The threat of online security: How safe is our data?

According to Global Unisys Security, Malaysia is ranked in the third place for overall level of security concern among 14 countries, which includes Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The threats of online security such as follow:-

• Web serves and services

Some of the HTTP web servers will expose visitors each time they log on to the website. The vulnerabilities of HTTP web servers may lead to denial-of-service attacks.

• Web browsers

Every version of Internet Explorer has critical threats. It will disclosure of “cookies” with users personal information, and exposure of locally- stored files.

• Instant messaging

Instant messaging is one of the programs often used by hackers to attack one’s system.

• Windows remote access services

These types of systems very dangerous, if the hacker gain control over a host with the right tools, and able to access your information as well.

• Microsoft SQL Server

Hackers gain the information from database or compromise the server, because they are several vulnerabilities.

However there are some common security tips you can brush up on your online safety:-

• Trust only yourself, or only do business with the company you know and trust.
• Only use your credit card number on internet sites that have a secure, encrypted system.
• Once you think something is wrong, leave it immediately, do not follow any of the instructions it present.

How to safeguard our personal and financial data?

Stealing of personal information or loosing information have become a major problem among computer savvy. Thus, it is significant for us to concern about the security of our personal and financial data.

Basically, there are many effective ways to safeguard our data. Mainly, by using password protected screen savers and changing password on a regular basis which recommended at least 90 days. Moreover, shall avoid using obvious password that someone easy to guess, like your birthday.


Besides that, floppy disks, CDs and computer hardware that contain personal and financial data, should be deleted or stored in a secure area until destroyed and disposed of. Thus, shall backup the data before discarding them.


By using firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software also enable to safeguard the data from being stolen. It must regularly check to make sure that virus definitions and anti-spyware are up-to-date. Perform frequent scans on computer to help detect viruses. In addition, use encryption software to keep unauthorized people from reading your data.


Last but not the least, separate user accounts should be set up for every person using the same computer, so they will only have access to what is available to them under their own name and passwords.