An Overview of Internet Security
This article is about the safety and security of internet usage. The present day man is totally dependent on the internet literally for everything, like paying bill, booking cinema tickets, money transfer, socializing or the like. In such a situation it is extremely important for us to safeguard the internet.
About internet
Internet is a global system where the computers are interconnected and these use the standard Internet Protocol Suite which serves the users across the world. Internet is considered as a network of networks that are linked through electronic, wireless and optical technologies. It is a worldwide inter connection of computers and computer networks which enable the users to share and exchange information.
The origin of internet dates back to the 1960s when the United States government was interested in building and distributing the computer network in collaboration with the private sector. Later as a result of funding of the National Science Foundation of the U.S in 1980s and the funding of private commercials has resulted in the worldwide participation of networking technologies as well as merging of many networks. The commercialization of the 90s resulted in gaining popularity for the international network and thus internet greatly influenced man in all walks of his life.
Internet is a network that is distributed across the world and it comprises of many voluntary autonomous networks that are interconnected. There is no centralized governance for the internet either in policy or technology implementation. The increased capacity of the information systems has increased it vulnerability as well. And hence the internet is easily prone to various threats from all over the world and the security of the internet is of great importance for the users. The information technology has started producing a variety of criminal opportunities and the internet and its users are at high risk. In such a situation, it is responsibility of the users or end users to safeguard their computers from such a cyber crime.Internet usage and computer crime
Internet is in fact a great place for building a better environment by working together but unfortunately it has a darker side too. Internet can literally be accessed and used by anyone from anywhere in the world and it needs an uninterrupted high-speed connectivity as well as web applications. The usage of internet is unlimited and can be used for any purpose. As a result of the globalization of economic, social and political activities, there is an increase in the usage of internet and thereby the privacy, security and protection of various data including personal data has become very important. Some of the important usages of internet include banking, stock exchange, air traffic control, business transactions, education, navigation, shopping, healthcare, communications and many many more such applications.
Due to convergence of technologies and globalization of Information and Communication Technology, there is an increase in the computer crime. As a result of its wide range of usage that is wide spread, the threat to internet is increasing day by day in the present technological world and hence the users are at greater risk of internet threats. As every problem has a solution, so also there are several security systems for protecting the computers and internet from the threats. With the increase in the usage of internet, there is an increase in the computer crime as well. And it is an alarming news that most of the masterminds behind these cyber crimes are mere kids. Hacker tools that are available on the net are easily downloadable and in fact these are expanding the population of wrong doers. In many a cases children are not even aware of the fact that they are doing the wrong things or illegal things.
Computer crime is becoming professional these days and the criminals are adopting various techniques to attack the net. They even target the end users on individual computers through the web. Social networks have become the prime targets for all such criminal activities. And hence the users need to follow some basic protection or security for the safeguard of their computers and the net and thereby protect themselves from hacking.
Theft of Information Services, Fraud of Electronic Fund Transfer, Fraud in Sales and Investments, Electronic Money Laundering and Telecommunications Piracy are few varieties of cyber crime. Similarly Malware, Trojan attack, virus/worm attack, e-mail bombing and e-mail spoofing are some methods of the perpetration of computers.Methods of prevention / protection
It is necessary for the user should take preventive measures to protect his / her information as well as information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption and destruction. Internet security can include protection of information from theft or corruption. Here are few points to remember as a part of internet security:Conclusion
As these days computers and internet are widely used by the people, it is the responsibility of the computer users to take necessary steps and avoid being a victim of cyber crime. The user should follow proper security measures to avoid the risks of computer attacks. Internet security, in fact, has become a serious problem for all who are connected to the net.
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The article focuses mainly on the responsibility of the end-user in protecting themselves from cyber threats. But it is also important to note that the government and private companies have a crucial role to play in creating a secure and safe internet environment. This can include implementing regulations, investing in research and development of security technologies, and providing education and awareness about internet security to the general public.