I finally concluded that there had to be millions of people, just like me, that needed to know about these things.  Otherwise, people would just keep doing things that leave them exposed to great security risk.  The more people who suffer from some type of cyber-horror, such as losing their privacy because personal information on their computer was compromised, the longer it will take before the true promise of eCommerce is realized. 

Thus, I hope to spread this new awareness I received in my research on cyber-security on to my fellow netizens.  Sure, some people are already alerted to these things. But for those who don't already know, I hope to share as much information as I can.  I don't want to confuse anyone - including myself - so I will do my best to keep it as simple as possible.

I am quite confident that this LINKS page will be a resource worth waiting for!  It won't stop here, though.  "On a Mission: johnny2k's War on Global Cyber-Terrorism" is an ongoing mission.  Because there are so many places on our computers and networks that are exposed to a cyber-attack, this will be a long war, but we will win.  Because the Global Internet - or World Wide Web - is becoming the primary commercial and personal mode of communication, it is a war we MUST win.  This is a part of our national and international infrastructure that must be defended - however, whenever, and wherever it comes under attack.  My Mission (which I have accepted), is to arm myself, and as many people as possible (not just people that work from home), with the necessary information required to defend our way of life, and win the war on global cyber-terrorism.

Once you start checking out the many pages I have LINKS to, you'll quickly find out just how seriously even our government now takes security on the internet.  And, after you have surfed your way through all of these links, I would be so totally overwhelmed with delight if I were to know what you think of this page, as it is right now. Giving us your feedback would be extremely helpful in making this a very valuable resource for many people, especially those of us working from home. Please email johnny2k.com here.

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The CERT® Coordination Center (CERT/CC) is a center of Internet security expertise, located at the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded research and development center operated by Carnegie Mellon University.  Established in 1988 by DARPA, the CERT/CC is the world's preeminent authority in Internet security vulnerabilities and research. 

CERT® Coordination Center Reports - Security of the Internet 

This is a great reference for learning about internet security in greater detail, without getting overly technical.  By visiting this page, you can find out about everything from types of network security incidents to internet vulnerabilities. 

Information technology plays a crucial role in homeland security. This fact inspired Carnegie Mellon University to create the C3S multi-disciplinary research program. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Center (CERT/CC) collaborate so that C3S research will lead to "a new network security paradigm for secure computing systems, e-services, and available distributed information storage systems."

Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA) NEW!

This link is to the new Cyber Security Industry Alliance, launched in February of 2004.  This advocacy group of cyber security companies is dedicated to the "improvement of cyber security through public policy, education and technology-focused initiatives."

To explain how they intend to accomplish their mission, I quote from the CSIA website Home page: 

"The mission of the CSIA is to enhance cyber security through public policy initiatives, public sector partnerships, corporate outreach, academic programs, alignment behind emerging industry technology standards and public education. As the only public policy and advocacy group comprised exclusively of security software, hardware and service vendors that is addressing key cyber security issues, the CSIA will become an important influence in both the public and private sectors."

Executive Summary

This document is the first National Strategy for Homeland Security.  In the section "Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets," you'll read that 

"Protecting America’s critical infrastructure and key assets will not only make us more secure from terrorist attack, but will also reduce our vulnerability to natural disasters, organized crime, and computer hackers.

National Cyber Security Division (NCSD)

From the Press room of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this link takes you to the press release regarding the new National Cyber Security Division. 

The Information Analysis & Infrastructure Protection Directorate will augment those capabilities with the response functions of the National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) of the United States Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT) www.us-cert.gov. 

National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC)

"Located in the FBI's headquarters building in Washington, D.C., the NIPC brings together representatives from U.S. government agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector in a partnership to protect our nation's critical infrastructures." (From A Message from Ron Dick, Director of the National Infrastructure Protection Center)

Network Abuse FAQ - ARIN

The American Registry for Internet Numbers, ARIN, is a nonprofit organization established for the purpose of administration and registration of Internet Protocol (IP) numbers for North America, parts of the Caribbean and sub-equatorial Africa. It is one of four Regional Internet Registries collectively providing IP registration services to all regions around the globe. ARIN does not act as an Internet Service Provider or website hosting company.  In an effort to avoid confusion on the issue of network abuse, ARIN has compiled a list of answers to frequently asked questions.

Here is a little help in reporting network abuse to the appropriate internet service providers. Finding out who registered an IP can assist you in finding out information on spammers, scammers and hackers.  If you start with the ARIN "whois" (pronounced: who is), you will probably be directed to one of the other three regional registries if not registered through ARIN. Here are the four Regional Internet Registries

ARIN - American Registry for Internet Numbers

RIPE NCC - RIPE Network Communication Center

LACNIC - Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry

Registro de domínios para a Internet no Brasil  This is the sub-Registry for Brazil. You will be directed to this whois db from LACNIC if the IP is at this registry.

APNIC - Asia Pacific Network Information Centre

Korea Network Information Center (English version) This link will take you to the English version of the whois database lookup in the Korea sub-registry of APNIC. 

Network Abuse FAQ series - Hacking

The Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) provides good answers to frequently asked questions about hacking. This is another excellent resource in our war on global cyber-terrorism.

People For Internet Responsibility (PFIR.org)

People For Internet Responsibility (PFIR) is currently a global, ad hoc network of individuals who are concerned about the present and future operations, development, management, and regulation of the Internet in responsible ways.  The main goal of PFIR is to provide a resource for individuals around the world to gain an ability to impact these crucial Internet issues, which will affect virtually all aspects of our cultures, societies, and lives in the 21st century. PFIR is nonpartisan, has no political agenda, and does not engage in lobbying.

STAY SAFE ONLINE  NEW!

"A Call to Action: Be a Cyber Secure Citizen!"

Sponsored by the National Cyber Security Alliance, "this web site is designed to give you the information needed to secure your home or small business computer. You'll find tips on how to safeguard your system, a self-guided cyber security test, educational materials, and other Internet resources, as well as valuable information from our sponsor organizations."

To quote the site, "Securing your personal computer plays a crucial role in protecting our nation's Internet infrastructure." johnny2k says "Ditto, I couldn't agree more."  In fact, that is the basis of "On a Mission: johnny2k's War on Global Cyber-Terrorism"!  I am hoping by directing you to this site, johnny2k.com is playing a part in helping to protect the internet infrastructure from global cyber-terrorism. 

US-CERT

The U.S. Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT) is charged with protecting our nation's Internet infrastructure by coordinating defense against and response to cyber attacks. US-CERT is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security's National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) and the private sector, was established in 2003 to protect our nation's Internet infrastructure through global coordination of defense against and response to cyber incidents and attacks across the nation.

US-CERT's objective is to aggregate available cyber security information and disseminate it in a timely, understandable, and responsible manner.

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badbusinessbureau.com

Victim of a consumer Rip-off? Want justice? The badbusinessbureau.com website, and the Rip-off Report™, is a worldwide consumer reporting Website & Publication, by consumers, for consumers, to file & document complaints about Companies or Individuals who rip-off consumers.  For example, this website's Rip-off Report™ could be used to find out if a work-at-home business opportunity may have some hidden problems that you would want to know about before getting involved.  

However, it must be kept in mind that reports made by individuals could have been motivated by other issues. And utilizing the Rip-off Report™ to make a report could land you in legal hot water if your claims of injustice can not be backed by documented facts.    

C Y B E R C R I M E

This website is provided by the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Looking through this website should be your top priority.  You will find documents, policy, law and guidance in areas such as Computer Crime (e.g., hacking) and Intellectual Property Crime.  

Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Protection - E-Commerce & the Internet  NEW!

In the fight against cyber-crime, educating the consumer is the first line of defense.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides this page so that consumers are aware of the various risks to their financial security. And just when we think that pot of gold is just over the next hill, the FTC shatters that dream of an easy-money opportunity. Take a deep breath, swallow some pride, and read this FTC Report: Work-at-Home Schemes. 

Federal Trade Commission - SPAM EMAIL  "Harvesting your email address"  NEW!

We've got to say, this is great news that the FTC has made this page available.  This is information that you need to know, whether you are an individual with a full inbox, or a business that wishes to advertise by email. Especially for the business, beware, and pay attention to this, as quoted on this FTC page:

This website has information about the Federal Trade Commission’s recent law enforcement actions against deceptive commercial email and spammers who don’t honor their "remove me" claims. In the "Consumer Info" section (and below), you’ll find tips on how to reduce the amount of spam email in your in-box.

The quote above says it all.  But, to make sure you focus on what is really going on in the Federal (US) government's war on unsolicited email, click on the link above, and READ this info now!  If you don't.... well, game over. SPAM could be a thing of the past! 

Fraud.org

The National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch is a project of the National Consumers League. This site provides ways to report suspected fraud: By phone or via their Online Complaint Form.  Besides the internet fraud information that is provided, this site also covers telemarketing fraud.

GetNetWise is a public service brought to you by a wide range of Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations. The GetNetWise coalition wants Internet users to be only "one click away" from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their and their family's use of the Internet. johnny2k.com highly recommends this site for further information on keeping safe on the web.

Internet ScamBusters™

Internet ScamBusters™ is an Award-Winning Free eZine to help you avoid internet fraud.  

Internet Fraud: How to Avoid Internet Investment Scams

Before investing in any money in opportunities that you learned about via the internet, you should read this alert provided by the SEC (U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission). 

Is MLM Just A Scam? Get the truth about network marketing.

Okay, so you've had people asking you to become part of their network marketing team, and though you are interested in a home-based business, you don't want to be involved in, or get taken by, a scam. 

However, as Mike Sheffield says in an article dated on December 25, 2000, for Entrepreneur.com, there is a difference between network marketing plans and pyramid schemes or other scams. 

MAXProtect by max.com

Okay, parents, do you know what your kids are watching on the internet? Sure, it's easy to control what is watched on TV, or what movies your kids go see, but are you aware of the dangers to your kids that are present on the internet?  Pornography on the internet is a multi-billion dollar industry.  Who is their prime target? Kids! Did you know that?  And, how do do you protect your children from pedophiles in chat rooms?  

I became aware of this service, called MAXProtect, while watching a show on TBN with Gretchen Schuller Penner, called Reflections from the Crystal Cathedral. She was interviewing Michael Landon, Jr., one of the co-founders of Max.com.  Michael Landon, Jr., the son of actor Michael Landon, teamed up with Chuck Norris, along with Patricia Heaton from "Everyone Loves Raymond", to help found this website, because of their concern for the dangers facing children from pornography and pedophiles.  You can see what these people, and others, say about MAXProtect by clicking here.

I'm giving this website a free plug because I care about your kids, and I'm aware of the vast amount of danger to your kids by what can be accessed by them on the web.  NBC's Dateline Special, "Dangers children face online", will tell you that I'm not just paranoid.  There is a grave danger lurking online, waiting for your kids to visit their websites with one wrong click of the mouse.  It is up to you, parents, to protect your children.  Visit this website, and find out what you can do provide your children with a safe online experience!

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"AVERT's goal is to Advise and Alert, not Alarm". McAfee AVERT (Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team) is a division of McAfee Security.  AVERT is comprised of three integrated teams which work together to provide Anti-Virus Services and Support, Virus Analysis, and Advanced Virus Research.  From this page, you can access a virus glossary, FAQ's, and more virus-fighting information to help you keep your computer systems bug-free. (See the menu in the left margin).

McAfee Security's AVERT Virus Information Library

Detailed virus information that tells you how they infect your system, and how to remove them. This library also includes information on virus hoaxes.

Symantec (U.S) Security Response

One of the Symantec pages where you can find information such as latest virus alerts, security advisories, virus definitions, security updates, top virus threats, virus removal tools, and much more. 

Symantec (U.S) Security Check

This page, subtitled "internet security for the home", allows you to check for viruses on your system, as well as scanning your system for security risks. Not only that, can find security information, sign up for a Free Email Alert, and even view statistics generated from user security and virus submittals. 

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Anti-Spam Tips, Tricks and Secrets

While visiting the About.com topic, About Email, you will find these Guide Picks that will provide you with spam-fighting tips to help you avoid all those annoying unsolicited email messages.  

Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email (CAUCE.org)

Take back your mailbox! Spam is a problem that we cannot afford to ignore. It affects all of us. CAUCE is a great example of a grass-roots organization. The process that created CAUCE, and the legislation that has been proposed, was done mostly over email and by phone.  Virtually no face-to-face meetings took place until long after CAUCE was founded.  CAUCE.org demonstrates the potential of the Internet for grass-roots activism.

Fight Spam on the Internet!

Help fight spam to keep the Internet useful for everyone. Take advantage of the information that has been gathered by "Fight Spam!" to make your own experience on the Internet better. This site tells the truth about why you find so much unsolicited email in your inbox every day.

GetNetWise is a public service brought to you by a wide range of Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations. The GetNetWise coalition wants Internet users to be only "one click away" from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their and their family's use of the Internet. johnny2k.com highly recommends this site for further information on keeping safe on the web.

Internet ScamBusters - Stop Spam!

The editors of Internet ScamBusters™ present some of the best resources and tips for stopping, or more likely, reducing the amount of spam and bulk email that you receive in your inbox every day.

Network abuse FAQ series - Spam 

The Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) provides this valuable information about unsolicited commercial email. This is another excellent resource in our war on global cyber-terrorism.

Postini Email Stat Track

This link is provided because it takes you to an email stats page, which illustrates the problem we are dealing with. Just consider the significant cost of spam and viruses after seeing these stats! Now consider that these costs are passed on to you, the consumer.

Postini Inc. is an email system perimeter protection service, delivering real-time anti-spam, anti-virus and email system monitoring to more than 800 customers worldwide.  Postini's comprehensive email system perimeter protection service secures SMTP connections and content.  

Spam - General Information

While visiting the About.com topic, About Email, you will find these Guide Picks to help you learn the basics about spam.

SpamCon Foundation 

This link will take you to the page, "About SpamCon Foundation - Summary".  This page explains the mission,  goals, and the justification for the fight against spam.  SpamCon Foundation is a public benefit corporation that advocates for the reduction of unsolicited commercial email.

Spamhaus  NEW!

Do you want to know where spam comes from? Do you want to find out who the spammers are?  If you want to learn more about spam, you should definitely visit this website.  Spamhaus is an excellent resource for the fight against spam.  Spamhaus tracks the Internet's worst spammers, known spam gangs, and spam support services, and works with ISPs and law enforcement agencies to identify and remove professional spammers from the Internet.  

Spam Laws

David E. Sorkin's compilation of Spam Laws is a great reference tool to learn about laws related to unsolicited bulk and commercial e-mail ("UCE" or "spam"), not just in the United States, but also in many countries around the world. Spam Laws is provided solely for educational and informational purposes, and does not constitute legal advice.

The Spam Series

Here's another great spam reference that can be found in About Email. You will find this series will provide you with the information and tools to use in your war on spam. Yes, you can even find out how to interpret email headers!  

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Netlore: Rumors, Hoaxes & Urban Legends

About.com has an entire subject area dedicated to Netlore, which includes Internet hoaxes, rumors, chain letters and email urban legends.  For those who find junk emails more annoying than entertaining, this is the place to check out.  Want to know how to spot an email hoax, so that you can quickly delete it from your inbox? This is the place! johnny2k has referred to this page for hoax information many times. This is a MUST SEE!

Urban Legends: Don't believe everything you read

Another excellent resource for fighting junk email, provided by Internet ScamBusters™. This page will connect you with more information and links to help you  to avoid reading so much time-consuming junk email.

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A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety

This page is a Federal Bureau of Investigation Publication. The purpose of this page (pamphlet) is to help parents even begin to understand the complexities of on-line child exploitation. For further information, please contact your local FBI office or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Cyberethics for Kids

Are you a good Cybercitizen? Know the rules in Cyberspace.  Know before you go into Cyberspace! (This is a good page for both kids and their parents.)

GetNetWise is a public service brought to you by a wide range of Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations. The GetNetWise coalition wants Internet users to be only "one click away" from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their and their family's use of the Internet. johnny2k.com highly recommends this site for further information on keeping kids safe on the web.

Kim Komando's 10 Commandments for Kids Online.  

The Internet can be an unsafe place, but not all of it is. This link is included on this page because of our my desire to keep the internet safe for everyone, especially for kids. Click on the LINK above, or on the logo to the left to Kim Komando's printable agreement that kids can make with their parents, to keep them safe.

SafeSurf.com

When you visit the SafeSurf.com website, you will learn why their rating system is important for keeping our kids safe while surfing through cyberspace.

The Librarian's Guide to CyberSpace for Parents & Kids

This website is provided by the American Library Association (ALA).  Along with providing more information about kid cyber-safety issues to help parents, you will find website lists for kids and the adults that care about them (parents, teachers, and caregivers), known as the 700+ Great Sites.

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c|net NEWS.com - New Tools For Frying Spam NEW!

Here is a series from CNET News.com Staff about things that are being done to stop spam from interfering with our cyber lives.

MSNBC Section - Hacks, Viruses, and Scams Front Page NEW!

This is a news source that I can depend on.  This link will take you right to the Contents of this section, where you will always find many current and relevant news articles you will want to read! While you are there, be sure to read the MSNBC five-part series, "Spam Wars".

NewsFactor  Network: Cybercrime & Security NEW!

An excellent news source that focuses on the cybercrime topic. 

Yahoo! News Full Coverage - Spam and Junk Email

News stories related to spam and junk email, including recent articles about pending legislation in Washington, where the U.S. House and Senate are considering bills dealing with unsolicited commercial email (spam).

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On a Mission - The Forum NEW!

You can now visit On a Mission - The Forum in The johnny2k.com Cyber-Community Forums.  We have made some major tweaks to this area, but it is now ready to rock and roll!  Come on in, check out the latest posts, and join the gang in an area that will be quite interesting and informative.  Our hope is to have people join us in this forum who are on the front lines of the War on Global Cyber-Terrorism. Would that be cool, or what!  

johnny2k's Official Government LINKS

You'll find our links to the U.S. federal government, or to your State government, very helpful in a grass-roots campaign to get legislation passed that deals with Cyber-Terror and Cyber-Crime.

johnny2k's News LINKS

The above link will take you right to the Technology and Computer News area selection in our News LINKS.

Kids LINKS

johnny2k.com hopes that after you have visited the websites listed on this page (above), you will now have the knowledge and the tools to keep your children safe on the internet. You can now determine what is safe, and possibly allow your children to visit the websites we list on our Kids LINKS page with more confidence.

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Return to Links CONTENTS

A johnny2k.com Special Announcement:

Be sure to see our addition to johnny2k's LINKS, johnny2k's Spiritual LINKS!  

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