Computers and the software used to operate them in my opinion are the most fascinating tools created by man. As a result of the computer arise all kind of computer viruses and hackers which intrigued me even more so I decided to study in the field of network security. During this learning process, I would to obtain a vast knowledge of the different kinds of computer viruses; how these programs are written by hackers and the security programs used to track down and apprehend these criminals. Michael Rundle a reporter for the Huffington Post in the UK wrote an article titled ‘Heart bleed’ Bug: Change All of Your Passwords Warn Security Experts. Today, we use the internet to do pretty everything banking, email, social networking and online purchasing of goods and services. Technology known as an Open SSL is used to encrypt communications on the internet. A little “padlock” image at the bottom of your browser indicates the site is secure. The article went on to discuss how researchers established a flaw in the program Open SSL that let hackers steal passwords and other personal data leaving no trace for the past two years. HTTPS or Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure is a communications protocol over a computer network, is trusted to keep all passwords, personal emails and credit cards safe provided all private information making it accessible to hackers who knew about the exploit.

Due to the internet along with advanced computers, and software identity theft is at an all-time high. Cybercriminals have turn identity theft into a multi-billion dollar industry by ruining people lively hoods through credit card fraud, bank fraud, income tax fraud, and invading the homes of those who post pictures up on social media websites of themselves; telling the world where and when they are vacationing. Adults, teens, and children who utilize social media outlet should be extremely careful of the information in which they post could lure unwanted trouble from criminals, or pedophiles.

Playing it safe on the internet means using the correct firewall settings along with the right virus protection software, and securing your wireless network with a WPA2-PSK router to keep intruders from accessing your network. With the advancements in software writing, and technology; facial recognition and finger prints scanners will help reduce the number of identity theft victims by putting a face and a name to security number belonging to the living. With the use of Smart Phones, we can receive a live facial picture along with a fingerprint; we can accept or decline transactions at that very moment your credit card, debit card, security number and/or driver’s license is being used to commit fraud or file fraudulent tax returns. With the touch a button you can notice your local law enforcement department with a facial picture and a fingerprint. Program Red Flag will red flag the social security numbers of the decease linked to a database which will alert social security’s main office with the IP Address of the computer and internet service provider in which fraud was attempted.

In closing we must familiarize ourselves with computers, anti-virus, adware, and spyware programs that will help keep our information safe and out the hands of cybercriminals as we utilize the internet. People today overlook that fact that there is more to just turning on a computer and surfing the World Wide Web. Educating ourselves on the computer terms and safe software will decrease the odds of someone hacking your information.