Users responsible for 'cyber hygiene'?

87 percent of emails sent are 'e-scams'

America's Homeland Security Department has declared that it is the responsibility of all internet users to protect the network from 'cyber-attack'. In a statement, the organisation said, ""all computer users, not just industry and government, have a responsibility to practice good 'cyber hygiene.'"

The announcement comes at the start of National Cyber Security Awareness month where the threat of cyber-crime is highlighted and users are informed about the dangers of cyber-scams via (GDS International).

The most common form of cyber crime is 'phishing attacks' which are aimed at getting people to divulge personal information like social security numbers or bank details. More often than not, this is done by sending users emails that appear to come from a credit card company or a financial institution requesting information. This in turn is then used to steal the users' identity. It was recently reported that such 'scam emails' accounted for 87 percent of all emails sent in August.

"E-mail is a critical application so users need to think before opening that mail," said Rohyt Belani, the founder and chief executive of Intrepidus Group, a security consultancy.

"Our studies have shown that within the first hour of someone receiving a phishing e-mail, 60 percent of people click on them. That is not enough time for the security folks to act."

Speaking to the BBC, Intrepidus also stated that such scams are becoming more and more focused on key players within organisations.

"We are seeing the random scattergun attack fading away to some degree and attackers not so much focusing on sending out spam e-mail for Viagra in the hope two people will click on the link," Mr Belani said.

"They are more focused on let's say a system administrator at organisation X because the hackers know if they break into that computer, they will have the keys to the kingdom. Or someone high up in organisation Y where they might see all the M&A (mergers and acquisition) information."

He also highlighted that the large number of people using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter means that it is becoming all to easy for criminals to get personal information on their targets.

"These attackers mine a trove of information from Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and the like to try and compromise the systems of targeted victims."

"Once they have enough information about a person, it is relatively simple to draft an e-mail that looks legit. This scary trend with social networking comes with a real security risk that most consumers just don't seem to be aware of," added Mr Belani.

As such, Homeland Security has released a set of guidelines on how people can stay safe online or practice, what is now dubbed 'cyber-hygiene'.

The No.1 rule? Do not open e-mail attachments from people you do not know or if you are not expecting them to send anything. Also, make sure your operating systems are up to date with the latest security and unsubscribe from legitimate mailings you no longer want to receive.

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