high-speed, broadband connections, there is an increase in the presence of computer viruses, worms, spyware, and Trojan programs, seemingly benign programs that contain malicious programming. There has also been a rise in phishing scams, which use e-mails that appear to be from reputable companies to lure individuals into divulging personal and financial information that can be used to access banking accounts or commit identity theft, and other e-mail scams. It is vital that everyone consider security for his or her home computers and office networks and computers.

A recent study by Tech Web, a leading magazine covering the business technology industry, showed that an unprotected PC lasted 16 minutes on an open connection before it was infected and crashed. That means you don't have a lot of time—your practice, your data, your information could be at stake. At AVMA, we have to address all these issues on a daily basis, including keeping the antivirus software up-to-date, maintaining patches and upgrades to software, monitoring firewalls, and trying to educate users about being cautious when using the Internet or e-mail.

What can veterinarians do to protect their computer systems at work and at home?

The largest change for veterinarians who are becoming users of computers with high-speed Internet access, is that it opens their business, and personal computers to a lot of security threats. They should consider the same steps that we are taking. They should purchase security and antivirus software and keep it up-to-date. They should monitor and maintain patch upgrades for their software. They should investigate getting a personal computer firewall or business network firewall, or they should choose an Internet service provider who offers security services.

There are many resources available on the Internet that veterinarians can use to help them better protect their computers. Some of them are very easy to use, such as Microsoft's Protect Your PC Web site, which takes you through a three-step process. There are other resources by security institutions and organizations that walk you through a very simple analysis of what you need. The biggest thing is to make sure everyone in your practice, and in your family, is aware of the potential threats that are out there.

Here are some useful Web resources:
Microsoft's Protecting your Home Network Web site, www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/protecthomenet.mspx, Microsoft's Protect your PC Web site, www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx.

The CERT Coordination Center, a federally funded research and development center focusing on Internet security, www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html.

The Internet Storm Center, http://isc.sans.org//index.php, is a Web site that monitors Internet threats and acts as a clearinghouse for information on Internet security.