Press Release

Woburn, MA – October 5, 2010 – We’ve all received bad links, virus-infested emails, and phishing theft attempts, but most of these attacks weren’t sent to us directly by cybercriminals, they were passed on to us by our friends, family, and those we befriend online. The people you interact with directly affect each other’s security…don’t be the weak link by clicking on a bad link!
During this year’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month Kaspersky Lab, leading software provider of Internet security software to keep consumers safe from cyber threats, is helping you take a stand. All month, we’re encouraging users to educate themselves and those around them about the importance of protecting each other against cybercrime.  

Kaspersky Lab is teaming up with Monica Vila, The Online Mom, to help spread awareness. She is a real mom with real concerns who advocates that educating your community is the best way to prevent cybercrime.

According to the FBI, in 2009, the total dollar loss from all cases of fraud was $559.7 million. What does $560 million mean? A city's budget? The cost to light up Las Vegas? This dollar amount included identity theft, credit card fraud, spam and computer damage, among others. And that is just the reported amount – imagine how many others are taken advantage of and never report it.

Quotes:
Monica Vila, The Online Mom

“Online safety is not just about you anymore…it’s about you AND your community. If your friends aren’t educated and protected, neither are you. Much like it takes a village to raise a child; it takes a smart village to keep everyone safe, especially online. Parents need to be aware of the essential steps they should take to keep their kids safe online. Talk about online security with their kids and make sure they understand the risks involved if they aren't responsible online. Let’s all get savvy!”

Simple Advice for Users - If you live online, your life depends on these tips:
1. Got protection? This may seem like a no brainer, but security software is the new “black”. It helps you stay fully protected against malware, spyware, hackers and identity theft. And don’t forget to perform regular updates and scans.

2. Password strength matters. Strong passwords include 8-14 upper & lower case characters and numbers. Be sure to avoid any words that are in the dictionary—they’re too easy for attackers to guess.

3. Stay current! Remember that random program you downloaded to watch the funny video Aunt Sally sent? You probably haven’t updated that program since you watched, but guess what? That one program if left on its own could leave your system vulnerable to outside attacks.

4. Firewall is your friend. Current versions of Windows include a firewall that helps prevent malicious traffic from reaching your PC. Turn it on and leave it on.  

5. Click with care. If you’re checking your email or talking over IM, make it a practice to avoid clicking on links in messages from people you don’t know. These links could lead you to a malicious website or even download malware onto your machine.

6. Practice Safe Online Shopping. When you’re going to buy those new killer shoes or the latest toy for your tyke, make sure you purchase from a reputable online retailer. You should also look for a URL that starts with "https" and has the lock symbol when entering your credit card information.

7. Socialize safely! By now we’ve probably all gotten a bad link or two sent to us over our favorite social network. Utilize your social network’s security settings to their optimum level. Do you really need to display every detail about your life?

8. Keep your privates, private! A good rule of thumb: Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want to see on the front page of your local newspaper! This includes your personal phone number, email address and street address—or your vacation plans.

9. Stomp out spam! Most Internet Service Providers & security software programs have anti-spam technologies. The spam blocker will help prevent fraudulent emails from showing up in your Inbox.

10. Be careful where you surf. Open wireless networks are called “open” for a reason: anyone can connect, including attackers. If you have to use one, make sure you use VPN software to protect yourself from other people who want to see your wireless traffic.

For more information please visit:

Kaspersky Supports National Cyber Security Awareness Month - http://usa.kaspersky.com/cyber-security-awareness  

StaySafeOnline.org - http://www.staysafeonline.org/content/national-cyber-security-awareness-month

Kaspersky. Always Safe.

About Kaspersky Lab

Kaspersky Lab is the world's largest privately-held Internet Security company, providing comprehensive protection against all forms of IT threats such as viruses, spyware, hackers and spam. The company's products provide in-depth defense at work, at home and on the road for home and mobile users, small and medium sized businesses and large enterprises, protecting more than 300 million systems around the globe. Kaspersky technology is also incorporated inside the products and services of approximately 100 of the industry's leading IT, networking, communications and applications solution vendors. For further information about the company, please visit http://www.kaspersky.com/. Friend us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KasperskyLabAmericas. Follow @Kaspersky on Twitter.

For the latest in-depth information on security threat issues and trends, please visit http://www.securelist.com/. Follow @Securelist on Twitter.