In the annual kickoff campaign for cyber-security awareness, Symantec and the National Cyber Security Alliance say a large number of Americans still fail to use basic Internet security tools, and there remains a substantial gap between the protections people think they have and what is actually installed on their computers.WASHINGTON—Most American computer users are aware of the dangers of cruising
the Internet with the security windows down and they are taking precautions, or
at least think they are. The numbers, though, say otherwise.
For instance, according to a study released Oct. 2, more than 80 percent of
American computer users polled claimed to have a firewall installed on their
systems, but, in fact, only 42 percent had adequate firewall protection. The
study, conducted by the NCSA (National Cyber Security Alliance) and Symantec,
combined polling and computer checkups performed by Symantec's PC Help by
Norton.
"We must redouble our efforts to ensure that Americans know how to use
all of the tools necessary to protect their computers, themselves and their
families from harm," NCSA Executive Director Michael Kaiser said at a
National Press Club morning conference. "Too often, cyber-security has
been made to seem complicated and inaccessible. Staying safe online appears
daunting for users."
The NCSA-Symantec study was released to coincide with National Cyber
Security Awareness Month, an annual education and public awareness campaign
focusing on cyber-security. The effort enjoys the support of the DHS
(Department of Homeland Security), Symantec, McAfee, Cisco
Systems and Microsoft.
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