Seven out of 10 Americans don't know whatbotnetsare or the threat they pose to the internet, astudyby theUS
National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)revealed.
Announcing the findings at
RSA,
the NCSA said, "This is quite alarming considering botnets are
comprised mostly of consumers' computers and are increasingly being
used to perpetrate identity theft and spread viruses."
NCSA executive director Ron Teixeira said, last June the
FBI identified more than one
million infected computers that could have been used as a botnet to
attack other computers, spread malware, or attack critical national
infrastructure.
"Botnets continue to be an increasing threat to consumers and
homeland security," he said. "Consumers' unsecured computers play a
major role in helping cybercriminals conduct cybercrimes not only
on the victim's computer, but also against others connected to the
internet."
The study showed most respondents think it unlikely their
computer could affect national security. Only 51% think it is
possible for a hacker to use their computer to launch cyber
attacks.
"It is alarming that consumers do not know how to secure their
computers," said Teixeira. "Consumers (must) understand that safe
cyber security practices not only protect them from identity theft,
but also prevent cyber crime and attacks."
Other findings include:
• 51% have not changed their password in the past year
• 48% do not know how to protect themselves from cyber
criminals
• 46% of consumers are not sure of what to do if they became a
victim of a cyber crime.
RSA Conference 2008 round-up: Reports from RSA USA
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Botnets overtake DDoS attacks as ISP
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