Nobody safe from Internet hackers

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    By BART JARMAN

    If you’re looking for a safe way to “surf the net” from your home computer, forget it. There are very few ways to protect yourself from Internet hackers, according to John C. Higgins, professor of computer science.

    “You are vulnerable as soon as communication is established,” he said.

    One of the most popular browsers, Microsoft Internet Explorer, is particularly vulnerable to attack.

    “Anyone who has any sense knows that MSIE is broken by design and is beyond repair,” said BYU system programmer, Don Kitchen. “Anyone using MSIE places themselves at risk.”

    Microsoft has been working on improving security and has offered an updated version of its browser for free download at their homepage.

    “The ramification for Internet Explorer is that any anti-Microsoft jerk can set up their web site to be destructive to anyone using the Microsoft software and safe for all other browsers,” said Paul Green, of the website Cybersnot.

    Casual Internet users, however, should feel somewhat secure knowing that most hackers have no interest in their personal information or in bothering their home systems.

    For better security, users can use the more popular Netscape software. Netscape has a built in encryption system that can help protect sensitive information.

    A certain amount of “telephone skepticism” is healthy, Higgins said. Consumers are naturally critical of telephone solicitations and are often reluctant to give sensitive personal information over the phone. A similar amount of caution is also healthy when it comes to the Internet.

    No Internet site, however, can guarantee that the information given is secure.

    “Don’t put anything on the net that is really important, like a credit card,” Higgins said.

    The security of most sites is comparable to walking into a store and handing the cashier your credit card, he said.

    Internet users should invest in a good virus detection program as well; one that can detect problems in downloaded software.

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