Assalamualaikum and hello...
today topic is about cyber security regulation.
Cyber security is meant to protect personal and work-related data and information stored in our computer and personal websites. With the increase of individuals, organizations, and members of the community falling prey to cyber crimes and security attacks, there is an increase in demands for more measures to be taken.
Alarmingly, the number of people getting affected cyber security attacks is increasing. According to a research by Panda Software in 2006, 1 out of 5 e-mail messages that corporate servers receive are spam and 1 out of 20 is infected with malware. Consumer Reports released a report in 2006 showing that United States consumers would spend $7.8 billion over the last two years for computer repairs and replacements because security attacks like malware and viruses.
Security attacks like these do not only costs an individual repairs, businesses, organizations and the national economy could suffer losses. In 2005, cyber crime led to a loss of whopping $130.1 million, all because of viruses, unauthorized access to computer systems and personal and financial information theft.
There are numerous measures that should be taken by the government to help resolve cyber crimes and attacks. In the United States, there are different legislations in the executive and Congress level that are meant to protect computer systems and other medium of information technology. This is called cyber-security regulations.
Cyber –security regulations is to make sure that companies and private institutions would be using or protecting their systems from any cyber attacks like viruses, worms, phishing, denial of service and unauthorized access.
The United States Chamber of Commerce said that there are about 64 % of small businesses that are getting protection for their systems to protect their customer’s financial information. While there are about 72 % of businesses expressed concern about security of the company’s assets and information.
In the United States, there are cyber-security regulations, for both federal and estate governments. For federal government cyber security regulations, they focus mainly on specific industries and fields, healthcare, organizations, financial institutions and agencies that work with systems and information. Unfortunately, this regulation do not reach and cover computer related industries like Internet Service Providers (ISP).
Additional to this, the federal government is also trying to resolve issues of cyber security breach by allocating more funds in research and programs directed to research better solutions and recommendations for improving cyber security. The government is collaborating with members of the private sector.
Meanwhile, states are forming their own methods of dealing with security attacks. An example is the regulation passed by the California State in 2003 called Notice of Security Breach Act. Different states have followed the example of California and created their own anti-breach regulations and standard procedure.
There has been an ongoing debate about cyber security regulation. There are people who comments that creating a regulation is not the answer and not enough, what is needed is better defenses against hackers, viruses and similar threats. The regulation is said to restrict industries to develop programs and software that would boost cyber security. Aside form this, businesses also fears that having the regulation will cut back their healthy profits since they would meet more limitations and would cost them more.
But inspite of regulations and software that could protect your computer and systems, still the best way to boost cyber security is preventing any attacks from happening in the first place. There are easy tips that could be followed to avoid cyber attacks from happening.
Showing posts with label security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label security. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Unsecured: Cyber Security And Your Data
How many times have we heard about cyber security problems? Credit card information and identify stolen, viruses spreading, everybody is falling victims of cyber security crimes. The more that we depend on computers and internet, the higher possibility that we are putting ourselves at risk.
Cyber security is very much needed to be improved and reinforced, most especially since most of activities are moved by technology nowadays. Email, cellphones and instant messengers are big parts of our communications. While, technology like mp3s, mp4s, and digitized entertainment are very much in demand. Transportation would use GPS and you can even do online shopping and pay for your internet.
Cyberspace is utilized for our needs. But how safe is our information stored in computers? Cyber security’s function is to prevent, detect and fight off any attacks to our systems that could put our personal and working information in jeopardy.
The risks of storing too much information in our computers are increasing over the years. These are bad news especially if your are managing your finances online, storing personal data or any work-related activities. Viruses and hacking is so common, that we should take necessary precautions to prevent it from happening to us.
According to Consumer Reports, published in 2006, there is about 1 out of 3 computer users who have fallen victims of viruses, spyware or phishing. These cyber security attacks costs consumers to spent $7.8 billion in years 2005 and 2006 for computer repairs, parts and replacements.
How do you defend yourself from these cyber security breaches? How do you protect your data? To protect your personal and work-related data, here are some easy steps that you could do.
• Use and regularly update your anti-virus software.
Viruses are among the major problems, they could slow down computers, send data to other units and completely make your system unusable. If you already have an anti-virus software installed in your computer, then you would have to keep in updated.
• Spyware alert.
Another huge problem is the spyware or the adware. These are computer software that could partially control or intercept your computer functions. This software is secretly installed on computer, especially if you are frequently downloading something from the internet. The good thing is that anti-virus softwares are also offering spyware detection.
• Any computer program that is being unused can be deleted or uninstalled.
Too many unnecessary programs can even make your computer vulnerable to security attacks. Since you are not using them anyway, then it is better to uninstall them.
• If you are not the only person using your computer, then it would be best to separate your documents from the other users of the computer.
This would prevent anybody from accessing, changing, deleting your files. Some would have two computers, one for personal and the other one for work-related data and information.
• Use passwords, but avoid writing passwords in pieces of paper for easy reference. When choosing passwords, choose those that are easy to remember and personalized. If you have sensitive files, there are encryption programs that would enable to protect your data.
• When deleting documents, make sure that you have completely removed it from the system.
There are times when hackers can still restore the information. So make sure that it is totally removed.
These cyber security measures should be taken seriously and are actually very easy to do. These would help you protect data and information, that tool you for a long time and effort to finish.
Cyber security is very much needed to be improved and reinforced, most especially since most of activities are moved by technology nowadays. Email, cellphones and instant messengers are big parts of our communications. While, technology like mp3s, mp4s, and digitized entertainment are very much in demand. Transportation would use GPS and you can even do online shopping and pay for your internet.
Cyberspace is utilized for our needs. But how safe is our information stored in computers? Cyber security’s function is to prevent, detect and fight off any attacks to our systems that could put our personal and working information in jeopardy.
The risks of storing too much information in our computers are increasing over the years. These are bad news especially if your are managing your finances online, storing personal data or any work-related activities. Viruses and hacking is so common, that we should take necessary precautions to prevent it from happening to us.
According to Consumer Reports, published in 2006, there is about 1 out of 3 computer users who have fallen victims of viruses, spyware or phishing. These cyber security attacks costs consumers to spent $7.8 billion in years 2005 and 2006 for computer repairs, parts and replacements.
How do you defend yourself from these cyber security breaches? How do you protect your data? To protect your personal and work-related data, here are some easy steps that you could do.
• Use and regularly update your anti-virus software.
Viruses are among the major problems, they could slow down computers, send data to other units and completely make your system unusable. If you already have an anti-virus software installed in your computer, then you would have to keep in updated.
• Spyware alert.
Another huge problem is the spyware or the adware. These are computer software that could partially control or intercept your computer functions. This software is secretly installed on computer, especially if you are frequently downloading something from the internet. The good thing is that anti-virus softwares are also offering spyware detection.
• Any computer program that is being unused can be deleted or uninstalled.
Too many unnecessary programs can even make your computer vulnerable to security attacks. Since you are not using them anyway, then it is better to uninstall them.
• If you are not the only person using your computer, then it would be best to separate your documents from the other users of the computer.
This would prevent anybody from accessing, changing, deleting your files. Some would have two computers, one for personal and the other one for work-related data and information.
• Use passwords, but avoid writing passwords in pieces of paper for easy reference. When choosing passwords, choose those that are easy to remember and personalized. If you have sensitive files, there are encryption programs that would enable to protect your data.
• When deleting documents, make sure that you have completely removed it from the system.
There are times when hackers can still restore the information. So make sure that it is totally removed.
These cyber security measures should be taken seriously and are actually very easy to do. These would help you protect data and information, that tool you for a long time and effort to finish.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Cyber Security Building a Good Habit
assalamualaikum and hye to all my blog readers. This time time entry i would like to share with u all more about cyuber security. Cyber security is not at all that difficult. Once you have incorporated it into your system then it is just like riding a bicycle or can be as normal as walking. All you need is to learn how you can make it work well and build a good habit to make cyber security consistent.
By doing this you can have a better chance of keeping your confidential information protected from attacks from virus or similar applications or from hackers. This way you can keep your personal information safe from other persons who would like to access them and use them for personal gain or protect them from applications that can erase or corrupt your files.
Part of building a good habit would be to identify how your information can be accessed and who would be the most likely people who can gain from accessing your confidential files. It’s like identifying the usual suspects in a criminal line-up. I’m not saying that the people you know cannot be trusted but it helps to be extra cautious. You brother might not do something untrustworthy by his friends might and if they have physical access to your computer then your files are at a risk of being hacked.
Lock your computer with a good password. Use combinations of letters and numbers, upper case and lower case, and even use codes. Avoid using the usual birthdays, social security numbers, bank PINs, account numbers, favorite superheroes, favorite food, etc. Use unique passwords and make one up for every system that requires authentication. Do not use the same password in all your confidential files.
To protect your computer from outside hackers, the best thing would be to disconnect your computer from the network when you’re not using it. No anti-virus application or firewall systems provide 100 per cent protection. The best way would be to remove yourself from the network when you’re not using your computer to reduce the risk of being attacked.
When you do go online, make sure that you have your firewall on and your anti-virus application active. Also look into your security settings. Your emails, web browsers and even other applications have specific settings which increase the security allowing them to block attacks from virus, malware and spyware. Study the security settings and select one which permits you to maximize the use of the application but at the same time offer you a good deal of security to keep your files protected.
Also, do not forget about power surges and other technological problems. Even though, the virus and hacker threats are real and sometimes the priority, people also forget that sometimes power surges or breakdown of computer hardware can cause loss of data or have files corrupted and rendered unusable.
To have added protection therefore, it would be wise to install some uninterrupted power supply that protects your from power surges and allows you to back up or shut down your computer properly preventing possible corruption of files and applications.
And speaking of backing up, it would be great if you would regularly back up your files just in case the unthinkable happens. May these be personal files or files you need for work, having a good back up is always a good thing to have.
You see, once you have a system you will develop a good habit in cyber security which can help reduce the risks of losing files or your confidential information being hacked.
By doing this you can have a better chance of keeping your confidential information protected from attacks from virus or similar applications or from hackers. This way you can keep your personal information safe from other persons who would like to access them and use them for personal gain or protect them from applications that can erase or corrupt your files.
Part of building a good habit would be to identify how your information can be accessed and who would be the most likely people who can gain from accessing your confidential files. It’s like identifying the usual suspects in a criminal line-up. I’m not saying that the people you know cannot be trusted but it helps to be extra cautious. You brother might not do something untrustworthy by his friends might and if they have physical access to your computer then your files are at a risk of being hacked.
Lock your computer with a good password. Use combinations of letters and numbers, upper case and lower case, and even use codes. Avoid using the usual birthdays, social security numbers, bank PINs, account numbers, favorite superheroes, favorite food, etc. Use unique passwords and make one up for every system that requires authentication. Do not use the same password in all your confidential files.
To protect your computer from outside hackers, the best thing would be to disconnect your computer from the network when you’re not using it. No anti-virus application or firewall systems provide 100 per cent protection. The best way would be to remove yourself from the network when you’re not using your computer to reduce the risk of being attacked.
When you do go online, make sure that you have your firewall on and your anti-virus application active. Also look into your security settings. Your emails, web browsers and even other applications have specific settings which increase the security allowing them to block attacks from virus, malware and spyware. Study the security settings and select one which permits you to maximize the use of the application but at the same time offer you a good deal of security to keep your files protected.
Also, do not forget about power surges and other technological problems. Even though, the virus and hacker threats are real and sometimes the priority, people also forget that sometimes power surges or breakdown of computer hardware can cause loss of data or have files corrupted and rendered unusable.
To have added protection therefore, it would be wise to install some uninterrupted power supply that protects your from power surges and allows you to back up or shut down your computer properly preventing possible corruption of files and applications.
And speaking of backing up, it would be great if you would regularly back up your files just in case the unthinkable happens. May these be personal files or files you need for work, having a good back up is always a good thing to have.
You see, once you have a system you will develop a good habit in cyber security which can help reduce the risks of losing files or your confidential information being hacked.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Your Browser – Cyber Security’s 1st Line of Defense
Nowadays, many people seemed to have forgotten the importance (and the inherent dangers) of their computer’s browser. They forgot that the browser, per se, works like a two-way street. It is where cyber security should police the two-way cyber traffic.
A web browser’s main job is to find and display web pages. From there, it makes possible the “communication” between your computer and the web server where a site is located.
Cyber security risks
But, your browser is also – and this is the dangerous part – the gateway of the cyber world into your computer. And, not all of the things from the Internet going inside your computer are good. Some are downright risky.
Today’s browser is sophisticated enough, through the years of innovation, to handle the multiple applications needed to surf the Internet. Many of these try to boost up and heighten the surfing experience by enabling your browser’s functionalities.
But sometimes, these functionalities are not needed and they can leave your computer vulnerable. It is therefore safe to disable them until they are needed.
In a perfect world, one should set one’s browser security to the highest level possible. But these settings may restrict the functionality of other features and prevents some web pages to load properly. The best compromise solution would be to set your browser to the highest security level (to prevent attacks) but at the same time enabling some features to work when you need them.
Today’s many browsers are mostly graphical browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, AOL, Opera, Safari for the Macintosh, and Lynx for the visually-impaired users.) These are capable of playing video and audio clips, aside from displaying texts and graphics. Most have user-friendly tabs and options in choosing your preferred security level setting.
It is important to know and be familiar with your browser and how it is different from the others. It will come in handy when you evaluate and determine the features and setting most appropriate for your use.
For instance, to explore the basic security options in Windows’ Internet Explorer, you click Tools on the menu bar, select Internet Options, choose the Security tab, and click the Custom level. In Firefox, you click Tools first, select Options, and then click Content Privacy and Security tabs. The others have their own path systems.
Choosing your browser
Security should be paramount in choosing your browser. But, of course, given one’s particular needs in surfing and using the Internet, other considerations are just as important. Sometimes, a browser comes packaged with the operating system. It should not limit, however, your choice.
If you know of some sites which can be classified as trusted, you can set your browser setting accordingly. You may require them to implement SSL or Secure Sockets Layer so you can verify if they are what they claim to be. Note, however, that it is good to avoid lowering your security levels with them. If they are attacked, you might be included.
You may restrict particular sites you are not sure of. Prevention is always the best cure for any disease, real-life or online.
Be careful about your Java and ActiveX controls. These scripts, used to achieve certain appearances or functionality, can be used in attacking your computer. This is also true about Plug-ins, those additional software that enhances the function of some programs. Make sure that the sites that installing them are trustworthy.
For safety, it is advisable to disable Cookies and enable them only if the site you trust requires them.
Cyber Security starts first in your browser. It is best that you start the safeguarding process from there, your computer’s door to the wide, wild world of cyber space.
A web browser’s main job is to find and display web pages. From there, it makes possible the “communication” between your computer and the web server where a site is located.
Cyber security risks
But, your browser is also – and this is the dangerous part – the gateway of the cyber world into your computer. And, not all of the things from the Internet going inside your computer are good. Some are downright risky.
Today’s browser is sophisticated enough, through the years of innovation, to handle the multiple applications needed to surf the Internet. Many of these try to boost up and heighten the surfing experience by enabling your browser’s functionalities.
But sometimes, these functionalities are not needed and they can leave your computer vulnerable. It is therefore safe to disable them until they are needed.
In a perfect world, one should set one’s browser security to the highest level possible. But these settings may restrict the functionality of other features and prevents some web pages to load properly. The best compromise solution would be to set your browser to the highest security level (to prevent attacks) but at the same time enabling some features to work when you need them.
Today’s many browsers are mostly graphical browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, AOL, Opera, Safari for the Macintosh, and Lynx for the visually-impaired users.) These are capable of playing video and audio clips, aside from displaying texts and graphics. Most have user-friendly tabs and options in choosing your preferred security level setting.
It is important to know and be familiar with your browser and how it is different from the others. It will come in handy when you evaluate and determine the features and setting most appropriate for your use.
For instance, to explore the basic security options in Windows’ Internet Explorer, you click Tools on the menu bar, select Internet Options, choose the Security tab, and click the Custom level. In Firefox, you click Tools first, select Options, and then click Content Privacy and Security tabs. The others have their own path systems.
Choosing your browser
Security should be paramount in choosing your browser. But, of course, given one’s particular needs in surfing and using the Internet, other considerations are just as important. Sometimes, a browser comes packaged with the operating system. It should not limit, however, your choice.
Compatibility – does your browser work with the OS (operating system) of your computer?
Ease – are you comfortable and familiar with the options, menus, system of your browser?
Function –will it still work if other plug-ins or other devices are installed?
Appeal – do you like how your browser looks and works?
Functionalities - Your browser should be able to give you the option of putting web sites into different segments, or zones, and define different security restrictions for each. The best protection should be to set the security to the highest level, or maintain it at a medium level.
If you know of some sites which can be classified as trusted, you can set your browser setting accordingly. You may require them to implement SSL or Secure Sockets Layer so you can verify if they are what they claim to be. Note, however, that it is good to avoid lowering your security levels with them. If they are attacked, you might be included.
You may restrict particular sites you are not sure of. Prevention is always the best cure for any disease, real-life or online.
Be careful about your Java and ActiveX controls. These scripts, used to achieve certain appearances or functionality, can be used in attacking your computer. This is also true about Plug-ins, those additional software that enhances the function of some programs. Make sure that the sites that installing them are trustworthy.
For safety, it is advisable to disable Cookies and enable them only if the site you trust requires them.
Cyber Security starts first in your browser. It is best that you start the safeguarding process from there, your computer’s door to the wide, wild world of cyber space.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Cyber Security and Online Shopping
With the popularity of online shopping today, the importance of cyber security becomes essential to everyone. Shopping, even in the real world, involves money and where there is money, there go the criminals. And since much shopping is now happening in cyber space, these criminals lost no time in following the money trail targeting online shoppers.
Online shopping became fashionable when people discovered one is free from stress and fatigue caused by crowds and traffic. There is also the convenience of searching whatever it is you want from your home, at your most convenient time, and paying for it without waiting in line. All of these with just a few click of a mouse.
However, the Internet is also a convenient place for cyber criminals as well. They target the online shoppers, fraudulently obtaining information they can use for their own financial gains. These criminals use the three most common ways in attacking the online shoppers.
Unprotected computers
Unprotected computers are easy target for viruses and other malicious codes used by cyber criminals to gain access to the information inside it. On the other end, online vendors have to protect their computers, too, against attackers who may access their customer databases.
Fake sites and email messages
In the virtual online world, a site (or an online store) can be faked by these criminals, with no one the wiser. These fake sites mimic the legitimate ones and inherit the business, at least until they are caught or noticed.
Charities had been misrepresented before, especially during natural disasters or holiday seasons where people pour in donation money and aid. Most often, though, these attackers collect information for their own illegal use.
Cyber safety measures
Maintaining an up-to-date anti-virus program, a firewall and anti-spyware is always the three-pronged first line of defense in cyber security. They protect you against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify your data and make your computer vulnerable. Spyware may also give the attackers access to your data.
Updated browser
Browsers are the gateway between your computer and the Internet. They must be updated first. Also, open the option of automatic updates to your computer so that the operating programs and utilities are up to date.
It is likewise important to check the default settings of your computer and apply the highest level of security. This will preempt the attackers to use default setting of the programs. This applies primarily to browsers, email clients, etc. because these are the connectors to the Internet.
Reputable vendors
This is where care should be taken because cyber criminals are very good at mimicking the sites of legitimate vendors and make it appear genuine. You need to verify their legitimacy before supplying any information. Keep the phone numbers and the physical addresses of these vendors which you can use in case of problems.
Security features and private policies
As always, passwords and other security features add protection, if correctly used. Check the site’s privacy policy before giving out personal or financial information. You have to understand how your information are stored and used.
Encrypted information
Make sure the information you give out are encrypted. To check if it is, see if it includes a URL that begins with "https:" instead of "http:" and a padlock icon. If the padlock is closed, the information is encrypted. Know where the padlock icon is located in your favorite browser because some attackers use fake padlock icons to trick users.
Use your credit card
Credit card charges have laws that limit your liability in case of fraud. This may not be the case for your debit card. Because debit cards draw money directly from your bank account, unauthorized withdrawals could leave you penniless. Needless to say, a record of your purchases should be kept aside. Report immediately any discrepancy.
Shopping online is truly a time-saving, hassle-free, and fun way of buying whatever you want on the Internet. The presence of the ubiquitous cyber criminals stalking at every cyber corner necessitates the need of cyber security as well.
It is everyone’s responsibility.
Online shopping became fashionable when people discovered one is free from stress and fatigue caused by crowds and traffic. There is also the convenience of searching whatever it is you want from your home, at your most convenient time, and paying for it without waiting in line. All of these with just a few click of a mouse.
However, the Internet is also a convenient place for cyber criminals as well. They target the online shoppers, fraudulently obtaining information they can use for their own financial gains. These criminals use the three most common ways in attacking the online shoppers.
Unprotected computers
Unprotected computers are easy target for viruses and other malicious codes used by cyber criminals to gain access to the information inside it. On the other end, online vendors have to protect their computers, too, against attackers who may access their customer databases.
Fake sites and email messages
In the virtual online world, a site (or an online store) can be faked by these criminals, with no one the wiser. These fake sites mimic the legitimate ones and inherit the business, at least until they are caught or noticed.
Charities had been misrepresented before, especially during natural disasters or holiday seasons where people pour in donation money and aid. Most often, though, these attackers collect information for their own illegal use.
Cyber safety measures
Maintaining an up-to-date anti-virus program, a firewall and anti-spyware is always the three-pronged first line of defense in cyber security. They protect you against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify your data and make your computer vulnerable. Spyware may also give the attackers access to your data.
Updated browser
Browsers are the gateway between your computer and the Internet. They must be updated first. Also, open the option of automatic updates to your computer so that the operating programs and utilities are up to date.
It is likewise important to check the default settings of your computer and apply the highest level of security. This will preempt the attackers to use default setting of the programs. This applies primarily to browsers, email clients, etc. because these are the connectors to the Internet.
Reputable vendors
This is where care should be taken because cyber criminals are very good at mimicking the sites of legitimate vendors and make it appear genuine. You need to verify their legitimacy before supplying any information. Keep the phone numbers and the physical addresses of these vendors which you can use in case of problems.
Security features and private policies
As always, passwords and other security features add protection, if correctly used. Check the site’s privacy policy before giving out personal or financial information. You have to understand how your information are stored and used.
Encrypted information
Make sure the information you give out are encrypted. To check if it is, see if it includes a URL that begins with "https:" instead of "http:" and a padlock icon. If the padlock is closed, the information is encrypted. Know where the padlock icon is located in your favorite browser because some attackers use fake padlock icons to trick users.
Use your credit card
Credit card charges have laws that limit your liability in case of fraud. This may not be the case for your debit card. Because debit cards draw money directly from your bank account, unauthorized withdrawals could leave you penniless. Needless to say, a record of your purchases should be kept aside. Report immediately any discrepancy.
Shopping online is truly a time-saving, hassle-free, and fun way of buying whatever you want on the Internet. The presence of the ubiquitous cyber criminals stalking at every cyber corner necessitates the need of cyber security as well.
It is everyone’s responsibility.
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