mNW Adopt-a-Neighbor

Though viruses and worms put the data in computers they infect at risk, an equally serious problem is that many infections continuously broadcast network requests or attempts to find other vulnerable computers. In this way, infections perpetuate themselves, and their collective broadcasts can result in the large-scale traffic that comprises Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

Unfortunately many of the people whose computers are infected just don't realize this problem. They may be casual computer users who don't have anything "confidential" on their systems and therefore don't see a need to protect it. They don't realize that their systems can be co-opted to compromise the security of the internet at-large.

If you are reading this, chances are you are familiar with issues pertaining to computer security. But what about your friends, neighbors and family? Is their anti-virus software up-to-date? Have they applied O.S. patches? Are they behind a firewall? Do they know enough not to click on unknown attatchments or not to install dubious software?

myNetWatchman users are encouraged to make an effort to ensure that their extended community is free of compromised systems and vulnerabilities. Send an email to to let us know how it goes — we'd love to hear your success (and horror) stories!