Wifi Revolution

Residents of the Atlanta region are not using Wi-Fi hotspots, even though the city is the fourth highest metropolitan area for Wi-Fi availability and the highest rated “wired” city in the nation, according to a recent study.

 

The study, by Trend Micro (News - Alert) Inc., a provider of Internet content security, surveyed more than 500 Atlanta residents on their Internet usage habits and attitudes toward cyber-surfing safety and found that very few of them are taking advantage of available Wi-Fi within the region.

 

“Atlanta residents have a great opportunity to safely use the Internet from a variety of public locations and can take more advantage of it,” said Carol Carpenter, vice-president of consumer marketing at Trend Micro. “The proper security protection against viruses and Web threats will help everyone, including Atlantans, confidently utilize their city’s Wi-Fi offerings.”

 

While all survey participants responded that they use the Internet on a regular basis, less than 20 percent take advantage of the city’s ubiquitous Wi-Fi networks.

 

The study also found that 52 percent of those surveyed think viruses are a major threat to their computers. Those participating in what would be considered risky online activities, such as browsing Web sites, making online purchases, visiting social networking sites and banking online, are more concerned with viruses even though they are more easily preventable than Web threats. While viruses can cause great inconveniences, cybercriminals have created an underground malware economy that costs companies and consumers millions of dollars each year through identity and data theft.

 

With a comprehensive Internet security product, most online activities can be relatively safe. Trend Micro offers tips in looking for the right consumer security product, such as making sure the security product offers a strong protection against Web threats such as bots, Trojans, Web downloaders and keyloggers, any of which can lead to identity and data theft. Also, look for an anti-spyware feature designed to remove adware and spyware that marketing and advertising companies dump on computers to covertly spy on surfing habits and collect market data. These programs can slow down computer performance.

 

According to Trend Micro, a security product should also have firewall capabilities – a cyber-barrier that keeps destructive elements and intrusions away from the network. It inspects all network traffic passing through the system, guarding it from viruses, hackers, spam and other Internet threats.

 

Viruses can still do damage so a product should also have an antivirus feature that’s consistently updated. Viruses are constantly mutating and the only way to protect a computer is with an up-to-date antivirus software program.

 

Trend Micro focuses on securing the exchange of digital information for businesses and consumers. Trend Micro is advancing integrated threat management technology to protect operational continuity, personal information, and property from malware, spam, data leaks and the newest Web threats. Visit TrendWatch at http://www.trendmicro.com/go/trendwatch to learn more.