A Security Guide For Non-Technical Users?

kin_korn_karn asks: "Like many of you, I am the family IT department. I cannot convince my parents to follow proper PC security procedures. I'm not talking about enterprise-level things such as card swipes and fingerprint scanners, just simple measures like logging off of the PC when it's not in use. They, like many people of their generation, seem to be willing to sacrifice security for convenience, as long as their real data isn't being impacted. I can't seem to get it through to them that it's only a matter of time until they are. Since my own arguments aren't working, I need documented proof to back it up. Can Slashdot offer up some kind of arguments or information that I can use?" "Does anyone know of a guide to IT security that:

a) Is written for a non-technical audience, but is neither condescending nor overly 'soft.'

b) Defines the various terminology (trojan, virus, zombie, etc.) clearly.

c) Explains what threats each security measure protects the user from.

d) Uses cases and examples to demonstrate the before and after scenarios, like: 'Jane's credit card number was intercepted via a non-encrypted connection. She started looking for the padlock symbol on her browser's status bar. Now, her credit card number looks like this: @*#(!@($).' (That's just an example, by the way)

It's the content that's important not the media, so your suggestions can be anything, be it an online document, multimedia presentation, or a print book."

Comments

Ultimatum

[Wiseleo]

Hi Mom,

My clients are required to be at a certain level of security before they are eligible for our unlimited support plan. Until that point is reached, hourly billing is used. The reason for that is because it takes a lot of effort to keep their systems running smoothly at that point, so it's not profitable for us to keep them on the unlimited support plan.

You are enjoying unlimited no-charge support from me, but it takes away from our time to talk with each other. Wouldn't you rather talk to me about stuff other than work when I come to visit you? If so, please follow these simple guidelines and don't install any software unless you call me first.

Thank you Mom :-)