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Internet Steering Committee launches security primer

On October 19, Internet Steering Committee (Comitê Gestor da Internet no Brasil - CG) launched a security primer for Internet users. The intention of the group was to produce a document that could be easily understood , even by people without technical knowledge.

The updating of the primer will be done by "spontaneous cooperation sent to Internet Steering Committee", explained Cássio Motta Vecchiatti, CG counselor. All the users and groups can contribute to it.

For the time being, the primer is available only in its online version. Vecchiatti says that CG has received "compliments and requests to reproduce it [the primer] on other pages" and adds that it is not necessary to ask for authorization since the document is public.

With the advances of the Internet and the increase of online commerce, it is important that the user know how to ensure the privacy of his data and how to protect himself from attacks. The primer shows some simple steps that can be taken to guarantee the security of passwords or personal data as well as protection against viruses, for example. At a time when it is getting more and more common for people to do everything through the Internet, from buying pizza to investing in the Stock Market or listening to a radio station, security is fundamental. There are dangers. Therefore, it is important to learn how to defend oneself from them.

[RNP, 10.27.2000]