Definition of Computer Risk

   It is almost many years since the computer was invented and lot of major features been added in the last few years. Also in the last few years there has been one buzz word and that is “SECURITY”. So let us see why this word has created a strong buzzword. To do that let us go back down the lane and see what are the features that contributed to the awareness of security.

In 1995, when the Internet was still in its infancy, the discovery of multiple vulnerabilities was reported. These vulnerabilities were so high that thieves and vandals could exploit to attack widely used operating systems and applications. Every year, personal computers become more powerful, more complex, more connected...and more vulnerable. In 2000, the number of newly discovered vulnerabilities rose at an alarming rate and by 2001, the total increased rapidly, with a majority of those flaws considered to be serious enough to warrant security alerts. It is predicted that the number of new vulnerabilities in computer operating systems and networks will continue to increase.

   Those alerts are aimed not only at users who run Microsoft Windows but a variety of many other operating systems and hardware platforms. But because a majority of the users use the world's most popular operating system “Microsoft Windows” this makes Windows one of the prime target. Daily destructive, fast-spreading viruses and newly discovered bugs are discovered in the Windows operating system. And for every security threat that makes the news headlines, a hundred more might be reported only on Web sites and mailing lists aimed at security professionals. This means that the average user of computers is not aware of this security threat and hence must take extra precaution.
   On a day to day basis, many personal computers are joining the vast network which the Internet consists and hence the potential for damage from viruses, malicious Web sites, hackers, and online thieves is also on the rise. A successful attacker can cause loss of data files, wipe out installed programs , steal funds from your online bank and brokerage accounts, send forged e-mail messages that appear to come from your email address, and hijack your Internet connection for use in attacks on other computers and networks known as Denial of Service (DoS). Viruses and worms can scramble data and render entire networks unusable for days.

   The cost to clean up after a major outbreak of a new virus or worm can be staggering. For example in 2001, the Code Red worm infected hundreds of thousands of computers. It was estimated that the cost of removing the worm, applying software updates to patch the security vulnerability, and returning these systems to normal service reached $1 billion. Also it was discovered that another $1.4 billion was lost in productivity indirectly attributable to the worm during that same period. Hence it is necessary that the user be aware to protect his computer from these kind of risks and mitigate the damage that can happen as a consequence of these attacks.

   Since the most advanced operating system today is Windows XP, it comes in multiple flavors The Home Edition, Professional Edition, Tablet PC Edition and Media Center Edition. Since Windows XP has been revamped with a lot of features to make it more secure, there is a big difference between XP and the older operating systems it is evident that the security measures for Windows XP cannot be applied to the older operating systems.

   Most of the security features that apply to Windows XP are not applicable to Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows ME. This is because Windows XP has been designed with security in mind since its inception. There are a host of features such as NTFS file system, built-in encryption, and support for multiple users.
 
 
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