From: Doug Foster (fosterdairshow.net)
Date: Mon Jun 28 2004 - 13:24:52 CDT

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A consumer web site is an excellent idea. I've got a few other topics
to add to the mix:

1) Most users either can't tell when a security problem exists. Educate
them in how to identify potential problems, and when to raise their
hands to ask for competent assistance.

2) Consider recommending the use of more than one computer. For
example, the computer used to go to questionable web sites (or, given
Berbew, even to reputable sites) might not be the one they want to use
for their tax returns, Internet banking and brokerage, and other
sensitive operations. At a few hundred dollars for an additional
computer and the additional overhead for maintenance might be useful idea.

3) Highlight configuration issues. Most users will never need the
out-of-the-box capability of the OSs you are focusing on. If they don't
need it, turn it off.

-- Doug

Mike wrote:
> David, a resource like this would be excellent! I run a small computer
> consulting company that deals primarily with issues like this.
>
> You may want to talk about e-mail hoaxes as well. I find people still
> get duped by them. I also notice that you didn't list firewalls or
> wireless security. I see a growing need to educate people in these
> matters as well.
>
> Educating uses about phishing would also be very helpful IMO.
>
> Will you be posting the URL once your site is up? Or even before it
> goes live?? :)
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Mike Fetherston
>
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: David Harper [mailto:david.harperthermon.com]
>>Sent: Monday, June 28, 2004 11:50 AM
>>To: 'focus-mssecurityfocus.com'
>>Subject: Consumer Security Web Site
>>
>>All,
>>
>>I'm putting together a web site for home and small office computer
>
> users
>
>>to
>>address computer and small network security. I'm hoping to eventually
>>have
>>a one-stop site where non-technical consumers can get all the
>
> information
>
>>they need to protect their home and small office systems.
>>
>>So far I'm planning sections on Viruses/Worms/Trojans, Spam, Identity
>>Theft,
>>Cyberstalking, Hacking, Spyware and Adware. Each section is to cover
>
> the
>
>>basics (what it is, how to remove/prevent it, etc.) in a
>
> non-technical,
>
>>friendly-to-the-average-home-user way. I'll also include links to
>
> sites
>
>>like Windows Update and other free tools, with a strong admonition
>
> that
>
>>their computer be checked and patched - now.
>>
>>I'd like to get input from the list on any other sections to include
>
> on
>
>>the
>>web site. What do you see as the most glaring gaps in end-user
>
> knowledge?
>
>>What information, tools, links, etc., would best enable them to secure
>>their
>>systems easily against the most common threats? Also, I'm gearing
>
> this
>
>>toward Microsoft simply because 1) Microsoft runs the vast majority of
>>home/small-office computers, 2) Those using Linux are already pretty
>>computer savvy, and this site is for the novice. Should I expand the
>>focus?
>>Include MACs? What about the buzz on cell phone viruses? Should cell
>>phone
>>security and privacy issues be included, as well?
>>
>>Please keep in mind that this site is for the novice, so explanations
>
> of
>
>>elliptical curve cryptography probably won't fly. I just want to make
>
> it
>
>>as
>>easy as possible for the non-technical user to stay up to date.
>>
>>Your input is greatly appreciated!
>>
>>Thanks,
>>David
>>
>>
>
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