Guru Shankar Karnati MBBS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Koshy Jacob MRCP, FRCR, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rajiv Kumar Singh MBBS, MRCS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sanjay Gandhi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. To identify the common threats to computers online and offline. 2. Simple steps to prevent these threats and protect your PC, personal data and patient confidentiality.

Computer viruses have been around for longer than we think, starting from the days of “Brain” in early 80s to the latest ones including “Peacomm”. Our software and hardware systems are constantly under attack, and it makes security more critical. The major online threats are viruses, worms & trojans, spyware, spam and phishing scams etc. To date more than 18,000 viruses have been reported for windows based systems and the list is ever growing. It just takes 4-5 minutes for a new PC to be attacked online. We present a systematic overview of the common security threats and discuss the available free or purchasable programmes to keep your PC safe and secure. We also include the offline threats and methods to tackle them.

Personal computers are such an integral part of our day-to-day life that existence without them is unthinkable for contemporary radiologists and other healthcare professionals. However they are under constant online and offline threat. We can usually keep them safe but only if everyone knows about the risks and take the right precautions.

Karnati, G, Jacob, K, Singh, R, Gandhi, S, A Journey from Brain to Peacomm: How Secure Is Your Computer?.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5010739.html