Computer users have a significant impact on the security of their computer and personal information as a result of the actions they perform (or do not perform). Helping the average user of computers, or more broadly information technology, make sound security decisions, Computer Security Literacy: Staying Safe in a Digital World focuses on practical security topics that users are likely to encounter on a regular basis.

Written for nontechnical readers, the book provides context to routine computing tasks so that readers better understand the function and impact of security in everyday life. The authors offer practical computer security knowledge on a range of topics, including social engineering, email, and online shopping, and present best practices pertaining to passwords, wireless networks, and suspicious emails. They also explain how security mechanisms, such as antivirus software and firewalls, protect against the threats of hackers and malware.

While information technology has become interwoven into almost every aspect of daily life, many computer users do not have practical computer security knowledge. This hands-on, in-depth guide helps anyone interested in information technology to better understand the practical aspects of computer security and successfully navigate the dangers of the digital world.

Helping average computer users make sound security decisions, this book focuses on practical security topics users are likely to encounter on a regular basis so that they better understand the function and impact of security in everyday life. The authors offer practical computer security knowledge on a range of topics-including social engineering, email, and online shopping-and present best practices pertaining to passwords, wireless networks, and suspicious emails. They also explain how security mechanisms such as antivirus software and firewalls protect against the threats of hackers and malware.

"? a practical, application-oriented introduction to security education and literacy. While the information is technical enough to provide value to information systems professionals, the organization around specific topics makes it accessible to non-technical users looking for information on specific issues. ? the book would be appropriate for an upper-division introductory course on information security ? a good book for use in educational training programs developed by corporate information security managers. Technical information security professionals could also benefit from reading the book. ? the material is well-written and effectively organized."-W.T. Neumann, Computing Reviews, March 2013 "User error was manifest last week when it was detailed that the New York Times was penetrated over the course of four months by Chinese hackers who infiltrated its network and obtained passwords for a significant amount of the Times reporters and employees. Attempting to alleviate such user error issues, Computer Security Literacy: Staying Safe in a Digital World is a helpful security awareness book. ? The book provides information about essential security topics in an easy-to-read manner. ? a worthwhile guide for an organization to have in their information security awareness program. It provides the reader with an understanding and appreciation for the magnitude of computer security. Had the New York Times employees been aware of the risks and taken actions as written in Computer Security Literacy, odds are that the effects would have been much less, and they wouldn't have been a cover story in their own periodical."-Ben Rothke, RSA Conference.com, February 2013 "? a good primer for laypersons who use computers, giving this audience a broad understanding of important points. ? Recommended"-S.A. Patton, Indiana State University in CHOICE Magazine, June 2013