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The Internet has become a very unsafe place where a user can fall victim to any cyber crime he may end up unlucky having to deal with. Internet theft, scams, viruses, malware and all other Internet threats are making surfing a dangerous activity to a certain extent. While the advantages of the Internet far outweigh the disadvantages, the risks can still get very serious. Because of this, more and more people are becoming conscious about their online activities and would jump at any opportunity to be safe online. Anti-virus software, anti-spyware, Internet filters and other such safety measures are being implemented to ensure privacy and protection of their data.
Even Google has come out with a new browser called Google Chrome and it's becoming more and more popular as its unique features are explored, one of which is safe surfing. With this browser, information on the the certificate provided when a user attempts to connect to a server is compared with that of the actual certificate of the site being connected to. When the information jives, the connection to the destination host is allowed. But when there's a discrepancy, the user is alerted and asked if he would like to connect anyway. Malicious sites sometimes do provide a certificate which eventually turns out to be fake once compared with the intended site.
So far, this browser has been doing well in providing such safety during surfing. Another unique feature is a functionality that preserves processes with tabs that are not necessarily running into trouble. With other browsers, just one problematic tab can cause all open tabs to crash when the problem gets out of hand. With Chrome, only the affected tab closes which means all the others continue to work. In other words, Chrome runs each process or transaction independently of the others. Whatever causes problems with one tab will not affect the others and the browser itself cannot change anything in the user's operating system in any way. This is, of course, another useful Internet security feature provided by the new program.
For those who don't want to leave traces of their browsing on their computer, Chrome also has a feature that allows this. There could be many things that can make a legitimate user want to remain anonymous as far as the sites he visits are concerned. But for whatever reason, this new browser does have a feature that allows surfers to keep their surfing activity to themselves without leaving other users a clue. This means no history data will be stored, hence, the surfer can enjoy anonymity.
Google Chrome is currently in Beta testing and some flaws have also been spotted such as buffer overflow and its vulnerability to carpet-bombing, both of which could be exploited by black hats to advance their malicious activities. In the end, what's important is that a new browser has been created with features that protect the user from the Internet itself. The flaws could easily be corrected but the good points about the browser could also remain for everyone to take advantage of.
For added online security, one may also install an IP hiding software which allows him to surf with his IP address hidden. With this program, a user may actually bump into a hacker, yet the user will be unidentified since his IP is unexposed. And because he's unidentified, he can't possibly be a hacking target. This is how an IP changing software works. For everyday use of the Internet, this program can significantly spare a computer from attacks.
If you have been reading the news lately and picking up on all the commotion around hack attacks on some of the big guns like Google, Yahoo and Adobe you may be experiencing a twinge of anxiety over the security for your own business. You may have believed your network was invincible so this news could leave you feeling shaky. You have good reason to feel this way - according to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald the number of hackers tampering with private financial information belonging to Australian business is on the rise. Obviously using the internet and intranet for business has become a viable solution to accomplishing company objectives, but on the downside the criminal faction sees just as much opportunity.
Australia is a Frequent Target for Cyber Crime
Symantec, a data security firm reported that Australian and New Zealand businesses suffer 75% more security breaches than the global average with 89% of the companies polled in the last 12 months admitting at least one intrusion. Hackers are not necessarily going after the major companies where they can make off with large sums of money. Like any other thief, they go where the risk is low and they can get in and out of a system quickly and without detection. The fact is you don't have to be at any particular level of business profitability to be targeted. Smaller companies tend to use less comprehensive IT security making them more susceptible. In general, hackers are interested in easy money.
Google and Other Large Corporations are Not Exempt
The threat does not always revolve around banking information or sensitive intellectual property. As Google discovered in December 2009, issues such as human rights are at stake in cyber attacks. The advertising and search giant was appalled that a highly organized effort dubbed "Aurora" was being made to hack into the Gmail accounts of Chinese human right activists. They managed to infiltrate only two accounts and were not able to see the account holders' actual correspondence. The action put Google in the position where it felt it necessary to warn the Chinese human rights community of the attack and to prepare to withdraw business ties with China. Officials at Google did not directly accuse the Chinese government of being the perpetrators but they decided to review doing business with the country based its attempts to limit free speech on the internet. Google stated concern for the safety of the Chinese citizens and the potential for them to be interrogated and imprisoned.
There were at least 20 other large internet, media, finance and technology companies included in the attack: Yahoo, Adobe, Symantec, Dow Chemical and Northrop Grumman to name a few. It was accomplished through a technique called "spear phishing." This resembles an attack against 100 IT companies in July 2009 where company employees were targeted with infected email attachments.
Small and Midsize Businesses have Minimal Defense
Most businesses are totally defenseless against these sophisticated attacks. They use instant messages and emails that seem innocent at first because the senders appear to be friends and trusted colleagues. The messages are fine-tuned to evade the anti-virus programs designed for these applications. Evidently the best practices for IT security that have successfully held attackers at bay for many years are no longer sufficient. There is an innovative caliber of attacks circulating around the globe using custom malware written specifically for individual companies. The hackers don't seem to mind if it takes longer to get around the antivirus software in use by the large corporations. They continue painstakingly to tweak their malware until it is effective. Smaller companies that don't have the budget for a large scale security have not stood a chance. The hackers have the ability to commandeer only one employee's laptop and make it a gateway for total administrative access to the company's entire network.
The security firm, iSec Partners that investigated the attack on Google and ensuing corporations recommend we make fundamental changes to the way we protect our networks. They say we have simply not been prepared for the level of sophistication demonstrated by the new cyber criminals.
Hacker Stories in the Australian News
Internet news sites report the direct effects of cyber hacking on Australia. Today Online posted a news article about a hacker called "Ghostbuster" that has been targeting Melbourne businesses as a response to violence against Indians. The person behind the attacks has been sending threatening emails stating Australian servers will be hacked until racism against Indian nationals is ended. The action came in the wake of the murder of a 21-year-old Punjabi student in January 2010. Several Melbourne businesses were victimized when their entire networks were thrown into chaos.
In the technology section of The Age is a report describing the effects on government websites by hackers associated with the group "Anonymous", known for its attacks on Scientology. This is the same group that temporarily blasted pornography across Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's website. On the morning of February 10, 2010 a number of government sites were down. The attack was in opposition to the government's plans for internet censorship. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy was not happy with the fact that Australian citizens could not obtain needed services online and felt it was irresponsible on the part of the hackers.
In the Sydney Morning Herald one journalist mentions the statistics that there are now more mobile devices in the country than Australians. It is not unusual for an individual to own two or three. The rising use of wireless broadband provides accessibility and convenience for subscribers but it also expands the territory for cyber criminals. Currently there are more barriers to cyber hacking wireless devices than terrestrial networks, such as the cost of making a phone call. However with the advances in mobile device technology to the point where it can replace the need for owning a laptop computer the potential for being targeted by hackers exists. The actual devices may be secure but the Wi-Fi network, often free and faster for users in public places is a temptation for cyber criminals. You may believe you have connected to a site operated by an airport, hotel or coffee shop, but there is no way of knowing for sure who controls the IP address that now has access to everything in your computer or mobile device. It is not that difficult for hackers to present a fake website you feel you can trust that they can use to steal from your network at any time in the future.
Millions of dollars are stolen everyday from individuals and businesses that use the internet. We are warned frequently about viruses, worms and phishing scam but somehow we get caught anyway. The situation is getting worse as hackers become better adept at breaking down the unique systems designed to keep them out. If you are still experiencing discomfort about the vulnerability of your network it will pay off to attend to your gut feeling.
Adam Rippon is the owner of Sydney Technology Solutions, Australia's leader in managed IT solutions for small and midsize businesses.
In this world of technology, it's not about who you know anymore, it's about what you know and what technology you have. It may not seem to matter what web browser you are choosing to use. Most of us just use whatever software came pre-installed. Taking a second-look at the software for your needs is something that you may have been overlooking, but something that can really add value to your personal or business technology. Don't get left behind with a second-rate browser, after all, it is the window to the world, the worldwide web. Google Chrome is the web browser that is built with all you will need to get the very most out of the worldwide web.
A web browser is the way in which you are able to retrieve, traverse and present information on the Internet. It is a software application which literally gives you a window to the world. It is the program which enables the user to retrieve, view documents, and access other resources through the Internet. In total it is said to be one of the most crucial programs for your computer. Choosing the right one, therefore, should be more than just using the one that came pre-installed. Making sure to choose the right one will give you better access, and ease of use. on something we use and rely on daily, the Internet. Considering Google Chrome for your web browser may be one of the best and easiest decisions you can make.
Google Chrome offers an edge over other web browsers. Easy to install, it offers you the advantage of unparalleled speed. Unlike other browsers, it is fast to start-up and the speed with which it is able to search across sites is unmatched by any other software. Staying on top of the latest technology, it is able to run efficiently and smoothly in an instant with all of your current web apps and anticipates any new innovations for future use.
With the introduction of cyber dangers, it is important to always make sure that you are operating and surfing the internet with a secure system. Having the latest in technology for security is the only way to protect and maintain the security of your business or home computer. Not keeping yourself protected, can open yourself up to some pretty disastrous consequences. Google Chrome has the latest built-in security to make sure that when you are browsing the web, you are doing so with confidence and safety. With new technology, it supplies sand-boxing, auto-update, safe browsing and other technologies that will protect you and your computer from both phishing and malware insurgence. Saving your information, and saving your computer from harm, is a real challenge, but made less so with Google Chrome.
What is possibly the best feature of Google Chrome is its ease of use. Google has developed this software to be incredibly user-friendly and relevant to all the processes that a browser usually performs. It combines address and search bars that make it easy for you to be able to navigate your way through the web, shifting easily from one box to another without complications. You update your technology to stay ahead of the game, make sure your software is updated as well.
Fred Lotgering is a professional Internet Marketing consultant working from multiple locations around the world. He is dedicated to help to grow small and medium sized businesses by offering a variaty of Internet Marketing tools! He is the owner of LotCon. ("LotCon" comes from Lotgering Consultancy). LotCon is registered in the Netherlands, soon also in Brazil). For more products suitable for "YOUR" business please go to: LotCon Biz Solutions Blog
If you have been reading the news lately and picking up on all the commotion around hack attacks on some of the big guns like Google, Yahoo and Adobe you may be experiencing a twinge of anxiety over the security for your own business. You may have believed your network was invincible so this news could leave you feeling shaky. You have good reason to feel this way - according to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald the number of hackers tampering with private financial information belonging to Australian business is on the rise. Obviously using the internet and intranet for business has become a viable solution to accomplishing company objectives, but on the downside the criminal faction sees just as much opportunity.
Australia is a Frequent Target for Cyber Crime
Symantec, a data security firm reported that Australian and New Zealand businesses suffer 75% more security breaches than the global average with 89% of the companies polled in the last 12 months admitting at least one intrusion. Hackers are not necessarily going after the major companies where they can make off with large sums of money. Like any other thief, they go where the risk is low and they can get in and out of a system quickly and without detection. The fact is you don't have to be at any particular level of business profitability to be targeted. Smaller companies tend to use less comprehensive IT security making them more susceptible. In general, hackers are interested in easy money.
Google and Other Large Corporations are Not Exempt
The threat does not always revolve around banking information or sensitive intellectual property. As Google discovered in December 2009, issues such as human rights are at stake in cyber attacks. The advertising and search giant was appalled that a highly organized effort dubbed "Aurora" was being made to hack into the Gmail accounts of Chinese human right activists. They managed to infiltrate only two accounts and were not able to see the account holders' actual correspondence. The action put Google in the position where it felt it necessary to warn the Chinese human rights community of the attack and to prepare to withdraw business ties with China. Officials at Google did not directly accuse the Chinese government of being the perpetrators but they decided to review doing business with the country based its attempts to limit free speech on the internet. Google stated concern for the safety of the Chinese citizens and the potential for them to be interrogated and imprisoned.
There were at least 20 other large internet, media, finance and technology companies included in the attack: Yahoo, Adobe, Symantec, Dow Chemical and Northrop Grumman to name a few. It was accomplished through a technique called "spear phishing." This resembles an attack against 100 IT companies in July 2009 where company employees were targeted with infected email attachments.
Small and Midsize Businesses have Minimal Defense
Most businesses are totally defenseless against these sophisticated attacks. They use instant messages and emails that seem innocent at first because the senders appear to be friends and trusted colleagues. The messages are fine-tuned to evade the anti-virus programs designed for these applications. Evidently the best practices for IT security that have successfully held attackers at bay for many years are no longer sufficient. There is an innovative caliber of attacks circulating around the globe using custom malware written specifically for individual companies. The hackers don't seem to mind if it takes longer to get around the antivirus software in use by the large corporations. They continue painstakingly to tweak their malware until it is effective. Smaller companies that don't have the budget for a large scale security have not stood a chance. The hackers have the ability to commandeer only one employee's laptop and make it a gateway for total administrative access to the company's entire network.
The security firm, iSec Partners that investigated the attack on Google and ensuing corporations recommend we make fundamental changes to the way we protect our networks. They say we have simply not been prepared for the level of sophistication demonstrated by the new cyber criminals.
Hacker Stories in the Australian News
Internet news sites report the direct effects of cyber hacking on Australia. Today Online posted a news article about a hacker called "Ghostbuster" that has been targeting Melbourne businesses as a response to violence against Indians. The person behind the attacks has been sending threatening emails stating Australian servers will be hacked until racism against Indian nationals is ended. The action came in the wake of the murder of a 21-year-old Punjabi student in January 2010. Several Melbourne businesses were victimized when their entire networks were thrown into chaos.
In the technology section of The Age is a report describing the effects on government websites by hackers associated with the group "Anonymous", known for its attacks on Scientology. This is the same group that temporarily blasted pornography across Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's website. On the morning of February 10, 2010 a number of government sites were down. The attack was in opposition to the government's plans for internet censorship. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy was not happy with the fact that Australian citizens could not obtain needed services online and felt it was irresponsible on the part of the hackers.
In the Sydney Morning Herald one journalist mentions the statistics that there are now more mobile devices in the country than Australians. It is not unusual for an individual to own two or three. The rising use of wireless broadband provides accessibility and convenience for subscribers but it also expands the territory for cyber criminals. Currently there are more barriers to cyber hacking wireless devices than terrestrial networks, such as the cost of making a phone call. However with the advances in mobile device technology to the point where it can replace the need for owning a laptop computer the potential for being targeted by hackers exists. The actual devices may be secure but the Wi-Fi network, often free and faster for users in public places is a temptation for cyber criminals. You may believe you have connected to a site operated by an airport, hotel or coffee shop, but there is no way of knowing for sure who controls the IP address that now has access to everything in your computer or mobile device. It is not that difficult for hackers to present a fake website you feel you can trust that they can use to steal from your network at any time in the future.
Millions of dollars are stolen everyday from individuals and businesses that use the internet. We are warned frequently about viruses, worms and phishing scam but somehow we get caught anyway. The situation is getting worse as hackers become better adept at breaking down the unique systems designed to keep them out. If you are still experiencing discomfort about the vulnerability of your network it will pay off to attend to your gut feeling.
Adam Rippon is the owner of Sydney Technology Solutions, Australia's leader in managed IT solutions for small and midsize businesses.
Most social networkers are familiar with the format of Facebook and MySpace, but Google+ has a brand new look with entirely new features. Since its member base is increasing day by day, it is necessary for parents to familiarize themselves with the interface. The most distinguishing thing about Google+ is its registration process. Currently users cannot open an account unless they have been invited. This invitation must come from a registered member and a new account can only be created upon acceptance. This is beneficial in that your teen will probably only get invites from one of her friends, not from strangers who wish to add her online.
The layout of Google+ is centered on five main features: circles, hangouts, instant upload, sparks and huddle. Circles is essentially a creative way to set up privacy settings, the user can choose to place different people in different circles and share specific information with each. If the user wants to share Christmas photographs with Grandma and party pictures with friends, he or she can do so conveniently. Hangouts let specific people, or entire circles, know that you are "hanging out" and are free to chat-face to face or through messaging. Instant upload allows pictures and videos to be shared directly from your phone to avoid the traditionally lengthy process of uploading. Sparks is, in my opinion, the most innovative feature of all. Once a user tells sparks what he or she is interested in, whether it be fashion or sports or music, the feature provides them with articles or videos that pertain to their hobbies. The last feature offered, Huddle, is particularly applicable to social butterflies. This feature enables you to enter group chat via Google+ on your phone, making it significantly easier to make plans with a large group.
If you wish to learn more about Google+ and its features, the interactive tutorial offered by Google is highly informative. It's critical to keep up with technology, especially those that your teens are using. As Google+ becomes the next big thing, keep your teen safe and informed about its use.
A few weeks back I voiced my reaction to Google+: Meh.? A commenter wrote that with 10 million users, it was very successful.? Yet I was looped into Google+ simply because I have a Gmail account and people were adding me to their circles.? That made me one of those 10 million even though I didn’t actually volunteer to try it out.
I am not yet convinced that Google+ is necessary to replace Facebook (Google has a history of copycat products – Google+ is Facebook, Google Buzz is Twitter, Orkut is Match.com or something, Google Wave is … something to do with email).? Still, I grant that there are a number of people out there who like the flexibility of Google+ and it allows you to do stuff that Facebook doesn’t.
I came across this video yesterday on Break.com that explains what Google+ is all about.? After watching this video, now I am more convinced to give it a try.
I didn’t say I would give it a try, only that I am more convinced to do it.? My convince rate is still less than 50%.
“What is this Google Plus?” Song
