Computer Security

Computer Security Is Top Priority

If you or your business has not seriously addressed computer security, you have a problem.

These sites illustrate the extent of the problem:

• CERT Coordination Center
• Computer Security Glossary
• National Infrastructure Protection Center
• Symantec Enterprise Solutions
• Microsoft Security Home Page

Computer Security Starts With The Web Browser:

• Unpatched IE Flaw Is Worse Than Expected
• Google Desktop Can Be Hacked Through IE

One of the easiest, most effective computer security steps is to run Firefox as your Internet browser instead of Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). You can get Firefox by clicking the box above and to the right. Learn more...

Poor Computer Security Can:

• Reduce reliability, accuracy and performance
• Invite crackers to break-in using security holes
• Result in stolen, destroyed or altered data
• Enable criminals to commit crimes
• Increase your liability

Crimes and problems committed in your name:

Even one compromised computer can be remotely controlled to commit crimes, send spam, send viruses to other computers and cause more problems.

Worst of all, it looks to the outside world that you are doing the misdeeds as its coming from your computer(s) at your IP address. That's bad. Very bad.

Computer security is misunderstood:

• It is an ongoing process, not a one-time event
• Every network is continually under attack
• Wireless networks are easier to break into
• Attackers break in just because they can
• Small business computers are low-hanging fruit

You may not think your data is that important:

• What would you do without your data?
• Attackers break in for fun and profit
• Competitors might find your data valuable
• Theives steal and resell credit card data
• Theives use data to commit identity theft

Criminals get free tools and tips on the Web:

Criminals get free hacking tools from numerous web sites where they can also share tactics and techniques with each other.

Many of these web sites are in countries outside of United States jurisdiction and therefore are not easily shut down.

Computer security is multi-faceted:

• Physical security of computers and data
• Training people about computer security
• Internet connection and network security
• Access control security
• Legal implications

Security threats include:

• Improper hardware and software configuration
• Software of unknown or questionable origin
• Viruses, trojan horses and worm programs
• Bugs and backdoors in software programs
• Crackers (hackers with malicious intent)
• Operator unawareness and errors
• Theft, vandalism, data alteration
• Publishing system information
• Improper disposal of computers

Reasons for inadequate security:

• Lack of knowledge about "red-flags" and threats
• Lack of awareness that the problem is real
• Lack of in-house expertise and experience
• Lack of time to do a thorough job
• Lack of continuing maintenance

Crackers don't fit a single profile:

• Script kiddies (minors with cracking skills)
• Competitors wanting to gain an advantage
• Salespeople about to make a move
• Partners looking for a way out
• Ex-employees, ex-spouses
• Disgruntled employees

Cracker's break into systems because:

• They know how to do it
• They seek to cause trouble
• They seek status among their peers
• Insecure systems make inviting targets
• It makes them feel powerful and in-control
• They want to exact revenge and destroy people
• Hijacked systems can be used to commit crimes
• Stolen information can be used to commit crimes

Crackers can break in undetected:

• Anyone on the Internet can attack you
• Smaller businesses are most vulnerable
• Computers can be probed one after another
• Systems with vulnerabilities are prime targets
• Free cracking tools are available on the Internet
• Foreign crackers are outside of U.S. jurisdiction

Take action now to prevent problems:

• Your computers are needed to generate revenue
• Your computers are needed to manage business
• Employees, customers and suppliers need you
• Numerous threats exist and are growing

List of articles related to computer security:

• "Secret Service Busts Cyber Gangs"

For computer security assistance, contact us.