Last week, I was visiting a
healthcare provider and was impressed with the software he was using to provide
his services .I asked him when was the last time he backed up the data and
patient files on his computer, I was shocked when he said "never".
I asked him what will happen to his practice if his 3 year old laptop suddenly
collapsed and the data can't be retrieved from the hard disk. He simply shock
his head .I did not leave him that day until an external hard drive was bought
and all his data were backed up.
This is only one example of too
many cases that people face every day .How many of you can access unprotected
Wi-Fi networks at home or work? How many of you know of people who do not have antivirus
software installed on their computers? Or who do not use passwords to protect
their computers of mobile phones?
This lack of basic IT security
knowledge is not limited to the older generation of technology users, but can
be seen at all age categories.
Spreading basic IT knowledge and awareness
is an important step in living in a safer world. If every one of us can help those
we know to reach a minimum level of IT security awareness, we will contribute
to living in a world of less spam, identity theft and other risks.
I know that this takes time and effort,
but it is worth it!