Government Connections - Winter 2009 - (Page 12) THAT’S TECHNOLOGY Be Prepared for Cyber Attacks with Online Safety Tips A PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION for 2009 was announced establishing October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, designated to bring attention to the importance of protecting yourself, your family, and your information online at home and at work. COMMON ONLINE THREATS Malware is short for “malicious software.” Criminals can use malware to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraud. OnGuardOnline.gov provides tips on how to secure your computer and protect yourself from Internet fraud. It also provides a glossary of Internet-related terms that include common forms of malware such as: • Spyware - A software program that may be installed on your computer without your consent to monitor your use, send pop-up ads, redirect your computer to certain Web sites, or record keystrokes, which could lead to identity theft. • Virus - A program that can sneak onto your computer— often through an e-mail attachment—and then make copies of itself, quickly using all available memory. • Trojans - Programs that, when installed on your computer, enable unauthorized people to access it and sometimes to send spam from it. • Worm - A program that reproduces itself over a network and can use up your computer’s resources and possibly shut down your system. Please note: Public reports are indicating a widespread infection by a worm called Conficker/Downadup. You may wish to view information at www.us-cert.gov from the United States Computer Emergency Rediness Team (US-CERT) about how to scan for and remove the Conficker/Downadup worm. • which gives consumers tips on how to keep their information private. You also may w ish to v iew electronic publications about computers and security from the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) at www.pueblo.gsa.gov. WHERE TO REPORT INTERNET FRAUD AND INTERNET-RELATED CRIME If you are a victim of Internet fraud, you may notify federal law enforcement through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at its Web site, IC3.gov. The IC3 evaluates every complaint, and then refers it to the appropriate local, state, or federal agency. Once the IC3 refers a complaint to the appropriate agency, it may be assigned to an investigator. However, it cannot guarantee that your complaint will be investigated. There are several other sources to visit for information on how to report Internet-related issues: • The Reporting Computer, Internet-Related, or Intellectual Property Crime Web page from the Department of Justice (DOJ) provides access to a large number of agencies where you may report your information based on the type of occurrence. Visit www.cybercrime.gov. • The US-CERT Web site, www.us-cert.gov, provides information on viruses and other issues related to cyber attacks. • The Econsumer.gov Web site accepts complaints about e-commerce (business or trade that takes place on the Internet) across international borders. G RESOURCES FOR PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY AND SECURITY • • OnGuardOnline.gov offers security tips on their Seven Practices for Computer Security Web page, www.ftc.gov. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers information about privacy and security on its Web site. You will find information about how to protect kids’ privacy online, protect your computer from malware and Internet fraud, secure your wireless network, and more. The FTC also offers businesses a source of information about computer security and safeguarding personal information. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers a Web page titled Cyber Secur ity: Make it a Habit, www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_ /202746448575.shtm, GOVERNMENT CONNECTIONS | WINTER 2009 • • http://www.OnGuardOnline.gov http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov http://www.IC3.gov http://www.cybercrime.gov http://www.us-cert.gov http://www.us-cert.gov http://www.Econsumer.gov http://www.OnGuardOnline.gov http://www.ftc.gov http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_/202746448575.shtm Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Government Connections - Winter 2009 Government Connections - Winter 2009 Contents President’s Letter Editor’s Letter Going Places Education Edge That’s Technology Travel Tips & Trends Supplier Strategy Plan Green Good to Know Dieting on a Per Diem Fit Travel Slicing and Dicing Your Conference Reimbursement for Food Can Government Money and Meetings Save the Day? Protect Personal Safety The Main Ingredient SGMP Nation Membership News Go Figure! Conference Connection Advertisers’ Index The Meeting Minute Government Connections - Winter 2009 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0412 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0312 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0212 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0112 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0411 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0311 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0211 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0111 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0410 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0310 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0210 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0110 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0409 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/naylor/SGMQ0309 http://www.nxtbookMEDIA.com