squad in San Jose, California, calls the Internet "the unlocked window in cyberspace through which thieves crawl" (Erickson 1). There seems to be an unlimited potential for theft of credit card numbers, bank statements and other financial and personal information transmitted over the Internet.

It's hard to imagine that anyone in today's technologically oriented world could function without computers. Personal computers are linked to business computers and financial networks, and all are linked together via the Internet or other networks. More than a hundred million electronic messages travel through cyberspace every day, a

from the Internet, there is less of a chance a hacker can crack your system. Login passwords should be changed frequently (write it down so you don't forget, but store it in a secure place), and they should never contain words or names that are easily guessed. It may be easier for you to remember your password if you use your son's name, but it's also easier for the hacker to detect it. Passwords should always be strictly private never tell anyone else what it is (Regan 26).

The latest weak spot that has been discovered is a flaw in the World Wide Web. The Web is the fastest-growing zone within the Internet, the area where most home computer user’s travel, as it's attractive and easy to use. According to an advisory issued on the Internet by a programmer in Germany, there is a "hole" in the software that runs most Web sites (Quittner 44). This entry point will provide an intruder with access to any and all information, allowing him to do anything the owners of the site can do. Network-security specialist Cheswick points out that most of the Web sites use software that puts them at risk. With more and more home computer uses setting up their own home pages and Web sites, this is just one more way a hacker can gain access to personal information (Quittner 44).

Evaluate products for their security features before you buy any tool to access the Internet or service providers. Remember, to change the default system password the one you are initially given to set up the network on your computer (Regan 26).

Credit bureaus are aware of how financial information can be used or changed by computer hackers, which has a serious impact on their customers. Loans can be made with false information (obtained by the hackers from an unsuspecting computer user's data base); and information can be changed for purposes of deceit, harassment or even blackmail. These occur daily in the financial services industry, and the use of Internet has only complicated how an organization or private individual keeps information private, confidential and, most importantly, correct (Regan 26)

Some topics in this essay:
Cheswick Web, CompuServe Prodigy, Bell Labs, Internet It's, Credit World, , Internet Cambridge, Crimes Squad, Web Web, Technologies Inc, credit card, computer security, regan 26, quittner 44, icove-seger-vonstorch 1, personal information, home computer, computer hackers, web sites, vulnerable attack,