Archive for the 'Computer Security' Category
I want to become a computer security professional?
Author: admin
Im 18 at the minute doing a diploma in IT, i want to become an expert in computer security, i want to be the best. What key subjects should i look into and study? so i can get some books about it and learn. Is it possible to become a master of computer security within 10 years? So the time im 28 for example?
To be honest, the field requires experience to get to the top of it. You will probably want a university degree in computer science, although a college diploma in IT is a step in the right direction. Historically, there has been no serious advantage going for a masters degree to work in computer security. If pure computer science doesn’t interest you, math (particularly cryptography) is a decent area of study as well. Some people I know have criminology backgrounds. Your approach is essentially correct – it takes about 10 years to be considered an expert, and that 10 years comprises varied experience.
You will want to learn to program in a few languages. Not so you can become a developer, but to understand how programming and software development works. You will also want to do some time as a system administrator to learn networking, network architecture, and exactly how users will screw up everything you try to do to increase security 
In my experience, all the best IT security folks spent a number of years as system administrators in medium to large organizations.
Although not necessary, it comes up on proposals a lot, so you will probably want to visit www.isc2.org and find out about getting your CISSP certification. If you’re new to the field, this will probably require some study to pass the exam.
Most IT security work is in consulting, and as a junior guy you’ll probably be doing electronic vulnerability assessments initially, firewall and router installation and configuration, and helping on threat and risk assessments. Doing those builds on your experiences as a programmer and system admin. Eventually, you’ll be leading consulting teams to provide overall security advice at the organizational level.
It’s important to lose any visions you might have of romantic late-at-night hacking where the geeky-but-cool hacker gets the girl. Most of IT security is policy and assessment, and is, quite frankly, about as exciting as a policy document can be (i.e. not very). Hacking forms a very small part. With 10-20 years experience, you’ll find yourself writing security policy, governance frameworks, and implementing security plans and policies in organizations.
Job satisfaction comes from knowing that you’ve made a little part of the world that much safer. Downsides of this work include intense frustration from the fact that you’ll tell people the same advice over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over… and they won’t listen, and repeatedly suffer the consequences that you warned them about. They will, of course, blame everyone but themselves.
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In these economically strained times, computer crime such identity theft from spyware runs rampant. Adding insult to injury, many malware can permanently disable your computer. Here are some tips for how to keep your computer up and running and free of spyware, adware and other malware.
• Run a spyware removal tool. Remember that many software that claims to remove spyware is actually spyware in disguise, so be wary and download antispyware only from reputable sources.
• Avoid Microsoft Outlook. This seemingly innocent program has so many unsavory security holes in it because of the great lengths it goes through to open and interpret your data, that it’s almost impossible to run without leaving your security door open for your PC to be infected by the next virus that comes out. Use an email managing system that has a good reputation and fewer adware problems. Check the internet to research the one that is best for you.
• Avoid Microsoft Internet Explorer for the same reason as Outlook.
• Keep all antivirus software up to date using the procedures that were included with it at purchase. Updates often are published daily, so update when one is offered.
• Stay current with your PC system updates. This is a high priority. If that fails, contact your manufacturer via Internet Explorer.
• Do not open an email attachment unless it’s from someone you trust, and from whom you’re expecting an attachment. Attachments should be sent separately from the email saying the attachment is coming. In other words, email your source that you will be sending an attachment in the next email, then email the attachment separately with a note. Ask senders to do the same for you.
• Use a firewall on all equipment that has this protection. If your Windows or browser box has the option of running personal firewall software, do it. You need multiple security layers, and this one is free and easy.
• Pick antiviral software with a good reputation. A computer expert can fill you in on the kind best suited for your PC. Please note that this software does not prevent the computer from getting viruses, it merely cleans up some of them once the computer is infected.
• Never set up a network share from your system. This also applies to a shared printer or a shared drive. Contact an internet security person if you need a jolt of fear regarding this matter. That person will tell you that this is like leaving the door open after moving into a mansion full of priceless artwork after a community home showing.
If you factor your time and effort into the proper care and prevention of computer problems, and use award-winning antispyware to remove spyware, adware and malware, you will remain a worry-free driver on the internet super highway.
Carl Atkinson
What certifications are good for computer security?
Author: admin
I just received my Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in security. I have no practical experience, yet. I was wondering what certifications would be beneficial to helping me look more attractive to employers. Where should I start?
Go to your nearest computer course center.
Apply there only for getting some certififcate.
The certificate will be awarded to you after you complete an examination.
Which is better for my computer security?
Author: admin
Regarding my computer security, is it better for me to install 2 anti-virus softwares or just 1 anti-virus?
One. And one firewall.
Anti-adware/spyware/malware are ok to have more of.
Should you run more than one antivirus program at the same time?
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2000031316555206
Symantec strongly recommends that you run only one antivirus program at a time. Having more than one antivirus program active in memory uses additional resources and can result in program conflicts and false virus alerts. Your best defense against computer viruses and malicious programs is to keep your virus definitions up to date, and run Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect. If you choose to install more than one antivirus program on your computer, then only one of them should be active in memory at a time. (The Norton AntiVirus module that is active in memory is named Auto-Protect. Other antivirus programs will have different names for this function.)
Computer Forensics – a Brief Introduction
Author: admin
Computer Forensics – A Brief Description
Computer Forensics is the function of utilising scientifically proven methods to assemble together and process data found on a digital device, (computer, hard disk drive, mobile phone, memory card etc), and interpret that data for possible use in a court of law or other theatre of investigation. The evidence may assist in the prosecution or a criminal, help in the defence of an accused person, or be of intelligence to an individual who is seeking knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.
The main users of Computer Forensics are law enforcement officers, as a large percentage of crimes in some way utilise digitally stored data. This data could be a phone call made on a mobile phone, (or cell phone), which could place an individual at the scene of a crime, (or of course away from it), accounts for illegal activities such as drug sales, images of paedophilia, human resource issues, hacking, email abuse, unauthorised data duplication, IP theft etc. Corporate organisations are utilising computer forensics more and more now as they often have to investigate incidents such as inappropriate computer use, inappropriate email use, unauthorised data duplication and disloyal employees. Human Resource departments and Internal Security are the biggest users of these specialist corporate services. Private individuals may also use these services. It may be the lover cheating on their partner, or inappropriate internet use by a family member.
Computer Forensics or Cyber Forensics as it is also known, is now taught at many colleges and universities around the world, and is available to both the law enforcement community and private individuals.
What to do if you suspect illegal or inappropriate activity on a computer or digital device:
1. Turn the power off – Pull the plug out if necessary
2. Secure the ‘exhibit’. Don’t allow anyone access to it, security seal it if possible
3. Contact a Computer Forensics Expert
What NOT to do if you suspect illegal or inappropriate activity on a computer or digital device:
1. Call your IT manager, or one of your technical staff
2. Get them to ‘see’ if the user has been looking at ‘dodgy’ websites or if any important files are missing
3. Sack the member of staff
The analogy of the above:
Imaging a body lying in a muddy field. There is a blanket over the body and something petruding from it. By not following procedures, what you will have done is the same as follows:
1. See the body
2. Walk up to the body in the field
3. Take the blanket off the body
4. Move the body to ‘have a look’
5. Put the blanket back over the body – ‘like it was before’
6. Leave the field
What you have just done:
Entered the scene of a crime, left YOUR footprints all over the muddy field, left YOUR fingerprints on the body and blanket, left YOUR DNA all over the place.
You then expect to call the relevant organisation/authority and have them try and find evidence, which has just been tainted by YOU or YOUR STAFF. This is not a good start, and could make the case in question inadmissible.
Remember that this is a very specialised service provided by experts. Use experts to do the job correctly in the first place, then there shouldn’t be a problem.
Simon Steggles
Disklabs Computer Forensics
www.disklabs.com/computer-forensics.asp
www.computer-forensics.co.uk
simon.steggles@disklabs.com
Disklabs
http://www.articlesbase.com/cyber-law-articles/computer-forensics-a-brief-introduction-135946.html
What Is the best Computer Security?
Author: admin
I ask this as I am planning on buying security this weekend, but I don’t know a whole lot about this kind of thing. I am just a generall computer user, i do have a website and spend a lot of time online and send a lot of Emails if this helps.
I have heard of Norton and AVG but thats as far as my knowledge on the subject goes, I would really appreciate some feedback.
We often get asked the question: "What is the best free antivirus software?"
The best free antivirus software is actually a combination of several different free software programs. If you combine the right programs, you will have a good level of protection for your computer. The free software will protect you from virus, malware, spyware, hackers, phishing, scams, fraud web sites, and a lot more. All of the freebies on our list will give you real time protection against threats both known and unknown.
In order to give your computer a high level of protection, you need the following: (1) antivirus (2) antispyware (3) firewall (4) secure web browser (5) anti-hack tool (6) fraud, scam, and phishing filter (7) a good sandbox to isolate your browser and other programs while they are running.
Here are the freebies:
1. Antivirus: Choose one – Avira or Avast.
2. Antispyware: Choose one – Malwarebytes or Spyware Doctor.
3. Firewall: Zone Alarm.
4. Secure web browser: Explorer 8 and/or Firefox.
5.Anti-hack tool: SnoopFree Privacy Shield
6. Fraud and phishing filter: We recommend that you use both WOT (Web of Trust) and Site Advisor.
7. Sand Box: This is for for added safety, virus protection, etc. We recommend Sandboxie.
We do want to add this one thought:
http://the-best-free-antivirus-software.blogspot.com/
Software Agility:introducing Software Security
Author: admin
Soft Starters are solid state devices that can be used in place of across the line motor starters to reduce the inrush current surge caused by large loads. This can minimize mechanical damage to belts, gears, and chains. The Soft Starter can also prevent the jarring of valuable products being conveyed in materials handling applications.
Beyond soft starter technology, which starts the motor in a slow, controlled manner, a solid-state soft starter has the added capability of protecting the motor from an overload condition. It provides this protection by either electromechanical or electronic means, Both models have fully programmable electronic overload protection that meets code requirements. The ability to program the soft starter allows it to bridge the gap between full voltage starting and inverters while maintaining the flexibility of the latter.
Another form of soft starters, motor controllers, use a different approach to bringing the motor to speed in a controlled manner. Software security is fast becoming one of the hottest topics in computer software circles. Today, anyone can easily find a cracked version (software which comes with an illegal software key) by looking in the right places on the internet. In the real world software resale, software renting and software backup are all considered to be “software piracy”.
Software Security – The Problem
Although, most countries have copyright laws which apply to software, these laws are rarely enforced and in some countries never enforced. It is virtually impossible to track who has an authentic copy of a software program and who doesn’t. While software piracy may seem like a victimless crime, most piracy is done against small or medium companies. Software programmers spend years developing a program need to protect their hard work. In last few years with the lack of software protection enforcement, programmers have taken of the issue of Software security into their own hands.
Software Security – The Solution
There are a few companies today that develop Software security in order to make the application code and licensing rules hacker-proof from modifications and eliminations. One way to protect software is by using obfuscation code.
Software security – code obfuscation
Obfuscated code is source code that is (usually intentionally) very hard to read and understand. Some computer languages are more prone to obfuscation than others. C, C++ and Perl are most often cited as easily obfuscatable languages. Macro preprocessors are often used to create hard to read code by masking the standard language syntax and grammar from the main body of code. The term “shrouded code” has also been used.
Programs written in languages such as C++ or Pascal are compiled into the machine language of a given computer before they become a program. Programmers write “source code”, computers run “machine code” so this conversion is necessary. There is (generally) a one way transformation from source code to machine code. Machine code is not encrypted and is easy for anyone to see, but the format is so tedious for humans that reverse-engineering efforts are slow and painful.
In-house application development organizations provide highly-customized, mission-critical software for enterprises worldwide. No less than ISVs (Independent Software Vendor) , these teams are in need of protection and control for their products – especially as they become more service-oriented, playing a more central role in overall enterprise business.
With an understanding that code protection and licensing schemes need to fully interoperate, in-house development teams are today taking a holistic approach to Software security that includes a more completed Software Lifecycle Management.
If you want to know more about the ins and outs of Software security see this site: www.securelm.net
Ariel
http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/software-agilityintroducing-software-security-128290.html
Do I need to upgrade my computer security?
Author: admin
For a few years now, I’ve had a padlock on my computer that I’ve kept locked at nights and I regularly wash the internet cables with Lysol. But people have told me that you constantly need to upgrade your security solutions, so can you offer me any advice?
Are you serious., Lysol???? You need security software, 3 of the main ones are., Avira AntiVir antivirus free., superantispyware free.,and Spyware Doctor Starter Edition free., all of these would be a good start.,forget the Lysol.,
I want to get involved with computer security, where would be a good way to start off?
yes ,get your security certification .
if u want to get your security easily ,i invite you using the latest braindumps ,which can help you very much !
my brother passed his SY0-201 exam with 95% ,with the help of http://www.testpassport.com/Security/ ,maybe you can have a try .
testpassport is the best way for you start your Security.
Software Agility – Introducing Software Security
Author: admin
Soft Starters are solid state devices that can be used in place of across the line motor starters to reduce the inrush current surge caused by large loads. This can minimize mechanical damage to belts, gears, and chains. The Soft Starter can also prevent the jarring of valuable products being conveyed in materials handling applications.
Beyond soft starter technology, which starts the motor in a slow, controlled manner, a solid-state soft starter has the added capability of protecting the motor from an overload condition. It provides this protection by either electromechanical or electronic means, Both models have fully programmable electronic overload protection that meets code requirements. The ability to program the soft starter allows it to bridge the gap between full voltage starting and inverters while maintaining the flexibility of the latter.
Another form of soft starters, motor controllers, use a different approach to bringing the motor to speed in a controlled manner. Software security is fast becoming one of the hottest topics in computer software circles. Today, anyone can easily find a cracked version (software which comes with an illegal software key) by looking in the right places on the internet. In the real world software resale, software renting and software backup are all considered to be “software piracy”.
Software Security – The Problem
Although, most countries have copyright laws which apply to software, these laws are rarely enforced and in some countries never enforced. It is virtually impossible to track who has an authentic copy of a software program and who doesn’t. While software piracy may seem like a victimless crime, most piracy is done against small or medium companies. Software programmers spend years developing a program need to protect their hard work. In last few years with the lack of software protection enforcement, programmers have taken of the issue of Software security into their own hands.
Software Security – The Solution
There are a few companies today that develop Software security in order to make the application code and licensing rules hacker-proof from modifications and eliminations. One way to protect software is by using obfuscation code.
Software security – code obfuscation
Obfuscated code is source code that is (usually intentionally) very hard to read and understand. Some computer languages are more prone to obfuscation than others. C, C++ and Perl are most often cited as easily obfuscatable languages. Macro preprocessors are often used to create hard to read code by masking the standard language syntax and grammar from the main body of code. The term “shrouded code” has also been used.
Programs written in languages such as C++ or Pascal are compiled into the machine language of a given computer before they become a program. Programmers write “source code”, computers run “machine code” so this conversion is necessary. There is (generally) a one way transformation from source code to machine code. Machine code is not encrypted and is easy for anyone to see, but the format is so tedious for humans that reverse-engineering efforts are slow and painful.
In-house application development organizations provide highly-customized, mission-critical software for enterprises worldwide. No less than ISVs (Independent Software Vendor) , these teams are in need of protection and control for their products – especially as they become more service-oriented, playing a more central role in overall enterprise business.
With an understanding that code protection and licensing schemes need to fully interoperate, in-house development teams are today taking a holistic approach to Software security that includes a more completed Software Lifecycle Management.
If you want to know more about the ins and outs of Software security see this site: www.securelm.net
Ariel
http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/software-agility-introducing-software-security-128288.html