By Wilson Ng
Wired Desktop

MOST Filipinos do not properly secure their usernames and passwords making
them vulnerable to cyber security threats and fraud, an official of
Microsoft Southern Philippines said.=20

=93A lot of people don=92t value their usernames and passwords even their w=
eb
accounts,=94 Jojo Ayson, Microsoft senior product manager said.=20

=93And many leave their computers turned on and unlocked,=94 he added.=20

Ayson said the most prevalent problems among Filipinos is =93password
sharing=94 and the use of similar screen name and password in all web
accounts.=20

Mistakes=20

=93They have the same username whether it=92s in a yahoo, gmail, hotmail or=

even their Friendster accounts,=94 he told Sun.Star Cebu during the Microso=
ft
Discovery Seminar held last Friday at the City Sports Club Cebu.=20

These common mistakes are the reasons why people are prone to becoming
victims of online identity theft, viruses, phishing or the attempt to
acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card=

details, by faking a particular website.=20

=93People are not trained to look at the URL (Uniform Resource Locator),=94=

Ayson said, adding that a URL helps in verifying if one is trying to access=

the right website.=20

Vigilant=20

That is why, he said, one must be more vigilant in dealing with personal
information especially on the Internet.=20

In line with this, Microsoft has outlined useful tips for end-users geared
at keeping ones computer environment safe and secure.=20

According to a booklet furnished to Sun.Star Cebu, the first line of
defense is through regular software updates and routine system maintenance
to help avoid data loss, new viruses and other potential risks.=20

Second is the use of a firewall that monitors and restricts information
that travels between the computer and a network.=20

Third is the use of an anti-virus software that protects computers against
viruses, =93worms=94 and other =93unwanted invaders.=94=20

=93A lot of companies admit security is a concern but not all look at fully=

evaluating their full security set up,=94 Ayson said.=20

He said security solutions need not be expensive as long as they are kept
up-to-date.=20

The fourth tip is using an anti-spyware protection.=20

Contact:  wilso...@bluebottle.com , for softwares to encrypt your files to
hide them from the NBI or BIR when possible illegal activity is taking
place on your hard drives, because you should know the Microsoft password
does not stop the inspecting of your hard drive from the investigation.

Changing=20

Spyware is a software that performs certain tasks, such as collecting
personal information or changing the configuration of the computer without
appropriate consent and control.=20

In addition, users need to create a =93strong=94 or a more complex password=
,
using other symbols on the keyboard or using words that are harder to
guess.=20

Password=20

=93Have a strong password policy. Passwords are your main entrance into
anything. As much as possible, use alphanumeric characters and not just
rely on your birthday, maiden name, etc.,=94 Ayson said, adding it is
advisable to keep passwords safely.=20

He added that Filipinos are guilty of writing their passwords on a small
sheet of paper and leaving them in prominent places, like a computer
monitor.=20

=93It defeats the purpose of having a password,=94 he said, adding that
memorizing ones password is very essential.=20

One must also stay informed because education and awareness are the =93best=

line of defense=94 in the fight against cyber security threats and fraud.

Keep in mind any computer running Microsoft operating system is subject to
forensic examination by police when there is suspicion that illegal
activity is associated with a business or individual.  He said, adding that=

a hard drive can be read with DOS bypassing any and all passwords to
uncover business having second books to conceal taxes from the BIR or in
the case of pirate activity, the NBI can access the drive.

   Wilson Ng    wilso...@bluebottle.com  (phone 323462926)
   Hernan Cortes St., Banilad
   Mandaue,  6014
   Philippines