"Since the late 1960s, computers have not only been stand alone calculating machines, but to connect them to broad network. From the US the Internet rapidly developed and connects now nearly four billion people and around 23 billion devices - computers, smartphones or sensors," Meinel, chair of the research group Internet technologies and systems.
After his observation more and more criminals see in the network of nets a worthwhile target. "In this course we show users how to protect themselves from the risks of the Internet, and also what they should know when perusing the Internet, for instance when shopping online," said the computer scientist. Participants will learn about the typical forms of malware, the goals of hackers, and how-from the attacker's point of view-users themselves represent the most vulnerable target in the Internet. "We also look at mobile use," Meinel said. The course will, for example, shed light on the tracks smartphone users leave in their wake when using the Internet, and who can get control of their activities.
With successful participation, which requires about three to six hours of cooperation per week, an openHPI certificate beckons. Students can apply credit points at their university to complete the course.
