Are you, a friend, or a family member planning to make a trip to the United States in the near future? If so, keep these words in mind: ESTA is FREE.

Today, October 1, marks the start of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in the U.S.

At Lavasoft, we’re happy to endorse this public awareness campaign to encourage everyone to protect their computers and raise awareness about the importance of online security. What can you do to help promote this year’s theme, “Our Shared Responsibility”? Take a look at the StaySafeOnline.org site for details on how businesses, home users, and educators can get involved. For those stateside, also be sure to check out the list of events taking place this month throughout the U.S. to support the campaign.

Security concerns relating to Twitter have been buzzing through the news lately. Take, for example, the spam issues related to URL shortening services and the resurgence of the Koobface worm.

Not too long ago, one of our Lavasoft Malware Labs analysts gave an update on the rise of thievery in online games. As more and more computers users turn to their PCs for online entertainment, including games and role-playing in virtual worlds, fraudsters are finding new ways to cash in on this booming industry.

You most likely saw some of the news and debate that followed President Obama’s unveiling of his administration’s plan to deal with cyber security threats to U.S. federal agencies and the private sector.  With any personal views on the plan itself aside, as part of his remarks late last month, President Obama delivered an eloquent commentary on the current state of online security – one that, while aimed at Americans, applies to all Internet users, regardless of nationality.