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One issue you have to address if you choose to install a wireless system in your home is that of security. You want to make at least some effort to make it harder for others to access your computer network, especially those who may want to attack your computer or steal your personal information. You can reduce these risks if you use the available security features that are built into a typical wireless system.
Performing any of the following steps will help you maintain your privacy when using a wireless network, and performing all of the steps will help even more.
* Change the router's user name and password: Use something other than the default user name and password in order to make it harder for a hacker to access your system.
* Control access with a user name and password: Most wireless routers have a mechanism called identifier broadcasting. It sends out a service set identifier (SSID) signal or an extended service set identifier (ESSID) signal to any device in the vicinity announcing its presence. Change the default user name to a unique user name. For added protection, set it up to require a password for access.
* Turn off identifier broadcasting: Hackers near your home can use identifier broadcasting to locate unprotected wireless networks. Disable this mechanism if your wireless router allows it.
* Turn off wireless network when not in use: If you will not be using your wireless network for an extended period of time, turn it off or disconnect it. Hackers are unable to gain unauthorized wireless access to your computers if the wireless network is not operating.
* Use encryption: The most effective way to secure your wireless network from intruders is to encrypt, or scramble, communications over the network. Typically, the default setting is to have this system turned off. Follow the directions included with your wireless router, or the product support information on the manufacturer's web site, to turn on encryption. Turning on encryption will allow access only to users with the proper user names and passwords. If your wireless router doesn't have an encryption feature, consider getting one that does. Two main types of encryption are available: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and the more secure Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). Your computer, router, and other equipment must use the same encryption.
* Be careful away from home: If you are accessing the Internet through a public hot spot, do not use this connection for anything involving sensitive private information.
Depending on your system, you may not be able to adjust all of your router's settings. You may want to review your router's documentation or your ISP for additional information on securing your wireless system.
Other Resources
The book Parenting and the Internet (Speedbrake Publishing, 2007) by Todd Curtis has more detailed suggestions about setting up your home computer system, with additional advice on how to set up your browser and operating system to enhance your online security. Visit http://speedbrake.com for more information about the book.
About the Author: Dr. Todd Curtis is the creator of the web's most popular airline safety site AirSafe.com (http://www.airsafe.com), the director of the AirSafe.com Foundation, and an expert in the areas of engineering risk assessment and risk management. He has applied those basic principles to the problem of managing Internet use, and has put many of those insights and lessons learned into his book Parenting and the Internet (Speedbrake Publishing, 2007), an easy to understand how-to guide that parents can use to manage the activities of their online children. For more information about the book and how it can help you, visit http://books.speedbrake.com
In this age of modern technology if there is one thing that makes most of the things that we see around us is being by a computer. Even ordinary folks had finally gotten themselves into the mainstream of Internet users since most of the communications are being done through this magnificent piece of invention that man has ever contributed to its society.
However, along with all the good amenities as well as the advantages that it can provide to its users, there are those whose sole intention is to take advantage of those who may have certain limitations when it comes to knowing the technical aspects of this tool of communication. Thus, you will find out that there will be times that your account has been tampered with or may have been hijacked by certain individuals which have the advance knowledge on how to do such things.
You may think that such things cannot be prevented and there is no way that you will be able to use the net without having your own kind of privacy since the internet or most of it belongs to the public. There is actually a way, that is aside from those anti-viruses or malware software that you can download freely on the web.
Virtual Private Network or VPN is one of the best ways that could guarantee your total online security and protection. If you have been yearning for a way where you will be able to surf the internet worry free, a VPN service provider can provide such online services for you. If you don't have any idea as to how these kind of online services actually work, you will find several VPN review sites wherein you might be able to get valuable and helpful information that will open your eyes to the wondrous opportunities that this online service has to offer.
The right kind of VPN service provider will be able to hide your real IP address as well as hide your current location which will be quite impossible to trace or track you down.
This is the only way that you will be able to get the kind of online privacy that you need, most importantly this is not as costly as you may think it is. There are good providers that you can find on the web today that are way affordable and at the same time could provide you total online security and protection for an entire year.
Hence, why not make your surfing and browsing of the web worry free and try out a VPN service provider as your computer's primary online protection.
Kiff Zee De Paz is a proud contributing author who writes articles on several subjects including VPN and Technology. You can read more of the articles and learn about best VPN services when you visit http://www.vpnreviewz.com/best-vpn-service-providers/.
Network administrators are surrounded today with a growing list of security risks and analysts are faced with not just one crisis but more while accessing servers. Dealing with such security risks is an overwhelming job and everyday, as these risks multiply, they are affecting more and more corporate lives.
Cyber security still has to keep worms, Trojans and viruses at bay, provided by many hackers and cyber criminals over the years. Despite the threat of cyber-terrorism, employers, as well as employees who use instant messengers and those who download featured movies and other applications increase their risk of being attacked by viruses.
Here is the list of the risk factors involved which the network security company should guard themselves against:
· Email attachments- when employees open attachments, especially unknown ones, they allow a worm or a virus to enter the corporate network. The latest worms can make their way into the system even without clicking a link to them.
· Blended attacks- viruses and worms are becoming more and more complicated and a single virus or worm can attack more than one platform.
· Downloading from websites- the employees frequently misuse the network access at their work place by downloading too many things like games, movies, music, etc. It creates a platform for the viruses to attack and they can use up most of the bandwidth.
· By renaming documents-when an employee saves critical business information under a different file name, the monitoring software that regularly checks the emails leaving the company might fail to recognize the saved information under the different name.
· Music and video browsers- these are browsers that automatically connect the user with the related websites without the user's permission. If a music browser knows a user's interest, it can automatically connect the user to the related sites and execute the applications that could put the networks at risk and potentially use a huge portion of the bandwidth.
There are other network security risks that can cause disastrous effects to the server and automatically damage a huge amount of online corporate functionalities. To prevent these damages, the employees and the employers need to avoid all of the risks associated with network security. The network security company, with the use of intrusion detection system (IDS) and intrusion prevention system (IPS) can ensure an effective network security for your organization so that you can perform effectively and safely.
Network security companies have a large number of dedicated security teams that can effectively install next generation firewalls that can protect your server from hackers and cyber criminals. Moreover, with the help of the expanded firewall protection, the server can then create a good network administration. To find the best network security company, you could search online for the one that best suits your needs and requirements.
Get 100% guaranteed network security with best software firewall, network Intrusion detection system, next generation firewall and Intrusion prevention system.
Computer forensics is a field in demand. Computers have become valuable targets of theft. The information they contain can be stolen or altered for malicious purposes. The need for trained professionals in this field has never been greater.
In law enforcement, computer forensics professionals may work for local police departments, state police departments, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They may go to the scene of incidents, gather evidence, investigate the evidence, and write reports. They may also provide testimony for criminal cases in court. Individuals who specialize in the forensic study of computers may also be called "cyber investigators", "cyber cops", or "digital detectives".
Computer forensics experts investigate crimes such as identity theft, credit card fraud, intellectual property theft, threats/harassment, pedophilia, and unauthorized computer system intrusion. These computer crimes or "cyber crimes" constitute a significant risk to individuals, companies, and governments. Cyber crimes result in tens of millions of dollars of dollars in losses each year.
Computer forensics examiners need a wide range of technical skills and knowledge. They must have expertise in network security, protocols, software, computer file formats, routing, cryptology, reverse software engineering, password cracking, and diagnostic techniques. In addition to technical skills, professionals in this field must have good oral and written communication skills, understand and comply with investigation procedures, work under tight deadlines, have problem solving abilities and be creative and persistent in the pursuit of evidence.
Experts in this field may also be involved in crimes that were not directly committed via computer. There may be information stored on a computer or storage device that is important for the case. For example, e-mail evidence can be used in cases against robbery and homicide suspects. Computer forensics experts are needed in these cases, as there are very specific procedures that must be followed for digital information to be presented as valid evidence.
The forensic study of computers can be an interesting, rewarding career. Learn more about this field and computer forensics certification at http://www.computerforensicscertification.net.
Computer security is something you should not take for granted. This is especially true if you care about your job and deadlines that involve the use of computer. In this article, we will talk about malicious software (malware) and how they can infect your computer.
The most common ways of how a form of malware infects your computer are the following:
- Through opening attachments which have malware in them.
- By downloading files online.
- By visiting or exploring a malicious website.
Having enumerated these things, it is hence important to always be cautious when using your computer as well as the internet. Be constantly reminded that you can't trust any message sent to you and that there's always a possibility of them carrying some viruses or worms. Of course, this possibility increases when you receive a message from someone you don't even know.
Another thing you should remember is that not everything that says "free" is actually free. Sometimes, they come with malicious programs that infect your system and gather confidential information not meant for sharing such as email addresses found in your accounts. When this happens, your computer becomes even more prone to getting new infections as you may start receiving emails from people you're "supposed" to know but actually don't. These mails come in the guise of being useful or official such as security updates. They may contain innocent-looking links that put your computer security in a higher risk.
Another common way of getting a virus is from downloading from the internet. Sites which offer free downloads like music files, pornography, and screen savers are likely to abound with malicious software. The online scoundrels find these sites very convenient to put viruses in as they provide the easiest route into other people's systems.
The third most common way that your computer can get virus infection is by simply exploring websites setup to bait internet users. These websites may appear normal but they are actually a decoy for visitors to (unknowingly) download malicious software. Whether you click "OK," "Cancel," or "Exit," it will automatically start downloading. Among all browsers, it is said that Internet Explorer is the most prone to activities like this.
Now, since malware is rampant and they can be pretty tricky most times, it is very important that you know how to protect yourself from them. While there may be no foolproof way to get rid or prevent them, there are some things that can significantly help to heighten the security of your computer system. For one, you can install software that will help you scan for viruses or spyware. You may also want to learn about virtual private network (VPN) which can help protect your computer from many harmful software out there in the web.
Remember, computer security is very important. If you don't put premium on it, you are likely to suffer a bigger problem in the future. Think of identity theft and fraud. These are just two of the ugly things you can fall a victim to. Hence, beware!
Expert Michael Maxstead maintains several websites about VPN and Security technologies. By visiting his website VPNreviewz.com you can learn about astrill VPN and vyprvpn.
The importance of computer security is an issue that many people tend to ignore. But this should not be so. If you neglect maintaining your computer's protection, the very least thing that can happen to you is having your computer rendered useless because of the spyware and malware bogging your system. At the very worst, you may see your finances and your life ruined by identity theft.
We all know the old adage: "An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure." If you want to save money on possible computer repairs for data loss because of malicious code, or if you want to save yourself from the tragedy of identity theft, you will take the matter of computer security very seriously. It is not that difficult to keep your machine protected. All you need to do is to install the three pieces of software listed below.
1. Anti-virus software. As its name suggests, anti-virus software will keep viruses, computer worms and Trojans away from your computer. It is supposed to scan your files or anything being downloaded into your computer for any malicious code in real time. You can also use it to deep-scan your computer for any virus hidden in your computer system.
It is always suggested that you use professional-grade anti-virus software. Norton AntiVirus, McAfee VirusScan and Trend Micro are just some of the professional-grade anti-virus software that you can buy. However, if you cannot afford to buy software, you can always download reputable freeware like Avast or AVG.
2. Firewall. Another piece of protective software that you should have to ensure your computer security is a firewall. A firewall is supposed to limit access to your computer using a network or through the Internet. Ideally, outgoing information from your computer will be encrypted for your safety. In the same light, only safe data or data that you permit will be allowed into your system.
Windows users will have Windows Defender as their built-in firewall. It needs to be updated regularly using the Windows Update service. But you can buy a third-party firewall if you want more protection. If you are the administrator of a network, you can also install hardware to augment your firewall.
3. Spyware scanner. The last piece of essential software that you should have is a spyware scanner. When we surf the Internet, we sometimes visit websites that are not as straightforward and trustworthy as we want them to be. A spyware scanner will block any malware or spyware that will try to wriggle its way into your computer through the Internet.
The Internet can be a scary place. If you do not exercise caution in implementing your computer security, you run the risk of destroying your computer with malware eroding your system. Data loss can be undone by a successful attempt at data retrieval, but it can be very costly. Nonetheless, this cost is nothing if you become a victim of identity theft and you lose all your money.
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This year marks the 31th anniversary of the first mobile phone in Australia. Ten years later, in the Swiss headquarters of CERN, the Computer Scientist Tim Berners Lee created the World Wide Web.
Despite the relative 'youth' of these technologies, it is hard to imagine a world without them. They are fundamental. They have changed the way we interact forever. They have changed the way we communicate, the way we work and the way we relax.
As always, there is a price to pay for such a rapid change and development in technology. As a society, we have left gaping holes in security and privacy as we march on, ever modernising and digitising. These effects are so far reaching that they concern the security of nations, the integrity of corporations and the privacy of individuals. Yet are scientists and engineers to blame? When have we ever stopped and considered the privacy and security implications of the technology we develop?
In 2010 Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's atomic energy agency, announced that completion of Bushehr (Iran's first Nuclear power plant) would be delayed a further 3 months. They denied any connection to 'stuxnet'.
Stuxnet, a computer worm, has been described by the Internet security firm Semantic as "the most complex threat they have ever analysed". Described as a master of stealth, stuxnet transmitted itself to over 45,000 devices; of which 60% were in Iran. Ordinary computer users would not have noticed a change; for there was nothing to notice. It was designed to install itself on a USB flash drive, and hide. It then waited for the right set of conditions to occur.
Those conditions are unique to specific Siemens machines called SCADA systems. These are high end machines that run and monitor systems such as manufacturing plants, water treatment facilities, civil defence systems and... power plants around the world. Even the smallest security breach to one of these systems could wreck havoc on society - power plants would halt, water treatment systems would stop, traffic control systems would crumble.
The elegance of stuxnet was the target computer didn't need to be connected to the Internet at all - all it needed was an infected USB to be inserted into one of these high-end SCADA systems.
Stuxnet was not looking for just any SCADA system, but rather it had targets. Curiously the only SCADA systems believed to be affected by the worm were those involved in the Iranian nuclear program. It is believed that stuxnet was the product of a state-backed attack to delay Iran's nuclear ambitions. Politically motivated, no doubt; but stuxnet serves to highlight an important point - technology is now a weapon, and security our only defence.
In a world of increasing technology and connectedness, it is near impossible to keep any system isolated. Traffic systems, airports, power plants... all are susceptible to similar attacks. Our society has modernised and interconnected itself so rapidly that scientists and engineers who create the technology have been unable to strike the balance between security and advancement.
Nations are not the only ones affected. In April 2011, the Japanese juggernaut Sony and its PlayStation Network and Qriocity service were crippled by hackers for a cringe-worthy 23 days - an eternity in Internet time. In the process, over 77 million credit cards and other personally identifiable information was stolen.
The examples are plentiful: Britain's National Health Service (hacked), CityGroup network (some 200,000 clients' information stolen), Epsilon database (2500 companies' emailing lists stolen).
Even the Australian government is vulnerable to cyber attack. Despite similar attacks back in 2007, in February of this year the government was stung once again. Up to 10 Federal ministerial computers (including the Prime Minister's) were compromised.
Perhaps the most confronting breaches to our own privacy and security are self-inflicted. The technology that represents the biggest breach of our privacy and security is often the most integral and entrenched... our mobile phones.
Our mobile phones never leave us. They are the last thing we check at night as we go to sleep, and the first when we wake. One smart phone alone has the computing power that was used to send man to the moon. Despite this, society is generally blind to the risks they present; and to the implications this causes.
Ever since GPS chips started appearing in phones there has been a resulting privacy fallout. Apple's latest iPhones come with GPS tracking built-in; should the phone become lost or stolen. However, this service is always on; and because our phones are always with us, it becomes a very simple and covert way to track someone's whereabouts. GPS tracking is a feature, not an oversight. Without much difficulty at all, parents can covertly track their children's whereabouts, wives can check up on their husbands, and bosses can monitor their staff.
Nowadays, when a picture is taken, most GPS-enabled phones will automatically include the location in the photo data. This isn't a problem until the image is widely distributed; and potentially thousands can discover the location it was taken. With services like email, Twitter and Facebook; this is easy. Most will strip out the location data, but many, including email, will not. Technology such as this runs the risk of exposing the locations where photos are taken, with pinpoint accuracy. Often, these are people's homes and workplaces.
Sometimes, the apps are also to blame. Blendr is a mobile dating app with a twist - It shows users how many kilometers they are from each other. Many such users are unaware, but by sampling distances from three different positions and using triangulation, it's possible to compute a person's location, without them explicitly revealing it.
Chinese and US researchers have shown a proof-of-concept Android smart phone application that spies in on users' phone calls, listening for credit card numbers and pins. With the app running in the background, when the user made a call, the app would monitor the microphone for someone speaking or dialing a string of numbers (as in telephone banking) then log the information surreptitiously. It was just an experiment, but startling nonetheless.
The solution is clear... there is no going back. The only solution is to move forward. Society owes a great deal of gratitude to the scientists and engineers who create these immensely powerful technologies, but it does not excuse these professionals from their responsibilities. There is a high risk to our privacy and security today. It is the responsibility of the creators to inform and make society aware of the dangers of these technologies, rather than just providing them.
Whether it's a nation, a corporation or an end user... security is more important than we think. We need to address the issue of privacy and security in the industry, and for scientists and engineers; security and privacy need to be a priority, not an after thought.
Adam Smallhorn is the secretary and a regular contributor for the Young Scientists of Australia, Sydney Chapter. The Young Scientists of Australia (or YSA Sydney) is a volunteer, youth run organisation dedicated to promoting Science to the Youth of Australia. Accepting members from ages 15-25, you can find more information at the website: http://www.ysa.org.au/sydney/
