[boris]

Do not connect critical/sensitive systems to the internet.

Remember "War Games"? Laughable. The idea that a computer capable of launching nuclear missiles could be contacted by dial-up was ludicrous.

The problem is determining which systems need to be isolated--IMHO.

--Boris

[Cicero]

Individuals are asked to update anti-virus software and install firewalls on their home computer systems

I'm delighted that they said this. Nothing could be more important. Personally, I'd recommend that people consider getting a LinkSys hub as well as a ZoneAlarm firewall. I find that mine blocks almost all probes from outside.

As for the suggestion that the government should push software developers to beef up security, I think that would be a disaster. No one does a worse job on this kind of complex stuff than federal bureaucrats.

[prolusion]

Individuals are asked to update anti-virus software and install firewalls on their home computer systems

And of course everyone will. </sarcasm>