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Indiana U Draws New Tool Against Cyber Crime

  • By Paul McCloskey
  • 07/13/07
Researchers at the Indiana University School of Informatics are turning to popular mass media tools to help get through to the public about computer security dos and don'ts.

IU associate professor Markus Jakobsson and research associate Sukamol Srikwan have launched a website featuring cartoon depictions of  security countermeasures as a way to cut through resistance to what for many is an esoteric subject.

"We wanted this to be accessible to anyone who uses the Internet--general consumers, teenagers, teachers and anybody who banks or shops online," said Srikwan. "That's why the cartoon format is perfect--everybody can relate to it."

The site takes an entertainment approach to convey scientific information about computer security precautions developed by IU's Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research (CACR) and its Anti-Phishing Group.

"We study the algorithms behind fraud, develop new techniques for combating it, and we investigate how people react psychologically to various threats," said Jakobsson, who is a CACR associate director. "Knowing what people will typically fall for, of course, is of importance when you develop educational countermeasures against phishing."

The cartoons cover phishing, pharming, malware, spoofing, and password protection.

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About the Author

Paul McCloskey is contributing editor of Syllabus.

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