Indiana CompSec Staff Give Phishing Lessons at State Fair

  • By Paul McCloskey
  • 09/12/07
Representatives from Indiana University's School of Informatics went to this summer's Indiana state fair to offer phishing lessons: education in computer security techniques designed to help people better safeguard personal information on their computers.

The computer security exhibit was part of "IU Day" at the Indiana state fair, held in Indianapolis, ID.

"Education is critical," said Tom Davis, IU's chief information security officer. "Because phishing scams aren't likely to stop anytime soon, awareness is the most effective tool we have to combat this problem. We're looking forward to discussing these types of risks with the extended IU family during the Indiana State Fair."

To help spread the word further about the importance of Web security, the informatics researchers have also created an online cartoon featuring humorous characters and storylines targeting Web users.

"There is a saying: 'Ninety percent of people think they are better drivers than average,' which, of course, is impossible," said Markus Jakobsson, associate professor in the School of Informatics.

Jakobsson and research associate Sukamol Srikwan developed SecurityCartoon.com, a website where visitors get a daily dose of Internet safety education. "It is the same with Internet security: We all like to think we are safe--until something happens to us. There is a tremendous need for better security awareness, and SecurityCartoon.com is designed to fill that need."'

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About the Author

Paul McCloskey is contributing editor of Syllabus.

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