We have been hearing a lot of tech news lately about how malware can infect any computer (Mac’s included) because web-based attacks are in.  Yesterday, Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols wrote in a ZDNet blog post “In the meantime, no matter what operating system you run, and yes that includes Macs and Linux, you need to take anti-virus software and malicious Web sites seriously.”

On Tuesday Microsoft reported at their blog that “1 out of every 14 programs downloaded is later confirmed as malware.” Ed Bott also reported earlier this month (ZDNet) What a Mac malware attack looks like and it wasn’t pretty. From in-the-wild attacks on Macs using Google image search to deliver fake AV (MAC Defender) to web-based attacks that are not operating-system-specific, the world of Internet security is insecure and prone to myriad vulnerabilities.

In the old days when I worked at the University we layered. We never depended upon one setup to protect the whole. We always looked at every junction as a potential point of failure. Paranoia was the norm.

Today, there is a huge underground of cyber-criminal activity that is interested in making huge profits within a minimal timeline.  Data breaches are anticipated. We shop, we bank and we pay our bills online. In the back of our minds we may occasionally entertain “what if” scenarios. We don’t lose sleep over it and life goes on. That is, until the dark edge of the Internet affects us via a hacked bank account, a stolen identity or breached data.

The Yankton Daily Press sums it up quite well…

In a sense, cyberspace represents the most porous of borders in our world. Every person can be anywhere on this planet within seconds; conversely, anyone from anywhere can reach into your country, your town — even your life — if they have the know-how.

Before you go on the Internet you should be a good Internet buddy to all and make sure your software and operating system is up to date and patched. Also be sure to tweak your operating system and anti-virus software to automatically update.

Another great option for Internet security and privacy is our Firefox plug-in Cocoon. We offer a secure connection, spam protection, no online tracking, secure mailslots, no phishing, no malware and a host of other protective services. Check us out and let us know what you think!

Privacy + simplicity, minus complexity = the Internet as it should be.

Don’t be shy! Come visit us on Twitter and Facebook! –The Cocoon Team!