Good day fellow modders, overclockers and techies.

I do a Google search for “PC news” about twice a week to keep up on current events (at least try my best), I ran across an article that made me think. First I’ll quote the article then ill comment.

Quote: Originally Posted by pcworld Security Advice from a Wanted Hacker British hacker tells security conference that easy steps bolster IT security. Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service Thursday, April 27, 2006 LONDON -- A British computer hacker facing extradition for breaking into United States military computers said today that computer administrators fail to take easy steps that deter unwanted intrusions. Gary McKinnon, who spoke on a panel at Infosec Europe 2006 here, made a critical miscalculation when poking around one of his targets that started an international investigation. "I got caught because I was using a graphical remote control tool, and I forgot what time zone I was in," McKinnon said. "Somebody was in the office when I was moving the mouse around." McKinnon's probes occurred when computers were left on but employees were gone. "Simply shutting down computers at night reduces the risk", he said. Legal Background A London court will decide May 10 whether to grant the U.S. extradition request. McKinnon, who reportedly is interested in UFOs, is charged with breaking into Pentagon, U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and NASA computers, installing remote administration tools and accessing unclassified files. McKinnon, who has been out on bail, sat on the panel with Robert Schifreen, another noted British ex-hacker. Schifreen and a co-defendant were the first in the world to face a trial for computer hacking, after tampering with BT Group PLC's Prestel network in the mid-1980s. Hacking, Schifreen said, is just one of many threats facing the computer security landscape, which now encompasses spam, phishing, and credit card fraud. "Despite what Microsoft says about Windows Vista, computer crime and hacking and fraud will continue, and no single product is going to make it go away," Schifreen said. Users the Weak Link Users are a weak link, he said. Everyone is vulnerable to social engineering, and security products can't protect against it, he said. USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices are also increasingly a threat, as rogue employees can copy databases onto high-storage devices such as the hard drive of Apple Computer's iPod, Schifreen said. Administrators can take several steps to reduce the risk. McKinnon, who frequently modified log files on computers he infiltrated, said log files would be better stored on off-site servers. Schifreen said logs should also be made tamper-proof. However, log files show only what has happened after a breach, and by then it may be too late, said Bob Ayers, who in the mid-1990s headed a U.S. Department of Defense program to improve computer security. Passwords are a consistent weak point. McKinnon was able to hack a few unguarded passwords that gave him access; stronger passwords are recommended, he said. Misconfiguration by administrators made it easier, as some password protection was simply not enabled, he said. The first line of defense is the operating system, McKinnon said. In Windows, that means enabling antivirus software and firewalls, plus turning off Registry servers, he said. Ayers said that security depends on people more than technology. "Locate, hire, and retain the highest-quality system administrator you possibly can find," he said.

OK, now I trust most individuals reading this know that there will always be security risks as long as there is internet and wireless networks. What I’ve been thinking is this, to drive a car/truck you are required by law to have a drivers license. To consume alcohol you have to be of a age that the state permits. Now these laws aren’t in place just to protect others, but to also keep oneself safe by having knowledge.

So I believe the only way to make a noticeable difference in keeping people safe on a PC, is to implement a required certificate, license or something that indicates an individuals basic knowledge of proper operation of a PC. Nothing too technical, just something that basically says “I know enough about the internet, not to purchase items or freely give personal information to an unknown individual and/or website.” This certificate would not cost anything, but would still be needed to purchase a new PC from a high volume manufacturer....HP, Dell, Sony, etc.

I could just be too irritated by all the people spreading viruses/spyware through e-mail just because they don’t have any protection installed on there PC, and think its fun to play the little games in the pop-up windows. If everyone at least had a basic knowledge, the malware problem of today would be greatly reduced.

Keep safe

Reminds me of the joke about the Tech Support guy who told a customer to pack up their machine and send it back... The customer asked what was wrong with the machine, since he / she couldn't get it to power up, and the TS guy tells them they're too stupid to operate a computer...

Wow, I remember hearing (reading) this arguement ages ago, when I found the articles of that guy who wrote about hackers using bonzi buddy and quake...

...But, the driver licensing system only works the way it does because the gov't calls driving a privilege and not a right (atleast in my state NJ) which is why you are arrested if you refuse a breathalizer.

....Or, am I taking a sarcastic exchange on why we should keep dumb people off the internet/computer as a legitimate topic of discussion?

Quote: Originally Posted by Gzim Wow, I remember hearing (reading) this arguement ages ago, when I found the articles of that guy who wrote about hackers using bonzi buddy and quake... ...But, the driver licensing system only works the way it does because the gov't calls driving a privilege and not a right (atleast in my state NJ) which is why you are arrested if you refuse a breathalizer. ....Or, am I taking a sarcastic exchange on why we should keep dumb people off the internet/computer as a legitimate topic of discussion?

Naw, Im serious. Its the dumb people that make the internet such a pain in the ass for the rest, they are the ones that encouraged Anti Malware companies to charge a subscription fee to keep you protected.

The economy relies on specialized knowledge and general ignorance.

Quote: Originally Posted by lAnonymousl The economy relies on specialized knowledge and general ignorance.

Yes, you have a point there. If this was implemented then i wouldnt have a job