Posts Tagged ‘Security’
Internet Policy Task Force Makes Recommendations to Deal with Cyber Security Challenges
Information technology (IT) experts have been successful in leveraging Internet technology for diverse uses, revolutionizing the way businesses are run, governments function, and customers transact. However, Internet now stands at cross-roads, with increase in number of security threats. Cyber-attackers are using multifarious ways to infringe Internet infrastructure. According to some estimates quoted by U.S Commerce Secretary, over 45 new viruses, worms, spyware and other types of malicious threats were created every minute during the first quarter of the current year. The consistent and ever evolving threats pose challenge for governments to ensure security for consumers, businesses, military and government bodies. Cyber threats are now more sophisticated, frequent, indiscriminate and target-based.
The Internet Policy Task Force, of the Department of Commerce, United States, has recommended a new framework for addressing Internet security issues. The task force suggests creation of a nationally recognized approach to minimize threats for small businesses, brick and mortar companies, and large organizations that exist on Internet, that have provision for information services, facilitate transactional services over the Internet. The task force has referred to this group as Internet and Information Innovation Sector (I3S).The nationally recognized approach must include development of sector specific, and consensus based code of conduct to safeguard the I3S from varied cyber security threats. The government must encourage industry to develop innovative technology solutions, and promote use of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, and modernize security assurance policies.
The Internet Policy Task Force has advocated the need for creation of a national data breach notification law for appropriate disclosure of security incidents, and encouraging firms to improve security mechanisms. Sharing of information on cyber security incidents is crucial to improve defensive mechanisms. Government may use public policy tools such as liability protection, and insurance models to incentivize and promote best practices among I3S companies. Government must place emphasis on research, and work with industry to devise better cost-benefit analysis for I3S cyber security. Employee awareness is crucial to improve cyber security practices. Governments may asses the current cyber security education efforts, and encourage targeted and customized awareness programs in accordance with industry requirements. Employees may be encouraged to undertake Online computer degree programs to understand and implement best practices in cyber security. The task force emphasizes on encouraging research and development to meet the future demands for effective technological solutions. IT professionals may leverage online technology degree programs to update their technical know-how, and implement better security mechanisms.
Recent security incidents in major corporations have resulted in disclosure of sensitive information related to millions of individuals. Businesses face the challenge of strengthening information infrastructure, and ensuring security of customer and business databases. Vibrant threats have increased demand for cyber security professionals qualified in IT masters degree, computer science degree, computer forensics, network administration, penetration testing, and security threats.
Cybercriminals may conduct attacks from any part of the world. As such, government must coordinate with other countries to share threat information, best practices, and promote shared research and development goals. Government must encourage and develop cyber security standards, which converge with global practices.
Security Researcher Identifies New Cookiejacking Threat
Recently, an Italian security researcher identified vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE), which attackers may exploit to extract sensitive information related to Internet users. Rosario Valotta, identified a new cookiejacking technique, which he used to hijack cookies by bypassing the protection on IE. However, the attack requires user action to be successful. The researcher has termed the cookiejacking technique as an advanced clickjacking approach, which exploits zero day vulnerability. Attackers need to extract victim’s username on Windows, identify the operating system in use. This helps attackers to determine the folders, which store the cookies. Attackers may then use clickjacking technique to place cookie text behind a picture. Again, fraudsters need to target cookie related to the website logged in by the user at the time of the attack. Attackers may exploit the vulnerability on all versions of IE including IE9 on any Windows operating system such as XP, Vista and even Windows 7. In this case, security researcher enticed Facebook users to play a game, which involves clicking, dragging and dropping. When users drag an object in the game to a picture, they inadvertently also send cookies to the fraudsters. Valotta was able to extract cookies of around 80 of his friends on Facebook within three days.
While the attack looks sophisticated, cybercriminals may extract the requisite information through browser exploits, javascript detection tools, and use social engineering techniques to make user perform a specific action. Web browsers use cookies to store site preferences and login credentials. Unwary Internet users often do not clear the cookies on the web browser. Some Internet users also check ‘Remember my password’ option or ‘keep me logged in’ option. Attackers may exploit the popularity of games on social networking sites to trick users into revealing sensitive information, without being aware of the malicious activity. Attackers may also attempt to steal confidential user information related to e-mail accounts, and online banking and shopping sites. Organizations must encourage employees to undertake e-learning and online degree programs on cyber security to avoid falling prey to social engineering attacks directed at stealing privileged business information. Cybercriminals may use the collected information to impersonate a legitimate user, conduct fraudulent transactions, and steal further personally identifiable information. Attackers may also leverage the victim’s user name on Windows to gain remote access to a computer system.
Microsoft has reportedly described the latest security threat as not a high risk threat as successful attack requires high user interaction, visit to a malicious webpage, lured to drag and drop objects, and knowledge of the website, which the user is logged on to. However, security researchers at Trend Micro have argued that attackers may take advantage of negligence, and lack of security awareness among non-technical users to extract sensitive information through social engineering techniques. According to the Internet security firm, they block on an average around 13 million attempts by users to access malicious sites.
Developers must constantly identify the security flaws and initiate remediating measures to prevent their exploitation by attackers. The prevailing IT security scenario requires professionals to constantly enhance their skill sets and awareness through online university degree programs, and security conferences.
Internet users must refrain from clicking on links send by strangers, and be cautious while clicking links on websites. Deleting cookies, avoid clicking on ‘remember my password’ option, clearing browsing history may help protect Internet users from securing sensitive information. Internet users must avoid falling prey to playing enticing games and puzzles. Usually, professionals qualified in masters of security science and IT security certifications identify and warn users on latest security threats. Internet users must follow security blogs and advisories to abreast themselves of latest cyber threats.
The Never Fading Impression on Computer Security Jumps to The Next Level of Demand
It is not at all a new concept to develop on this date about a computer system that holds the key to any online business and service what so ever after making the same stand tall on the World Wide Web platform. But there appears a sticky truth about the safety and protection that authentically holds an upper hand for any proper functioning of a computer application at any point of clock pulse. The demand to cover the concept of computer security can never fade with time nor will ever be wiped off in any tide especially when the advent of the Internet has left no ground for any ignorance or negligence towards the same.
There always lay some definite master computer security programming codes to act as a backup if at all some unexpected and undesired malfunctioning in the application appears inside the system. So the developers as well as the programmers are putting their hardcore effort in producing some best tools for live streaming videos; on this date for offering the most impressive method to serve any service or display information on the World Wide Web dais quite distinguishably.
Yet the unavoidable threat appears in the form of a computer virus or even loss of information for some malware and bugs appears never erasable in parallel to the facet of data security on this date. So the craze and the hype that the concept of computer security has raised can never be diminished under the true colors of a unique multimedia service; that holds the breath of every single interested individual caring enough to find the information against any topic on a faster note of process.
This is an era where every single individual after reaching the minimum age of maturity cares to look for more in less time compared behind the searching approaches they pick for any information on a product or a service. Keeping all these burning yet valid factors in concern; the team members as well as the moderators of those websites on the Internet are embedding the most hunted resources on best tools for live streaming videos and master computer security programming codes quite eagerly.
So there appears no trace of hesitation even from the steps and ways selected by those million and one users irrespective to any age group they fall are found getting online to pick the best information about a unique multimedia service; that holds the features as well as applications to support the live online video terminology quite enthusiastically in their favorite clock pulse.
Security Experts Caution NACHA Members on New Zeus Trojan
Zeus Trojan is back in the news again. Internet security firm Sophos has alerted users on a new scam, wherein Trojan targets members of National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), which handles the development, administration and governance of Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. Cybercriminals are allegedly sending cleverly crafted e-mails to the members of NACHA enticing them to download and install attachments containing Zeus malware. The e-mails inform customers regarding failure of a transaction sent by the customer, their bank or some other person. The spoofed e-mails appear to come from NACHA and contain a Transaction ID. The e-mails seek users to download a file containing Transaction report for ascertaining the reason for rejection. When unsuspecting users download the file, they inadvertently insert Zeus botnet node on their computer systems. Zeus Trojan is capable of extracting financial information stored on the compromised computer. The Trojan downloads configuration files from remote computer and explores browsing activity of the user to match with the URLs listed in the configuration files. When user opens a legitimate financial site and enters Login credentials, the Trojan extracts the same. In this case, Zeus apparently collects details of ACH Transactions. Last year, cybercriminals made use of Zeus Trojans to steal funds over 6 million GBP from customers of British banks. Attackers also targeted LinkedIn users with fake connection requests to download Bugat Trojan, a variant of Zeus.
Another variant of Zeus, Zitmo (Zeus In The Mobile) Trojan is targeting mobile devices to intercept and misuse high security passwords sent by banks. Banks across the world are using high security passwords to authenticate online bank transfers by customers. Earlier in the year, customers of ING Poland were deceived through Zitmo Trojan.
The ACH network facilitates electronic transfer, corporate payments and direct payment of funds to consumer accounts such as interest, dividends and pensions among others. Participants of ACH include corporates, individuals and financial institutions.
Internet users must avoid downloading suspicious files. They may cross-check transaction ID to confirm, whether the transaction referred in the e-mail is legitimate and pertains to them. In case of suspicion, they may directly contact their concerned bank or clearing house to confirm the authenticity of the e-mail. Genuine transaction failure communication from a legitimate organization is likely to be personalized and specific. online degree courses may help customers on “Do’s and Don’ts” in cyber security.
As cybercriminals may target employees of financial institutions and banks, organizations may educate employees on the latest threats, precautions in online communications and secure use of web browsers. Online university degree courses may help IT professionals in understanding and implementing new security mechanisms.
Professionals qualified in computer science degree and Information security may help in timely detection of threat vectors, mitigating measures and patch management. Organizations must regularly evaluate the security of the IT infrastructure to weed out vulnerabilities and remediate lapses. Organizations may restrict incoming connections through firewalls, encourage use of user level privileges, configuring e-mail servers to prevent downloading of files with risky extensions.
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Unauthorized Access to Social Security Numbers Puts Privileged Information at Risk
Internet security has become a challenge for organizations with rising instances of cybercrime. However, organizations also face threat of information leakage from insiders such as employees and contractors. Unauthorized access to sensitive information by insiders not only compromises information security, but also has reputational and financial implications for the business.
Recently, information security professionals with the Social security administration discovered leakage of social security numbers of individuals from the computers belonging to third-party agencies working for the state agency. A subcontractor employed by the Temporary Disability Assistance office gained unauthorized access to computers and downloaded thousands of social security numbers of individuals.
The offender breached the records, while performing regular upgrades. Computer security professionals with the Social security administration are assessing the damage caused by the leakage. Officials at the department are providing assistance to the affected individuals in dealing with the challenges posed by the security breach.
Social security numbers are used by many government agencies, private organizations and financial institutions as a proof of identity. As such, they may be misused by offenders for various purposes such as taking personal loans by faking identity and getting access to account information. They may also collect additional personal and financial details concerning the affected individuals through their social security numbers. In the recent times, mail redirection to a fake address has been one of the common methods used by offenders to conduct unauthorized transactions. Misuse of personal and financial information for creating fraudulent accounts may adversely affect the credit history of the affected individuals. Ironically, in such cases, individuals realize their identity has been stolen and misused only when they apply for credit. Affected individuals may not only face challenges in obtaining loans, but also have to go through the hassles of dealing with bank collection officers for payment defaults and delinquencies. Organizations and government agencies must conduct regular tests using ethical hacking practices for identifying vulnerabilities.
Individuals must regularly check their bank or credit card statements and report any fraudulent transactions to the concerned authorities. On discovery of fraudulent transactions, individuals must also notify the credit agencies, who will raise an alert on the affected accounts.
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Computer Virus Remove Hong Kong – Free Antivirus Security Software Must Have!
Need free computer security software? Looking through the shelves of PC World and other computer stores, I see over-priced security programs filling the racks, and I think to myself, ‘I could get programs better than these for free.’
So now, to prevent you from getting absolutely ripped off, and blowing all your money on programs which are terrible, Remove Computer Virus Hong Kong have gathered together a list of security programs which can effectively protect your computer as much as (or better than) the likes of paid programs like McAfee or Norton. Before you install these programs though, Kindly check the you meet minimum requirements to support these programs before you try, so remember to check that. Laptop Virus Remove Hong Kong suggest you to check when installing security programs, make sure your old security programs, or any programs for that matter do not collide or interfere with the newly installed program otherwise it will not be as effective, or it might not even work. So here are, in no particular order, the collection of must-have security programs that every computer owner should have installed. Computer Security Software for Windows
1. Comodo Firewall Outstanding protection, despite it not being a paid program. I’d say this easily beats the likes of McAfee protection wise, but unfortunately, ease wise, it is slightly difficult for the home user to pick up easily. However, if you are fairly advanced, or understand a relatively high amount about computers, I’d say this would be the best choice for you.
2. AVG Anti-Spyware Currently THE best anti-spyware program available on the market at the moment, so those of us who can pay for products and those of us that cannot should have this program regardless. Maximum protection, minimum fuss, this program is unrivalled. Except maybe by a few paid products, but even still, this is the best.
3. Threatfire ThreatFire is a free program that further boosts the protection of anti-virus’. It provides real time protection, which alone is amazing, but it does it discreetly which not only amazes me, but baffles me as how they do it. Reports have been seen of a 60% improvement in Anti-Virus protection. And, as a cherry on top of the cake, it helps out by preventing zero-day attacks.
4. Avast Anti-Virus Arguably the most important security program if these all – an Anti-Virus. Avast Anti-Virus is a free, award-winning anti-virus program that is easily up in the leagues of Norton and NOD32. Versatile, easy-to-use and great for both beginner’s and the more advanced computer users amongst us, this is a program that virtually any computer owner should have installed on their computer. And well, that about concludes all the absolute necessities for your computer’s security and safety. If these are not sufficient to satisfy your security needs, or you feel the urge to further up the security on your computer, Antivirus Company Hong Kong would advise you to buy a wireless router, as this helps filter hackers out. Another little tip we would say to help with security worries is to constantly change your IP. By not having an IP, it makes it harder for those lurking, annoying script kiddies to launch an attack on you for no purpose or reason. To know more about us visit macwintech.com
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Norton Lays Emphasis on Cyber Security Awareness
Internet has brought manifold benefits and has transformed the way the daily lives of people around the world. People have the facility to shop, conduct banking transaction, book tickets, and pay utility bills at any time from any part of the world through Internet. However, Internet has also provided a new platform for criminals to indulge in illegal activities. Threats may arise due to programming errors, security flaws in devices, computers and networks, lapses in website security management and negligence on the part of the users. Most of the threats could be avoided by simple precautions by users. While people enjoy the convenience provided by Internet, lack of security consciousness, makes them vulnerable to malware attacks, data breach, identity theft and financial losses.
Recently, Dan Nadir, senior director of consumer products at Norton, emphasized on user awareness to deal with the sophisticated attacks by cybercriminals. The security specialist emphasized that security software solutions cannot prevent an individual from disclosing personal information online. While social networking sites have provided an opportunity for Individuals to connect with family and friends online, personal information shared on online platforms may be misused by cybercriminals. Cybercriminals may extract personal information and use social engineering to trick users into fraudulent schemes. Cyber security awareness education may help Internet users to gain understanding of various threats in the cyberspace and modus operandi of the criminals.
Norton also encourages people to use strong passwords. Users are required to operate multiple online accounts for availing different types of services. People use simple and common passwords as they are easy to remember and also save time. However, the tendency among people to use weak, predictable and common passwords also makes them vulnerable to intrusions and data breaches. If user use a common password for all accounts and a cybercriminals gains access to one password related to a particular account, he may easily breach the security of other accounts. A strong password must be alphanumeric, contain special characters and must be of at least 8 characters in length. Users must use different passwords for different accounts and must also change them frequently.
Users must also verify the authenticity of a web page by checking for padlock and trust seal. However, customers must vary of simulated padlocks. When users double click on a legitimate padlock, it will be display information regarding security certification of the page. Fake websites may have simulated padlocks, which will not display any certification information. Security researchers at Norton also suggest that some browsers may color their address bar green to indicate the authenticity of a website. Security researchers also advise users against displaying their e-mail addresses on social networking sites, blogs, and comments on websites. Users may improve their knowledge on IT security through online training programs, tutorials, webinars and e-learning programs.
Cybercriminals target users through phishing and spear phishing e-mails. They also trick users to download malicious programs and malware. The malicious programs may track user activity, steal confidential information and send the extracted information to remote attackers. Adherence to security fundamentals and cyber security tips issued by regulatory authorities, security firms, banking and online shopping sites would enable users to improve computer and Internet security.
How to Protect Your Computer from Virus and Spyware Attacks
There are many malicious applications that are potential in threatening the overall security of your computer. Virus, which has long been regarded as the most nefarious application that has attacked many computer systems since the first time computer was implemented by human, is a popular malware that is developed to damage a computer system. When this malicious application attacks a computer, the first action that it will do, just like traditional virus that attacks a bacterium, is modifying the core system of the attacked computer so the system enables it to gain total control of the system and to reproduce. Trojan horse and worm are two variants of virus that are named with their unique name because of the method with which they perform their attack. You can prevent virus’ attack by protecting your computer system with antivirus security software.
The next most well known malware that can severely harm your system as well as you as the computer user is spyware. When your computer is infected by this malicious application, your privacy becomes a property that is most vulnerable to the raid. A spyware comes to your computer to steal every piece of important and confidential information that you store in your computer. Spyware performs its malicious action when you are online and you input private information, such as credit card account information, passwords, usernames, etc. When you input those data, the spyware will record them and transmit them to its developer. That’s the reason why although virus is more famous than spyware, spyware’s attack is considered much more dangerous than virus’ one. The prevention of spyware’s attack can be done by installing antispyware application on your computer.
In addition to installing antivirus and antispyware applications on your computer, there are many more actions that you need to do in order to prevent attack launched by virus and spyware from occurring. Among those actions are turning on your spyware, scanning any external storage devices that are plugged in to your computer, turning off autoplay feature of your computer, and many other actions that you can learn from the internet.
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Online Computer Security through Remote Support
It is almost inevitable these days that you will be required to access the internet out of not only professional compulsion but also for making use of innumerable online services besides the social networking sites. Online security assumes in this scenario because lot of threats like spyware, adware, virus, etc. loom large in the sphere of the World Wide Web. Computer internet security from these online threats is different from the computer security or tune up rather which is achieved from software’s like disk defrag or registry clean up. Online security requires a PC security technician to install enough protective gear on your PC to ward off all the serious threats like shut-down virus, identity thefts, etc.
You can get expert technical help on this aspect of computer support by taking the services of online computer security companies who have been doing it for years with notable success. Some of the services that they will provide for computer internet security are firewall installation and configuration, evaluating the potential threats before setting up the level of security of the Windows Firewall, setting up the feature of online virus scanner found in the anti-virus, setting up regular virus scans of the system and looking after other sundry tasks like deciding on quarantine or deletion of viruses. Taking this support would be well worth your money because of the relief it will give to you with regards to maintaining your computer because the support will not be confined to online security but all other aspects of your PC security and maintenance will also come under it.
If you choose the right service provider company, there can only be benefits because they make available reliable services at very convenient terms of service and reasonable prices. The annual support plan for your online computer security and PC tune up can be very afford-ably priced considering that the support would be unlimited and provided by very experienced Microsoft certified technicians. It is always advisable to look out for Microsoft certified technicians in a company providing computer services. This is so because only then you can be assured of quality services for online security or otherwise. Computer internet security is very important these days because of the speed with which new malicious programs keep getting created regularly. All those accessing the internet should know how to enable their PC security to thwart these troubles.
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The Pros And Cons of Wireless Security System
The innovative development and the invention come with their share of associated discoveries and inventions. The development in the recent times has paved way to several insecurities that seems to be growing with the time. Even after so much hard work and investments, the humans have drastically failed to keep things secure around. Apparently, it is quite impossible for humans to be available all the time safeguarding the public and private property. With these considerations in mind, humans worked on technological grounds and created innovative wireless security systems. The prospective security system continues to deliver path breaking solutions to human kind to safeguard many aspects. The revolutionary production of the security systems has led to a fake market of such products. It is essential for you as a customer to acknowledge the importance of buying the original and genuine products.
The home security systems may differ in many aspects; hence, it is advisable for you to choose from the right category of the products that might suit your necessities. There are several pros and cons associated to these home products which are also the main point for consideration before you buy them. The homeowners choose a wireless security system for various reasons. You will realize their benefits once you compare a wireless system to the one that is hard-wired in order to make a sound decision. Firstly, a wireless security system has no wires at all which means that you don’t have to worry about installing them with the help of experts. You can install these security systems on your own. On the contrary, all the Hard-wired systems can be best installed during the construction phase of your home for it can be included in the wiring layout of the home. If you purchase a hard-wired security system when your house has already been built then you would have to hire a wiring technician to do the job for you. It is quite complicated and may require you to pay a handsome amount of money. However, it is not the scene with wireless security systems. Secondly, the wireless security cannot be easily detected. This is very important if you want to ultimately protect your home. Thieves, burglars, and intruders can easily detect a hard-wired system and, further, they can easily disable it. On the contrary, the wireless system is discreet, which means that they would most likely be unaware of it.
Thirdly, a wireless security system is an ideal option for vacation homes and other places that don’t have people who stay on a permanent basis. According to studies, these kinds of homes are more vulnerable to be burgled. The wireless systems can be set up and monitored remotely, with some even providing you with regular alerts on your security system on a regular basis. Therefore, you are protected ultimately even if you are not home. Lastly, a wireless system is compatible for changes. Suppose, you are not happy with the installation of the wireless systems and you want to get its position changed more regularly then wireless system is ideal. It is hassling to move a hard wired security system. You can easily change the position of the wireless system. However, with the hard wired appliances, you gotta call experts and shell out money with time. There are several disadvantages associated with these wireless appliances such as battery dependence, alert authorities, range, interference, and cost of course. However, the science is constantly working to overcome these petty issues with the wireless appliances.