Understanding Security Issues

Chapter 3 Protecting Your Computer(s)

For most of us, our computer is the starting point for cyber defense. Whether it is a personal computer, a family computer, or a work computer, modern machines can run hundreds (or thousands) of useful programs, store terabytes of data, and of course connect us to the world of the internet. We use our computers daily to look up information, do our work, connect with friends, create documents, shop for necessities, and manage our money. If our computer is compromised—that is, if our computer is under the control of someone else—all of that is put at risk. An attacker who has compromised our computer can access everything we see or do with our computer, and use that information to cause us professional, personal, ...