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Each time US Internet security software companies work with overseas companies, they end up risking the potential eventuality of giving away information which could be used against citizens in other nations, or used by country-sponsored cyber attacks on US computer systems. The risk is so great in fact that it is amazing that there isn't more oversight than there already is. Let's take a look at a recent case study involving Symantec and Huawei Technologies in China for a moment.
There was an interesting article in the New York Times recently on March 26, 2011 titled; "Symantec Dissolves a Chinese Alliance," by Nicole Perlroth and John Markoff, which stated;
"Less than four years after Huawei Technologies and Symantec teamed up to develop computer network security products, the joint venture is being dismantled because Symantec feared the alliance with the Chinese company would prevent it from obtaining United States government classified information about cyberthreats."
Anytime a very well market penetrated company such as Symantec gives clues, consults, or works with a foreign company, that foreign corporation now has more insight as to how the software that Symantec deploys protects their customer's computer systems. Therefore, we now have a big problem. You see, the software engineers and computer scientists working for Huawei Technologies, which has been set up much similarly to AT&T, are not stupid people. Many have been trained in the top US Universities in fact.
You see, they already know most all of the tricks of the trade to Internet and computer security, as well as all the neat strategies for encryption, thus, giving them more information, actually has the potential eventuality of rendering all US computer security obsolete. Not to mention the reality that in the end the Chinese will have copied all the intellectual property and the company doing business there will not have gained much anyway, expect for giving away their yesterday's and most likely a good portion of their current technology without any huge financial gain for their troubles.
US companies should be quite alarmed at what is happening, and be prepared to hyperspace any current technology before sharing any of it with China who really doesn't culturally respect what we in the US refer to as proprietary information or intellectual property. Okay so, why did Symantec kill their Chinese alliance so abruptly? Well, why do you think? Further, I ask; are a good number of the attacks on US Computer systems due to perhaps, should I go so far as to say; Unholy Alliance? Time will tell and the truth always comes up, no matter how well encrypted. Please consider all this and think on it.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Serious Internet Issues. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net
Don't shop until you drop on Black Friday. Instead, plan to take advantage of Cyber Monday deals in the comfort of your home or office. Go through your holiday shopping list and decide what items you can purchase online. Then, make sure your computer is ready for one of the busiest online shopping days of the year. Read on for six tips that will bring peace of mind to your holiday shopping this year.
1. Update Your Browser. Frequently, browser programs are updated to address problems. If your browser is an older version, you may not see websites the way they are meant to be displayed, and there could also be security issues (e.g., someone could hack into your computer.) To check what version you currently have on your computer, open the browser program, go to the toolbar up top, click on "Help," and then click on "About [the name of the program.]"
2. Update Anti-Virus Software. Is you antivirus subscription current? Protect yourself from hackers, thieves and cyber-terrorists and download the latest update. Remember, antivirus software is used to prevent, detect, and remove computer viruses, worms, and trojan horses. Don't take chances with an out of date program. Also, limit the number of unknown sites you visit.
3. Download the Latest OS Updates. Check to make sure that your computer is running the latest operating system update. Both Microsoft and Apple update their systems regularly to ensure the safety and reliability of your computer. Don't procrastinate. These updates offer the latest protection against malicious online activities.
4. Scan Computer for Spyware. Spyware tracks your movements on the Web and often times interferes with your computer's performance. If you have time, run a full system scan of the hard drive before you start shopping to make sure that you do not have any unwanted intrusions.
5. Bookmark your Favorite Sites. Visit the e-tailers before Cyber Monday and bookmark the site(s). Every second is crucial. You do not want to waste time typing in a Web address or looking for a site.
6. Prepare for Computer Freezes. If your computer freezes or doesn't respond, do not panic. You will need to reboot the computer. Simply click on the "Ctrl-Alt-Delete" keys The task manager will open and you will need to click on the "Start Task Manager" tab. A window will open and you will see the site that is not responding. Simply click the "End Task" tab and the web page will close. For Apple computers, hold the "power" button down until the computer turns off or select the "Opt- Cmd-Esc" keys.
Internet safety and finding great deals on Cyber Monday can coexist. Just remember, leave nothing to chance and exercise common sense.
This year do everything you can to make the most out of your holiday shopping. Start by visiting http://www.dealsonblackfriday.com, a site dedicated to providing resources and information on the best Black Friday deals and specials.
