One thing I learned in this module that I did not already know is that secure e-mail does exist. If you put "phi" into the subject line of an e-mail at the University of Utah it will send the message via a system that is encrypted and secure. After my yahoo account was hacked into a few weeks ago, sending an attachment with a virus to all on my address list, I realized first hand how vulnerable we all are to those who would deliberately introduce viruses and other malicious programs into others computers.
As part of this module I also learned the terms for malicious programs, including worms, trojan horses, logic bombs and bacteria. Now when I hear our IT guys use these terms, I will know that they are not just making stuff up to make the rest of us look dumb (but, really, don't we all feel this way around IT guys?). I also was reminded of the ways to avoid these malicious programs including using only licensed software, never opening any file attachment from an unfamiliar source, and using the latest version of virus detection software routinely (Hebda & Czar, 2009). Maybe someday the people who have way too much leisure time on their hands will find another hobby that actually benefits others.
