Computer Security - Preventing Social Engineering Attacks

Social Engineering in its basic form is hacker talk for manipulating computer users out of their username and password. Social engineering really goes beyond just usernames and passwords. A well planned social engineering attack can destroy companies. All of the most devastating information thefts have used some sort of social engineering attack. Social engineering is so effective because computer admins and security experts spend all their time patching systems and not training employees about information security. Information security goes beyond patching computers, it is a combination of physical security, computer/network policy and employee training.This article will describe many of the common security flaws that information thieves take advantage off and how you can prevent them.1....

Preventing Online Fraud

Nowadays, there are a lot of scams aiming at users of the online banking facility. There are several services which offer protection from identity thieves such as LifeLock. However, many identity thieves don't want to simply steal your identity information. They don't want to just take advantage of the good credit history by stealing your checking account. Instead, they want to steal your money. Many banks have take precautions on these cyber criminals by offering various types of online protection services. As an end-user, you have the most responsibility to protect your financial information. You must not solely rely on the bank to protect your financial information. You must take the initiative to look out for fraudsters on the internet. There are two common types of online frauds including...

TAKE HANDWRITTEN NOTES with iPad

Many years ago, I had a meeting at Apple�s headquarters in Cupertino. The Apple employee I�d come to talk to walked into a conference room with an armload of tech. He put his PowerBook on the table, followed by his Newton MessagePad. After a few minutes this guy realized that he needed to take notes on what I was saying, and guess which device he used�neither! He pulled out a paper notepad and started writing.Regardless of how good a real or virtual keyboard may be, sometimes there�s no substitute for the immediacy and flexibility of pen and paper. So it should come as no surprise that quite a few iPad apps try to emulate the experience of writing in a physical notebook. And if you�re trying to remain inconspicuous in a meeting, �writing� on an iPad (perhaps concealed in a notebook) is less...

Data at Risk: Mobile Computing, Apps and User Data

Mobile computing is a paradigm shift away from personal computers and their infrastructure toward very large flexible networks of loosely connected platforms. It has new platforms, operating systems, applications (apps) and exciting new approaches to old problems. As the paradigm shift gains momentum, the application of the technology expands to include areas never considered when the technology was designed. Risk mitigation requirements tend to be glossed over as the devices' ease of use, affordability, and accessibility compels use. Users are often naive regarding the risks to their information, enjoying the benefits of use without giving a lot of thought to potential dangers.Mobile devices that do not require users to be identified and authenticated are said to have anonymous users....

IP Changer For Enhanced Online Shopping Security

By using an IP Changer you can make your online shopping more secure. Online shopping has grown rapidly and is finally being accepted as a major retail channel for all kinds of products. It is a multibillion dollar industry and growing so fast that it may not be too long before it becomes a measure means of day to day shopping. The concerns about secure transactions and safety of personal information that consumers need to provide have gradually been alleviated with secure sites and 128 bit or higher data encryption and transfer. Although rapid strides have been made in online shopping security there remained areas of vulnerability that have been plugged by a new technique using IP Changer.As the security of online transactions increased so did online shopping. The important benefits from...

Evaluation of Penetration Testing in Security

Penetration testing is also known as a pen test. It is used for evaluating the security of a computer system or network that suffers from the attack of malicious outsider and insiders. In this process, we use an active analysis of the system for any potential vulnerability.The penetration testing is valuable because of following reasons:1. It determines the feasibility of a particular set of attack vectors.2. It identifies the vulnerabilities from the higher to lower sequence.3. It identifies the vulnerabilities which is not detected by the automated network or scanning software.4. It provides evidence to support increased investment in personal security and technology.The penetration testing is a component of security audit. It has several ways to conduct the testing like black box testing...

10 Reasons For Installing An Anti-Spyware System

While the World Wide Web is a blessing in many ways it presents dangers in the form of spyware, adware, Trojans and so on. While adware most often is not dangerous spyware can monitor your movements and your privacy is at stake. Thieves can use the internet to steal bank and credit card information or important files form your computer system. Once spyware has entered your system it is time consuming to remove it. So, it is important to adopt systems that protect your computer at all times like anti-virus software or anti-spyware systems. The reasons you need to install anti-spyware systems are many but the most important are:1. A serious security breach can mean loss of business or even bankruptcy. Information on the computer system that contains financial customer information can endanger...

Secure Your Clients' Confidential Data With Your Accounting Website Design

The absolute foundations of a firm's customer relations are confidence and trust. This makes information security and confidentiality one of the most significant duties you agree to when you choose to be a CPA. With office productivity becoming more and more dependent on online communications, and with the net becoming progressively more complex and vulnerable to internet crime, this can easily become a problem if your clients perceive you as uncertain about how online security works. Your CPA website is a main constituent of your online security strategy. Many of your clients are not especially internet savvy, and the data they routinely send you is very sensitive. To protect them you're going to want a perfunctory familiarity with your website and it's security features.Of course, ground...

The Digital Divide - The Advantages And Disadvantages Of The World Wide Web

The internet represents a world without boundaries, a digital domain both removed from and parallel to our own, where information of any kind can be discovered, downloaded or mail-ordered, and every desire, carnal or platonic, and interest is catered to at the push of a button. From its Cold War origins to the internet boom of the nineties, the World Wide Web has also been feared by those who are ignorant to what the net can offer, or are well aware.The web did not truly blossom until the mid-nineties, when phone line suppliers and broadband companies began to capitalise on the foreseeable phenomenon. Within but a decade the net has outgrown its initial techno-geek user base and is now an integral part of Western society. Arguably, what was once defined as cyber-culture no longer exists;...

The Heart of a Network is Network Security

The computer age has developed so quickly that there are more applications to it than users to implement them and make complicated tasks much easier. The number of computers however, has increased tremendously thereby furnishing each household with at least two or more computers. Offices can easily provide advanced PCs for each of their workers whether their job requires it or not. The fact that in most cases there is usually more than one computer in the same establishment, calls for the networking of computers, a network technician, and of course proper network security, to provide security against hackers and sensitive data theft.To link up a group of computers in a given space, there are several approaches that one can use. Some methods are simple and cheap while others are complicated...

Office Security - 10 Great Tips For a More Secure Workplace

Today, businesses must address and prepare for security threats that are larger and more varied than ever before. With each technological advancement that allows innovative, effective business strategies, comes a security threat that is equally innovative and equally effective.Any assessment of an office security system should begin with specific security needs and the impacts they will have on your business as a whole. You may need a facility secure enough for UL 2050 certification or you may simply need to ensure your employees safety before and after business hours. Regardless, here are ten important ways to improve your office security system.Effective Communication: First and foremost is communicating information to and between employees. Many companies use email alerts to warn employees...

Importance of Internal Network Security

With today's advancement of technology, Information Technology resources and even network resources play an important role not only in the corporate world but also in educational institutions, personal use at home, and any individual that is inclined to use technology. The use of a computer today is enhanced by connecting it to the internet. But connecting it to the internet poses a possible threat to the computer devices. These threats are why it is important to maintain network security. The internet provides possible opportunities for unfamiliar threats including unauthorized persons, viruses, and worms.Internet connections open a venue for a lot of useful software and easy information sharing across the globe. However, sometimes private networks handle sensitive information that is...

A Glorious Week of Identity Theft

Dark reading reports Eight defendants were arraigned in a Brooklyn court for allegedly using the stolen identities of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Asurion customers to steal some $22 million worth of wireless equipment and services. An indictment was unsealed in Brooklyn federal court yesterday morning charging Courtney Beckford and seven other defendants. When identity theft defendants named Courtney, Gabe, Marsha, Saul and Ron are involved in a $22 million identity theft scheme, then you know it's just a matter of time until someone named Britney or Brad will get busted too! It's the identity theft apocalypse!ABC News reports that a former informant for the Secret Service was one of three men charged with stealing credit and debit card information from 170 million accounts in the largest...

An Overview of Computer Network Security

The realm of computer networking has allowed efficient communication between various computing devices such as computers, servers, mainframes and peripheral devices such as printers, scanners etc. Once a computer becomes a part of a network, it is possible to share information and data easily and with minimum hassle. However, this data sharing has given rise to a host of security issues and thus computer network security is one of the most highly talked about topics these days. In actual, the computers in a network are always at the risk of unauthorized access from hackers in the network. A prime example of this is the Internet where insufficient security measures can lead to your valuable and highly confidential information being stolen.Considering the increasing number of Internet crimes...

Fight Cybercrime With an Online Talk Show

Although the Internet basically provides everyone a positive experience, attacks against our personal privacy and security are reaching epidemic proportions. These cyber-attacks are occurring in our own homes and businesses. Our personal computers are being used as zombies to attack the computers of other people, their businesses, and our nation. Identity theft and assorted crimes committed online, commonly referred to as cybercrime, has grown to epidemic proportions.As an average computer and Internet user, you may not be aware of these threats nor have any idea about the dramatically increasing risks you face when your computer is connected to the Internet. And when you do become victimized, sometimes it seems that there is nothing you, the average computer-and-internet user, can do...

Detecting Network Sniffers

OverviewA packet sniffer is a program or device that eavesdrops on network traffic and gathers data from packets. Sometimes such wiretaps are carried out by the network administrator for beneficial purposes (like intrusion detection, performance analysis, etc.). On the other hand, malicious intruders may install packet sniffers in order to retrieve clear-text usernames and passwords from the local network or other vital information transmitted on the network. Vulnerable protocols (with clear-text passwords) include: telnet, pop3, imap, ftp, smtp-auth and nntp. Sniffers work because ethernet was designed to be shared. Most networks use broadcast technology -- messages for one computer can be read by another computer on that network. In practice, computers ignore messages except those that...

Discover Your Laptop's Greatest Security Vulnerability, Windows Ad-hoc Mode

Not everyone in this world is as computer savvy as we would like to be and many are afraid to ask about computer technology out of sheer embarrassment. Well, if you are unclear about what the deal is with Ad-Hoc mode in windows is, search no further. This article will break down for you what Ad-Hoc is, why it was created, the differences between XP/Vista ad hoc modes and how to use it.What is Windows Ad-Hoc mode?Ad-Hoc is the ability to connect from one computer (or mobile device) to another without having to by pass an access point. These access points are like wireless networks that you log into and that secure the network for you. Ad-Hoc technology should only be used with people that you know and that there is a certain reason why you are using it. Such as passing documents off from...

Versatile Software Support

The relevant software's are updated and installed on your computer to benefit you significantly, since everyday, breakthroughs are achieved in the world of science and technology and the area of computer software is only a part of it.Computers being an important part of our life are borne with few problems occasionally. At that hard time online technical support helps you and everybody look for resources providing computer technical support. The support works efficiently for all issues either software or hardware.The software supports services ensure not only the protection of equipments but also create a back up for your data, and protect your network from cyber crimes such as hacking, e-mail bombing, unauthorized access and virus attacks.Online Microsoft Windows Vista Support will diagnose...

How Secure is the Information on Your Resume With a Potential Employer?

Resumes provide employers with plenty of personal information, sometimes too much. Many job applicants include vital information like Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers and dates of birth. This makes it crucial for employers to take security measures to protect the identities and personal information of both job applicants and employees. Some companies do nothing more than store resumes in cardboard boxes in unlocked storage closets.Exposing Personal Information When Resume WritingIf you have applied for a job in the past 10 years, you may be at risk for identity theft, especially if you provided any sensitive personal information. Even if you didn't get the job, many companies keep executive resumes on file where any employee can access the information. Even worse, with...

iPad To Don�t

One of the inexplicable omissions in the original iPhone OS�and still the case in iOS 4 on the iPad�is a lack of tasks. Sure, you can view and sync your calendars, but any to-do items on those calendars will be missing, and none of the iPad�s built-in apps displays or syncs to-do items from your Mac or PC.I don�t know why this is, or whether Apple will ever provide an official remedy, but in the meantime, oodles of third-party developers will be happy to sell you (or even give you) apps that manage to-do lists ranging from simple to elaborate. For example:� 2Do: A beautifully designed app, 2Do has tons of features and high ratings�but note that if you want to sync over the air with MobileMe, you must make an extra in-app purchase of $2.99. (Guided Ways Technologies, $6.99)� BusyToDo: Although...

Immaculate Benefits Of A Network Penetration Test

In the recent times, ethical hacking has come out to be a trendy term in the cyber world. It is well known fact that hacking is illegal as well as unethical. If you penetrate in someone's network and extract his information, then it is legally unacceptable. Hacking has come out to be a serious problem for numerous people across the world and they are in the search for a possible way out.Irrespective of their size and potential every business organization wishes to safeguard its network and information from hackers who are always on the lookout for it. You need to be wary of them and look for solution such as network penetration test. Webmasters are trying to get proficiency in this field because this is the most sought field.All about Network Penetration Test:The problem of hacking is...