September 2007 - Posts

Review of Essential Computer Security

Published 28 September 7 3:7 PM | Essential Computer Security

In the October 2007 issue of Security Management Magazine, there is a review of my book, Essential Computer Security. IT expert and author Ben Rothke gives the book a favorable assessment, summarizing with “Too few IT security books are written...

U.S. District Judge Declares USA PATRIOT Act Unconstitutional

Published 28 September 7 11:18 AM | Essential Computer Security

This is only related to computer or information security in a very tentative way, but I still think it is an important topic. I have always had a particular disdain for the USA PATRIOT (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools...

TJX Site Vulnerable to XSS Flaw

Published 26 September 7 11:5 AM | Essential Computer Security

The whole TJX customer data security breach issue from earlier this year has been sort of a hot-button issue for me. I think what bothers me most is the apparent lack of fallout. A major retailer failed to follow basic security guidelines, or the regulations...

Who Needs Antivirus Anyway?

Published 24 September 7 7:43 PM | Essential Computer Security

Well, actually, I believe the answer is “most people”. But, that is more a commentary on their level of information security savvy and common sense than a fear of the malware itself. Antivirus, which has now evolved in most cases to a multi...

Community Outrage Over Unauthorized Windows Updates

Published 20 September 7 11:4 AM | Essential Computer Security

Most people are aware that Windows comes with an <a href=”http://netsecurity.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/f/faq_autoupdate.htm” mce_href=”http://netsecurity.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/f/faq_autoupdate.htm”>Automatic...

AutoComplete May Equal AutoCompromise

Published 18 September 7 10:7 AM | Essential Computer Security

It is very convenient to have your various usernames and passwords stored in your computer system. When you are logging into a web site or application, the information is automatically filled in for you so you don’t have to try to remember what...

Filed under: microsoft, security, internet explorer, ie7, password, identity theft, breach, compromise

Backing Up Data in Vista

Published 13 September 7 11:3 AM | Essential Computer Security

Back up your data!!! With more consumers relying solely on digital cameras to capture life’s moments, entire photographic and video histories are stored on computer hard drives. If you don’t back up your data, it could all be gone in the blink...

Filed under: windows vista, backup, windows live onecare, data, Norton 360

Slow Month For Microsoft Security Bulletins

Published 11 September 7 9:45 PM | Essential Computer Security

Rarely (if ever- I’ll have to do some research and find out) does Microsoft have 2 back-to-back months of Security Bulletin floods. This month was no exception. In August, Microsoft released 9 Security Bulletins, 6 of which were deemed Critical...

Filed under: windows vista, windows xp, microsoft, security, security bulletins

Wireless Insecurity

Published 10 September 7 2:50 PM | Essential Computer Security

I have been talking for years about the relative insecurity of wireless networks. Companies and consumers alike buy and implement wireless technology for its convenience, without stopping to consider the security implications. If you can sit on your couch...

Filed under: security, ssid, wpa, wireless, wep

Beware The Monster

Published 6 September 7 8:42 AM | Essential Computer Security

It seems like there are so many data breaches these days that the news of such events is more or less brushed aside. The public is becoming de-sensitized and just says “oh, another one of *those* new stories”. Recently, it was discovered that...

Filed under: data, identity theft, breach, monster.com, compromise

Is Your Password Secure?

Published 5 September 7 7:38 AM | Essential Computer Security

Your passwords are the keys that keep your personal information and sensitive data locked away. If you choose a password that is easy to guess, like your dog’s name, or your wedding anniversary, anyone who knows anything about you can guess it and...

Filed under: security, cracking, password

Protect Yourself From Phishing Attacks

Published 2 September 7 8:24 AM | Essential Computer Security

Have you received any emails lately about your eBay or Paypal account being suspended due to suspected fraud? Perhaps you have been notified by a financial institution (often a bank that you do not even do business with in the first place), that they...

Filed under: attack, phishing, scam