» Introduction to Computer Security «

It's not paranoia when they really are out to get you!

This, initially, is aimed at home users, though the advice applies all the way up the biggest corporations.

There are now that many to worry about, or at least protect against, that it's getting hard to even keep up with what these concerns are.

Viruses, Trojans and Worms:

Simple enough, small, malicious programs with the sole intent of making your and/or someone else's life miserable. There are even forms now that can spread over bluetooth, wireless and mass mailing to infect your precious mobile phone. Sites like Mobile Phone Virus are jumping up the (albeit) tiny risks gets more airing.

Spyware and Malware:

These are spread via various devious, often underhand and illegal methods to spy on you, to thrust pop-ups adverts down your throat and worse. Peer-to-Peer programs like KaZaaSite are notorious for installing this junk.

Spam

This have a whole section of it's under the computer menu, but along with the nuisance value and the unsavoury contents they often graphically contain, they are also used to spreads viruses, keyloggers etc.

Identity Theft

No, this isn't just an Internet thing. It involves a multitude of ways people can take over your persona to empty your money, or drop you in it.

Data loss

This is also covered elsewhere, but deserves another mention - and another - and another - because no-one ever pays enough attention to this. Viruses, computer crashes, theft, there's a frightening number of ways to loose your data.
Pttt, I only have a few games installed
Pttt yourself, I've seen characters and collections of 'special items' from online games go for as much as $25,000. But hey, it's only a game…
Businesses. Well, no matter how cautious you think you are, I'll wager I can find real risks you've missed!