Are You the Weakest Link?

Despite all the high-profile stories of viruses, scams and online security problems, technology really has improved our online security. But has it made our online lives safer? Maybe not, because now people are the weakest link in the security chain.



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What's the big deal?

In spite of various technological security measures (anti-spam/virus/phishing) the ultimate security software is your own brain.

Here's a humorous take on this concept:

Some references:

• 52% of respondents to a recent US survey admitted to clicking links in or replying to spam messages
• Even "reputable" Web sites aren't averse to tricking users, as Tagged.com is accused of doing.
• The "UteGate" saga in Australia
• The story unfolds - ABC MediaWatch Ep. 21
• Our previous podcast on phishing (3rd August 2007 - almost two years ago)
• The Phishing and Spam IQ Quiz

Why is phishing still so popular?

• It works!
• Technology is getting smarter, so scammers have to resort to human frailties.
• Things like Twitter and Facebook have made things worse: Many Facebook apps require you to give them access to your data, and Twitter tools often require access to your Twitter account. This has made some people far less careful than they should be with security and privacy.
• URL shortening services don't help, for two reasons: (a) they mask the true URL, so you can't guess if a link is safe to follow; (b) they might lull some into a false sense of security - e.g. people see "bit.ly" and assume it's safe because it has been in the past.

So how should you protect yourself?

• Don't let your guard down! It's as important as ever to be vigilant, careful and just use common sense.
• Use protection but don't allow it to lull you into a false sense of security
• Don't sweat the small stuff - but it's not all small stuff. Be more alert when there's a risk of giving out confidential information (e.g. online banking, unusual e-mails from your boss supposedly asking you to send her Top Secret documents), and relax when there's a lower risk (e.g. your spouse asking you to get milk on the way home).
• Don't get scared off. Immerse yourself more - not less - in the Internet culture, so it becomes familiar to you. You're safer in your home town in familiar surroundings than as a naive tourist wandering through a strange city.

The Internet Road Warrior

How easy is it to do "business as usual" in today's connected world? Gihan put this to the test last month, and has just returned from a month in Prague, which was a combination of work and pleasure ("weisure", as New York University sociologist Dalton Conley calls it, or "furking" (combining fun and working), as Kirsty Spraggon calls it). In this podcast, Chris interviews Gihan about his experiences using the Internet for this purpose.


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Broadly, let's use the metaphor of taking a trip. It has three broad parts: How you get on the road; what you take with you; and what you do when you arrive.

Get (metaphor for Internet access)

In general, Internet access in Europe is easy and fast compared with Australia (and in Venice, it will soon be free to residents). In Prague, wireless hotspots are widely available, though of course you have to be aware of security issues when using public access points.

Other access:

• Use Skype for free computer-to-computer phone calls, and for cheap long-distance calls
• Get a SkypeIn phone number for incoming calls
• Get a virtual fax number with mbox.com.au - your faxes are delivered to you by e-mail

Take (metaphor for essentials)

Phrase book (metaphor for all the language things):

• Be aware of differences in keyboard layouts e.g. finding the "@" key on an Italian keyboard!
• Various Web sites (Google, Bing, Facebook, Blogger) detect your location based on IP address, and default to the local (Czech) version
• Most informational Czech Web sites have English (and German) versions
• If they don't, BabelFish can do translations for you

Money:

• Online banking is easy for transferring money between accounts
• Currency converter - www.xe.com/ucc, OANDA.com or just Google it.

Things to Do

Sightseeing:

• Google Maps - invaluable for maps and directions
• Tourist information Web sites
• Coin-operated Internet kiosks in airports, info offices, etc.
• Planning and booking side-trips can all be done on-line nowadays

Keeping in touch: Plan what level of information you share with each circle of people in your life - e.g.

• Facebook for family and friends
• A blog for business
• An e-zine for subscribers
• Twitter for anybody

Business meetings:

• Use Skype for phone calls - as mentioned earlier
• Use a webinar service like GoToWebinar.com for conference calls and presentations
  
• Time zone issues - www.worldtimeserver.com has a handy meeting planner to show time zones in different countries