Cadets Learn to Establish and Practice SAFE Internet and Email Habits

By: Cadet Greyson Mann, Cadet Dan Kusnyer, Cadet Yongchul Lee

On March 26, Mr. Peter H. Christensen, Senior Principal Staff for the MITRE Corporation visited Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA). He gave a lecture about malicious software and Internet security to the FUMA cadets enrolled in the PVCC Dual-enrollment Information Literacy course. Professor Burkhart invited Mr. Christensen to the class because she believed that it would be very helpful for students to hear about security issues from someone currently working in that field.  Mr. Christensen used PowerPoint slides to present up-to-date information clearly and efficiently.

As a graduate of the US Naval Postgraduate School with a degree in Computer Science, Mr. Christensen was able to share his extensive knowledge of computers and information security with students. His power point presentation covered computers, networks and Internet basics, as well as, how computers operate within a network and on the Internet. He also touched on specific aspects of the many security dangers faced by computer users today. These included malicious codes aimed at stealing personal records, military intelligence, and finical information that all raise cause for concern. With crimes such as identity theft and hacking information on the rise, Mr. Christensen spoke of the vast job opportunities available in the field of information security. He and his company work with several government and military sectors to keep sensitive information secure and out of enemy hands.

He stated how viruses are not the only threat to security. In fact, there are new and innovative threats including: Bot-Nets; Trojans; and Storm Worms. Computer users must be alert to the security threats that keep evolving. But, there is hope. Mr. Christenson stated by keeping antivirus software up to date and practicing safe Internet and hardware usage, a user can ward off the majority of security problems. The most practical advice he gave was to stay away from unsafe sites on the Internet such as pornography, extremely violent, and drug related websites.

Unfortunately, as hackers continue to escalate their complex security breaches on government agencies, businesses, and private Internet surfers, one can still be caught in a compromising situation. Phishing e-mails are constantly prowling to find victims. Mr. Christensen related many stories that demonstrate how easy it is to fall prey to the increasing security risks and the damage that a user may suffer. Although technology offers many wonderful advantages, users must remember that reasonable precautions must be observed at all times. It only takes one stupid mistake to become vulnerable to serious business and/or personal consequences.