Computer users are in dire need of a "reality check" when it comes to home PC security, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance and security firm McAfee.

Editor's Note:  Just another reason to employ an End-to-End Encrypted PCI 2.0 Certified Hardware Solution.  Remember, 450,000 SQL attacks DAILY, up from 5000 the first two quarters of 2008.  It's gonna get worse before it gets better..  If you want to trade in your "false sense" for  "REAL" security, we've got it waiting for you.  Swipe...Don't Type.  You're in the Clear Because your Card Data Isn't!



PC World Blog: In a survey released by McAfee and NCSA it was found that while 98 percent of computer users agree that having up-to-date security software is important, a significant portion of those same survey respondents are guilty of having home PC's with security software that is incomplete or dangerously out of date.

Today McAfee also announced 2008 editions of its security software products: McAfee Total Protection, McAfee Internet Security, and McAfee VirusScan Plus.

PC Wakeup Calls Needed

Here are some of the survey highlights:

• Ninety-two percent of Americans think that their anti-virus software is up to date, however only 51 percent actually have currently updated their anti-virus software within the past week.
• Seventy-three percent of PC users in the U.S. think they have a firewall installed and enabled, yet 64 percent actually do.
• About 70 percent of PC users think they have anti-spyware software, but only 55 percent have it installed.
• Over a quarter of PC users say they have anti-phishing software, compared to the 12 percent that actually do.

Over Three Quarters Unprotected

The study paints a grim picture of who really is protected versus those that actually are. The survey reveals under a quarter of PC users are "fully protected" against malware and viruses.

Interestingly the study says older respondents showed more computer "savvy" than their younger counterparts when it comes to PC security. Nearly 25 percent of PC users 45 and older are fully protected, compared to 18 percent of PC users below the age of 44.

The takeaway for PC users is a no-brainer and that is ignorance is not bliss when it comes to PC security. That point is especially important when it comes to home PCs and the amount of personal financial, health, and private communications (e-mail) that is stored on them, the study points out.

Sure the survey comes off on the self-servant side for McAfee. But I suppose slapping people with threatening statistics is a good way to get them to buy up on the latest McAfee software. The language is also a little less than flattering of computer owners, which pretty much boils down to, "You don't know jack, America."

Check out PC World's latest review of McAfee's Internet Security Suite 2007.