www.sdchamber.org

Where Do I Go To Learn About Security?

By Randy Abrams, ESET

Recently, Jeff Debrosse, director of research for ESET in North America, and I participated in panel discussions hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Homeland Security. Each of the sessions included two panels, the first with one person from the Department of Homeland Security and some local security and law enforcement experts, and the second panel with private sector security experts. At all three events, one in Bellevue, Washington, one in Ann Arbor Michigan, and one at SDSU, many people asked “Where do I go to learn more about securing my business”?

To help answer this question, ESET and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with a variety of other businesses, civic groups, and foundations has launched the “Securing Our e-City” campaign. We are populating the website with information for a broad spectrum of users, including home users, business users, educators, and others. You can check out the recently launched web site at www.securingourecity.org. The about page will explain the mission of the project, as well as the great participants who are making this free and valuable resource available for our community.

The resources page includes podcasts, white papers, and even a Cybercrime Pre-assessment Quiz to help determine your risk level to become victimized by cybercrime. There are also tips and videos to help teach people about cybercrime and protecting against becoming a victim.

Soon we will be providing “Cyber Grants” to help fund programs that effectively fight cybercrime. You can find out more about that on the site as well.

Nowhere has the saying “If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem” been more true than when it comes to fighting cybercrime. If your computer is infected with a bot program, then your computer may be attacking other computers, sending spam, phishing emails, and participating in a variety of other nefarious activities. 

Just like using a seatbelt does not assure automotive safety, simply using security software is not enough. You really need to become more educated about computer security. You don’t have to have anything of value on your computer for it to be of value to a cybercriminal.

We will be regularly adding and updating content to the website.  We hope you will check back often, and welcome your feedback.