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If people could be fooled in life so easily ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/realhustle/ ) then in computing....
So what are the best tips, to persuade a regular user to pay a little more attention to security: e.g.: use HTTPS where available, up-to-date softwares, don't log in@a net cafe, don't click on links that he doesn't trust, use WOT/NoScript plugin, etc.
security: even for creating backups regularly
LanceBaynes
Posted 2011-05-06T07:27:02.340
Reputation: 3 510
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This is more of a social issue than a computer issue.
For starters there's something to be said from learning from experience - invariably the best way to get someone to take security seriously is for them to get burnt from it.
The best security is passive - you need to have security in place rather than thinking aout it
For personal systems httpseverywhere is a nice little firefox extention that ensures that https is used where possible.
Patches can be a pain when you need to keep an eye on a half dozen apps running secunia PSI to make sure that security related apps are kept up to date is a good idea. In any case, updates should be automatic where possible.
Finally, have a standing rule to report anything out of the ordinary - in my dad's SOHO environment that tends to be the biggest difference between a quick fix, and hours of hunting down issues.
Journeyman Geek
Posted 2011-05-06T07:27:02.340
Reputation: 119 122
1I agree with the learning by experience mantra. Once someone realizes they got burnt one of two things will happen: a) they'll change their security practices, or b) they'll continue on as before and likely be burnt again. Unfortunately there are many ways that a computer user can be burned and not realize it. Basically it's hard to convince someone to practice safe computing because the threats are difficult to understand due to their technical nature or a 'it won't happen to me' attitude prevails. There's also a general lack of interest in security (witness IE6's worldwide prevalence). – boehj – 2011-05-06T09:41:09.673
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Have them go to the 20 things I learned website and read the "book". That would be a great start.
Keith
Posted 2011-05-06T07:27:02.340
Reputation: 7 263
1I think you meant "matters". – Keith – 2011-05-06T09:14:13.200
Might get better answers at security.SE
– None – 2011-05-06T09:15:36.690