Internet Security: How to Defend Against Attackers on the Web, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 4

Mitigating Risk When Connecting to the Internet

IN JUST A FEW YEARS the Internet and the use of online resources have become an integral part of daily life for almost everyone, it seems. Many businesses are so dependent on the Internet that they would actually cease to exist without it. In addition to business, individual users rely on the Internet as an essential communication, information, and educational tool. For many people, it would be hard to imagine life without online access at their fingertips.

Dependence on the Internet and its services, however, does leave people somewhat vulnerable. The Internet is an insecure public network. While the majority use the Internet each day for legitimate purposes, a significant few use it ...