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Are We Too Paranoid About Computer Security?

by Kaiser Hwang on October 17, 2008 at 04:36 PM



In an article posted on Wired.com, author Cliff Kuang makes the argument that people are too paranoid about computer security, what with fingerprint readers, GPS tracking, and the like. While we agree that massive security suites (you know, like the ones pre-installed on computers) that charge an arm and a leg for updates aren't worth the money, especially with a number of excellent free solutions, we don't suggest you throw out all of your security measures just yet.

Kuang suggests anti-virus software, backup drives, and general common sense are more than enough for the average person to avoid security compromises. While these are all definitely effective countermeasures, his view is narrow and looks only at the traditional model of computers and security. He neglects the fact that we're storing more and more sensitive information in everyday devices -- our phones, our game consoles, and even our iPods -- and that, as a whole, mobile computing is rising at a startling rate. The ability to, say, remotely wipe data from an iPhone or laptop is important, even if you don't work for a credit card company (or, as one of Kuang's sources mentions, are a pedophile). And let's not even get into more complex social engineering and identity theft.

The simple fact is, security is more important -- and complex -- than ever before. If you don't know how much security is too much, go with your standards (anti-virus, firewall, etc.), do some research, and, as Kuang suggests, use some common sense.

How do you deal with PC security? Let us know in the comments! [From: Wired]

Tags: malware, safety, security, virus, web

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