The department plans to provide a series of e-mail-based products to disseminate timely information on computer security vulnerabilities, the potential impact of those vulnerabilities, and the action required to mitigate threats. The system will also offer PC security best practices and how-to tips, he said.

The announcement comes only two days after a virus called MyDoom (also known as Shimgapi and Novarg) began taking a toll on Internet performance around the nation.

All information products are available on a free subscription basis and are delivered via push e-mail. They are available at www.us-cert.gov. Home users can also access cybersecurity tips and alerts from US-CERT affiliates, including StaySafe Online.

The main e-mail products are:

• Cyber Security Tips: Targeted at nontechnical home and corporate computer users, the tips provide information on best computer security practices and how-to information on a biweekly basis. Review previous tips

• Cyber Security Bulletins: Targeted at technical audiences, the bulletins provide biweekly summaries of security issues, new vulnerabilities, potential impact, patches and work-arounds, as well as actions required to mitigate risk.

• Cyber Security Alerts: Available in two forms -- http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html#a, for nontechnical users, and advanced, for technical users -- the alerts provide real-time information about security issues, vulnerabilities and exploits currently occurring. Alerts encourage all users to take rapid action.

For further information:

• EE Times Online
• ComputerWorld
• CNET News
• InfoWorld
• Economic Times, India
• Yahoo News
• Google News

For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here