The year 2001 in rear-view
As we end the year, its time to look back on what was and has been.
In politics we had a change of presidents and an attempt to take back the presidency. We elected a "new" set of public officials. We also had an attempted but short-lived rebellion in Mindanao.
In the economy, the local currency had its ups and downs, but mostly it was downs. Unemployment ranged between 9 and 10 % due to closure of several manufacturing and service firms. Oil prices had more increases than decreases.
Elsewhere, there was the September 11 event that rocked the world and triggered a worldwide fight against terrorism. World markets took a turn for the worse, with companies streamlining their operations and seeking mergers with others.
On the brighter side, ........ well, we're still here, we have survived and WILL survive :-)
Here's a look at the virus threats we went thru this year. This is a synopsis of a report from Computer Associates International, Inc. on the worst virus threats of the year
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Computer Associates International, Inc., the leading provider of security software, released its "2001 Top 10 Virus Threats" list yesterday. The list, in order of frequency, is as follows:
1. Win32.Badtrans.B
2. Win32.Sircam.137216
3. Win32.Magistr
4. Win32.Badtrans.13312
5. Win32.Magistr.B
6. Win32.Hybris.B
7. Win95.MTX
8. Win32.Nimda.A
9. VBS.VBSWG.Generic
10. Win32.Goner.A
The report indicated that over 90 percent of the year's worst threats used email as the primary means of propagation and stressed that users must take steps to protect themselves from more sophisticated viruses and other malware which cause more damage and propagate in more diverse ways than ever.
To keep themselves safe and secure over the next year, computer users need to take several basic precautions:
* Install personal protection software - All users should protect their computer systems by installing security software, especially anti-virus scanning software and personal firewalls.
* Always update anti-virus software - Virus authors continually create new viruses and variants to adapt to emerging detection techniques. Users must do the same - which means they must keep their anti-virus software current.
* Use caution with e-mail - Users who receive unexpected e-mail or file attachment should delete the e-mail and its attachment. They should also empty their Recycle Bins, since e-mail attachments can be executed from there as well.
* Stay informed about the latest threats - Users should be constantly updated about new viruses and social engineering techniques being used, to avoid falling prey to the latest threats. Websites of popular anti-virus software makers are carry updated and accurate information about confirmed threats, as well as any hoaxes that may be circulating.
* Use common sense on the Web - Users should exercise good judgment to protect themselves against cyber-fraud, destructive viruses and other potential on-line threats. If an offer seems too good to be true, its probably one of those.
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Despite all that gloom, let us all hope and pray for a better year ahead.
!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!