How the Internet Works, Eighth Edition

Part 9. Protecting Yourself on the Internet

 

The very nature of the Internet makes it vulnerable to attack. It was designed to allow for the freest possible exchange of information, data, and files—and it has succeeded admirably, far beyond its designers’ wildest expectations. However, that freedom carries a price: Hackers and virus writers try to attack the Internet and computers connected to the Internet; those who want to invade others’ privacy attempt to crack databases of sensitive information or snoop on information as it travels across Internet routes; and distasteful and pornographic sites have sprung up on the Web and on Usenet ...