For many months now the Users Group has been trying to convince members of the group that they must protect themselves from the dangers that come with using the Internet. In spite of this many (too many) members have not made any effort, or have only made partial efforts, to protect themselves. This waffling may be human nature, but it is not acceptable in this instance. Failing to protect yourself against the dangers of the Internet is like jumping out of an airplane flying at 10,000 feet and then debating about whether or not you should buy a parachute and if so, what kind and how much you should pay for it. No matter what your decision, the situation is going to end messily. Fortunately, in the case of your computer, it can be cleaned up with no loss other than time, data that was not backed up, and whatever emotional stress costs you. Of course, there is no point in cleaning up the computer mess at all if you haven't been convinced of the need to add the required protection (or decided to disconnect from the Internet).

It has been said that you cannot protect people against themselves and the above described situation would seem to support this. You, however, can protect yourself from yourself. I suggest that you remove you head from wherever it is currently located and pay attention. Denial is not conducive to survival in a world filled with sticks and stones and people eager to use them on you.

I've often wondered about the people in a "highly developed nation" where the best selling series of books all have titles which end in "for Dummies". If you start with a low level of expectation, how can you expect any degree of success? When most of a nation does this, you have to wonder. I guess that the best indication of better things to come is that a knockoff series ending in "for Idiots" failed. Dummies yes - Idiots no. As for our group members, set your sights higher. If you fail it won't be for lack of trying, and that is as it should be.

This is the last issue of the year so I'll make a New Year Resolution. There will be no more general security type articles in 2005 from me. I don't say there won't be any articles on security, but if there are any, they will be specific in nature.

CAG