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As corporations find new uses for mobile computing platforms, it is important to remember lessons learned years ago when personal computers were first being issued as productivity aides. Providing guidance on what to do and not to do with the loaned equipment was a necessary step, do not turn off the anti-virus software, do use a strong password, be careful what you put into an email and who you send it to, and so forth.
The analog to authorized use is unauthorized use, corporate council can provide information on any liability associated with employee inappropriate use of a system owned by a firm and used primarily for business purposes. Review of the entire guideline by corporate counsel is a good idea.
Firms should give serious thought to any sensitive information to be involved in authorized use, the security of apps is an open issue and the risks to sensitive data should be carefully considered. The whole issue of configuration management of mobile devices is wide open, as apps are inexpensive and easily available, employees provided with a device for one purpose may consider the device to be personal property and use it as such.
Abuse of capabilities is also wide open, as use is in such an early stage of evolution, monitoring use is an important issue to gain understanding of typical user behavior and changes in that behavior. For example, social networks present challenges and opportunities that are not necessarily well understood and should be expected to change with unpredictable consequences. It wasn't that long ago that Instant Messenger raised concerns for the security Team, Twitter is a whole new world of ulcer generating concerns.
Financial apps that enable mobile banking and brokerage services present capabilities that have to generate real concerns, the lack of authentication and the resulting anonymous user creates a world without accountability, surely not a good thing.
Another early lesson worth remembering was that issuing a tome and expecting employees to heed it is a very naive expectation, the guideline should be brief and easy to understand, anything more needs other approaches to training and awareness.
As mobile computing creates an exciting new world with fantastic potential, there is a temptation to reject "the old ways of doing things", as great as that temptation may be avoiding it is essential. Lessons learned through previous hard knocks should be revisited and applied to this new paradigm.
We understand that you love your life in the web world, after all we all do. But have you ever imagined how will it feel if one morning you discover that all your e-mails, document files, data, everything is simply erased from your computer and simply don't have any wildest clue as to what might have happened? Welcome to the world of Internet hacking, where things happen beyond your wildest imaginations. So what do you do? Pack your PC and put in it a safe tucked in some cupboard. Well that won't serve your purpose.
We have better solutions for you. And we call it network security. But as they say prevention is better than cure, let us first understand the various types of network security risk that can harm our computers.
Hacking by far remains the biggest security risk to all Internet users throughout the world. By hacking your computer the hacker gains unauthorized control over all your data, information and files. He can then prevent you from having a normal use of the computer facilities; in the worst case he can redirect your mail and messages to unauthorized locations.
The next type of treat that also ranks very high in the network security arena is called attack by Virus. The virus is nothing but software that can visit your computer traveling on a email attachment, files, infested disc and so on. They get their name from human virus and for their unique quality to multiply within minutes after they are set free from their source of origin. Their functions mainly comprises of damaging the other software's in the computer, deleting files and snooping into your private information.
Port scanning - as the name suggest the port of a computer terminal is the place from where information enters and leave the network. If the port is not properly secured then the danger of the computer becoming vulnerable to the hackers target is very high.
Lapses in security also happen when a company fails to upgrade its entire computer and all their settings to a particular standard. Every computer when it comes into the company hands some default settings. If that is not properly cheeked then chances are high that the hackers can use these soft spots to hack into company network and gain access to useful information. Last but not the least using a centralized server to cut cost can make a company pay heavily. if a centralized server is by any means hacked by any person then the entire network system of accompany can fail terribly.
So if you want to avoid these funny tricks happening to your computer then the catch word is caution, be cautious about every email you open or any file that you download. Keep yourself updated with network security related issues and use a good anti virus to stop the spread of harmful Worms in your beautiful virtual world.
Data theft from computers and laptops is a growing menace. The data stored in your laptop, more often than not contains some amount of confidential information. This could be classified information about your company's latest business strategy or even your bank account details - data that you certainly want to keep away from falling into the wrong hands. You can follow some simple measures to minimize the threat of a data theft from your laptop.
Data thefts often happen online and it is in your best interest to use a safe browser. For example, Mozilla Firefox is a robust browser that offers better protection against spyware than other browsers.
Whenever you are connected to a network of any kind, make sure you always keep the Firewall in active mode. If you've turned off the Firewall, open ports can allow some applications to connect to your laptop, exposing your data.
No matter how confident you are about your password strength, always encrypt your files and folders. This reduces the risk of someone accessing your confidential files by loading your hard disk into another computer. Nevertheless, always use complicated passwords that cannot be easily cracked.
Another way to protect your data is to lock your operating system against all unnecessary services. This would also mean putting a stop to all unneeded update installations. But, always keep the automatic updates option of your anti-virus enabled and make sure these are checked for and installed every 24 hours to protect your system from new threats.
If you work on a network in office, ensure that you have some wireless security measure in place. Lack of wireless encryption can expose you to data security threats. You can also consider installing Virtual PC and test all applications on it before you run them on your laptop. If you are not sure about the safety of a particular website, you can use Virtual PC to browse it.
You should try and use the latest operating system for better security. Using Ubuntu Linux is a good option if you are acquainted with this OS; it is available for free, installs easily and offers better protection than Windows.
Never leave your laptop unattended and if you do, make sure to lock it. If you are working on your laptop and you come across an unknown computer to computer network, do not connect to it. In addition, if convenient, you should also use a screen guard when you are working in a public place. This will prevent people from peeking into your screen.
Some users also have the habit of carrying password and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) in their laptop bags; this is never a good practice. Even a casual check through your unattended bag can cause your valuable data to leak within minutes.
Listing your laptop with one of the various laptop recovery services is always a good idea. In case your laptop is stolen and the thief uses it to go online, the software will trace its location.
Follow these simple tips and work safely on your laptop, and you will be protected against most laptop and data security threats.
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Over the last 10 years more and more people had to make sure that their home computer was safe to use and secure to prevent any major problems. As more and more people are connected to the internet the need of having home computer security increases. However, this risk can be minimized if you have the right tools and the right planning to ensure your computer runs smoothly. This article will explore how you can prevent your personal computer from having any problems and the best ways to prevent those problems.
One of the major security issues that we are faced with to do with our computer is confidentiality. For example, there are several things people do when they are online - online banking, communicate with people through instant messaging, email and through social networks. The more we are in contact with different people on the internet the more the risk of being faced with danger. Therefore, it is important to protect your confidentiality online through installing software and firewalls so that other people cannot get hold of your data.
More and more marketing companies are "spamming" users with their special offers by tracking people's cookies on their personal computer. To ensure you do not have problems like these it is important to delete all of your cookies whenever you have finished using the internet. In addition, when you buy online with your credit card make sure you write down the order number at the time of the order because confidentiality is important and you would not like to have your credit card details or personal details in the hands of third parties or unknown people.
Another area that is of concern for your computer is authentication. This is when someone pretends to be someone else on the internet. For example, there have been recent emails by scam Lottery companies who promise you that you have made $1 million or "Nigerian" scam emails who ask you to deposit money in their bank account. All of these types of examples are the general problems people are faced with on the internet. Therefore, to protect yourself from these kind of problems always make sure you report them to your ISP.
Finally, always make sure whenever you open documents or receive information through email, run your Anti-Virus software to minimize the risks of viruses. More and more people are faced with computer hackers who manage to send people viruses through emails. The best way to prevent these problems is to ensure you have the most up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your system.
Always stay safe on the Internet as the risk of problems increase everyday unless you are fully prepared. Only you can prevent home computer security breaches.
Michael W Anderson owns and operates http://www.personalsecurityinfo.com - Personal Security Devices For detailed information on ways to protect yourself and your family visit our website.
Recent newsmaker stories regarding Microsoft Windows security highlighted the recurring theme that there are "care and feeding" issues related to using computers in the dynamic, connected world of the Internet. Just days ago this month, computer users of home PCs, businesses, and mobile laptop users were affected. In this case, the issue was an animated cursor (typically, an ".ANI" file) exploit, which abused a Windows feature, and therefore created the issue.
The impact potential was high; if attacked, most recent versions of Windows (2000, XP, 2003, Vista) permitted the bug to engage "Remote Code Installation and Execution" without the user's knowledge. Under the right conditions, simply viewing a baited web page could set into motion the steps to infect the host PC with progressively damaging malfunctioning software (malware). The malware could take many forms, in a stealth-like fashion, with users unable to detect anything unusual, which makes this particular infection damaging to Internet coupled PCs. At worst, potentially your PC could automatically join a network of remotely controlled "zombie" computers, ready to perform additional malicious tasks to the connected world under remote direction. PCs left powered on for long periods unattended or in "screen saver" mode could do lots of downstream damage, switching to a more subdued, "light-impact" mode when the unsuspecting user returned to the PC.
This particular exploit was notable, in that a variant was apparently identified and patched in 2005, with a second form of the exploit surfacing in December 2006. Further, the typical practice of using firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus applications would not have prevented infection, leaving many users with a false sense of security, so to speak. Reportedly, the exploit could happen whether you used Firefox or something other than Internet Explorer 7 under Windows Vista (in protected mode) to browse the web (though Vista was not totally immune).
The good news- there have been several patch updates from Microsoft to correct this condition on the windows update website. This real-life technology drama may illuminate a thought in your own situation. Is now maybe a good time to review my own procedure for ensuring a secured and sound computing environment in my company? Could be; Array Systems suggests the following basic operational components be included in a security review:
Anti-Virus.
Make sure you have recent versions and current definition (signature) updates. There are license fees/renewals with most products, which should be maintained or checked.
Anti-Spyware.
Similar to Anti-Virus in function- ensure updates and versions are current for this tool to be effective. This can be part of a suite of defense products, all with the intent of providing added protection.
Microsoft Update.
A free Microsoft web service that provides direct and concise access to software updates for Microsoft products (Windows, Office, etc.) You can set manual or automated updates, but you should understand the ramifications of each method.
Firewall.
Hardware firewall devices are preferred, as some software based firewall/Internet security products can be ineffective for certain environments.
Gateway/Content Filter.
Hardware and software based devices which can provide active protection between internal users and the Internet, and also manage wireless, PDA/mobile users, remote access, etc.
In addition, there are behavioral (human factors) components that should be part of the security review, which do not involve hardware or software. For example, antivirus experts have noted that perhaps 35-40% of virus definition/signatures are unavailable on average, due to delays in developing remedies or in detecting new malware exploits. Therefore, the habits and interaction patterns of users become a vital part of a security protection strategy, which might include:
Email.
Don't open attachments, or click on hyperlinks unless you are sure of the content. This is similar for web links embedded in email messages, and is independent of whether full-client applications or web-based browsers are used. Consider when to use email, or revise company policy to standardize its use.
Web browsing.
Stay away from unknown websites. Websites are now the most common source of PC infection. (Even the official NFL SuperBowl website got infected most recently). Spear phishing is particularly harmful in that it targets truly authentic looking, legitimate websites, using well written grammar and customer data, to lure the user viewing the website into infection.
Passwords.
Maintain established complexity and change frequencies suitable for your environment. Like keys to locks, passwords are the primary mechanisms for controlling access to networked computers.
Remote access.
Consider the method and management of outside access to company infrastructure. Who is permitted, how, and using what devices may be a part of the design.
Data management.
Similar to remote access, consider the data involved. Allow only authenticated access to critical information, and actively manage where and how information is used if on portable devices or outside systems. Is internal business data stored permanently on portable devices? Are portable devices/laptops protected?
Security issues related to Windows fall under many names (beyond malware), which specifically equate to hardware, software, network and user components too numerous (and specialized) to adequately address in this article. Terms such as IDS (intrusion detection), port attacks, Phishing/Spear phishing, Root kits, Social Engineering, Spam, Spyware, Trojans, Virus, etc. are but a brief sample list of keywords found on popular web searches. Each has deeper meaning and implications that can fill entire articles in themselves. Awareness, understanding, acceptance, and change start the steps toward action in the highly interconnected world of present day secured computing. The fluid, interactive nature of the Internet will require a progressive response to maintain a trouble-free web experience.
Got a question? Need Help?
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Sid Kato is the president of Array Systems Inc. and author of the Daily Breeze "computer-wise" column. Array Systems is an IT Outsourcing and Computer Network Support company that aims to help small businesses throughout the greater Los Angeles area with all of their technology demands. In business for over 16 years, Sid knows where the pitfalls are.
With the number of computers in households increasing at an impressive rate, the need for computer security products on a home computer is at an all time high. Most people store vulnerable information on their computers, such as bank account numbers, tax documents or credit card information, which makes their computer very tempting for a hacker to attack. There are several different options in place for the consumer to set up on their home computer to keep their private information safe.
The first thing any home computer user should have set up on their system is a solid and up-to-date virus detection program. Viruses are a very common way for hackers to either install dangerous programs on your computer or to steal your personal information. They can get on your computer through infected files, disks, emails or even by infected websites. Anti-virus software is the only way to routinely fight off the risk of a computer virus, and they also run regular checks to make sure that your computer is not already corrupted. As a reminder, these software packages must be updated on your computer system as newer versions are released.
In addition, a home computer should have an adequate firewall installed. A firewall acts like a guard between your computer and other networks. It is set up to block certain applications from other networks that try to enter your system. This security feature can really prevent hackers from being able to gain access to your home computer.
One final step to protecting a home computer is to make sure that you set up strong passwords. The stronger the password, the less likely a hacker will be able to figure it out. Some indications for a strong password would be one that mixes numbers, letters and characters. It is also a good idea not to use the same password for everything, so that if one password gets detected, the hacker would not have access to other accounts. Not only should personal accounts be password protected, but also a wireless network should have a strong password to dissuade outside users from logging into your network illegally.
Taking these few recommendations will make your computer safer from attacks and hackers. With all of the various options for ensuring computer security products available, a home computer can be a safe place to store personal information.
James tells it like it is, good, bad or indifferent. Visit his latest website at http://www.computersecurityinfosite.com/ and learn more about Computer Security Products
While finishing dinner a friend of mine heard her 12-year old son's express this while he was completing homework for tomorrow. She thought he said 'there is a fly on my desktop' and politely told him 'tell your father and he will fix it'. Of course he knew that dad doesn't touch computers and said ' but mom it's a spy, not a fly'. That's when I got the phone call - she lives right around the corner in the city of Richardson Texas - about what to do, did you check your virus/spyware software - 'it only fixes viruses, not anything else and what is spyware anyway? That is when the phone call got a little bit longer than expected. Most parents have the notion that if there are no viruses everything is smooth sailing, they have done their part for kids and family internet security. But there are more things than viruses, browser hijack objects, rootkits, malware and spyware to constantly attack every computer in our homes today. The list I just mentioned is not complete in the tools of attack that hackers use to disable or destroy desktops all over the world. And if you don't have the preventative software installed then your kids and family internet security for your home computers are at risk from attack or being used to attack other computers.
Desktop computer security in America's homes has become a high priority for the guys who fight the good fight and keep hackers off your home computer. Every time a home is the victim of desktop computer security attacks it can be used to attack other networks or take control of larger networks. Computer information security has hackers drooling at the possibilities of massive identity theft and unwitting home users are already the next big target. As a reminder hackers use malware, software that does not aid the computer's operating system, and may even harm it, and so is purely parasitic.
The defense against the hackers is increasing and that is why some software makers are including anti-spyware, anti-malware, anti-virus, and firewall packages to protect computers. It's like having a moat around your computer with a few knights of the CPU protecting the tower.
Now our list of components your antivirus software should have: 1. Anti-spyware 2. Anti-spam 3. Antivirus 4. Firewall 5. Anti-malware
Software with the above components should also have a scheduled computer security scan so that it won't just sit on your computer taking up space. There should be active scans for all kinds of bad bugs on a regular basis to insure computer information security. Hackers regularly scan computers all over for a weakness or opening and you need a computer security scan looking for those wholes in your system to fend them off when they come knocking on your computer's digital door. Don't let your child announce to you that there is a spy on their desktop, get the right software to protect them and your critical information.
For your kids and family internet security software that has these features 'included' will not only give you the best bang for your buck, it will place a digital moat between your computers and the ever increasing bag of tricks that hackers seem to enjoy creating.
Daviyd Peterson: 12-year consultant, instructor, trainer of digital divide solutions for home and business. Helps African American and minority homeschools bridge the digital divide by becoming computer homeschools. Supporting homeschool moms and dads with resources to provide income for their homeschool...
