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Encryption: an Important Oversight 2004-08-04
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This past June, representatives of UCLA admitted that 145,000 blood donors could be at risk for identity theft because of a laptop stolen in November. The laptop contained a database that included names, addresses, birthdates and social security numbers. The database was password protected but not encrypted.
So what is encryption and why is it important? Encryption is the process of applying a substitution code to all your data. Without the key, the data will be useless gibberish to a thief. Encryption programs are widely available, but most users don’t bother with them. In 2003, laptop theft cost U.S. companies about $6.8 million, and that doesn’t include the value of the data that was lost. A stolen laptop could contribute to theft of corporate secrets, identity and property, covert government information, and much more.
Whether you are protecting corporate information, or your family’s password files…encryption programs are a worthwhile investment for your laptop.
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Author: Dayna Kaddas
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Browsing and email safety 2004-08-04
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Being connected to the internet is becoming increasingly hazardous. Hackers and virus writers can infect your system through emails and, more recently, by enticing you to an infected website. There are several ways to protect yourself from attackers:
- Make sure your anti-virus protection is active and up-to-date
- Set your browser security level to high. On Internet Explorer, access this function through the TOOLS menu. Click INTERNET OPTIONS, select the SECURITY tab and then click the INTERNET icon. Move the slider to HIGH. Some websites may not work properly with the high setting. If you know an affected site is safe, you can add it to your list of trusted sites and it will work.
- Add safe websites to your TRUSTED SITES list. You can find the TRUSTED SITES icon in the SECURITY tab of INTERNET OPTIONS as well. Type in the website URL (for example, www.askcas.com) and click ADD. You can restrict trust to only sites that begin with https: -to include sites that begin with http: clear the box labeled REQUIRE SERVER VERIFICATION. Under SECURITY LEVEL FOR THIS ZONE, move the slider to MEDIUM. This sets security at medium for all your trusted sites.
- Read emails in plain text rather than HTML. Your messages won’t look as flashy, but will be much safer.
- Block Pop-Up windows in your browser. Many websites use pop-ups to display ads, some are offensive. Attackers may use pop-ups disguised as ads to install malicious code on your computer. Either way, blocking them will make your browsing safer and more enjoyable. Many pop-up blockers are compatible with Internet Explorer and are free. Some good ones to try:
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Author: Dayna Kaddas
Links: http://toolbar.google.com/
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Have an old computer? 2004-07-05
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Your computer is slow and can’t keep up with your business…what do you do now? In many cases, additional memory or new parts can bring your computer up to date. Software and hardware updates can be a cost-effective way to improve performance. You could donate your old computer to a school or charitable organization and buy a new one. Many donations are tax deductible. Sell your computer to a repair/rebuild shop. Some will pay you for your equipment; some will give you a discount on an upgraded model. If you decide to throw your old machine out, find a place to recycle it. Most computer equipment contains hazardous materials that should not be disposed of in a landfill. The Ada County Landfill has a specific building to accept computer parts which are then sent out to be recycled, or check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have a recycling program.
Benefits of recycling or donating your old computer equipment:
1. Prevent landfill expansion by diverting bulky computer equipment
2. Protect the water, land and air
3. Give people and organizations that cannot afford to buy computers new opportunities and resources
4. Reuse the plastics, metals and other parts from old computers to conserve resources
For more information:
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Author: Dayna Kaddas
Links: http://www.pcrecyclersofidaho.com/
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FREE Anti-Virus Software 2004-02-15
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A great FREE Anti-Virus Software. It has all of the main basic features you need. It also includes online updates. Check it out.
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Links: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
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Home Users 2004-02-15
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IIS Alliance Common Sense Guide for Home and Individual Users
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Links: http://www.isalliance.org/resources/papers/ISAhomeuser.pdf
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The National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace 2004-02-15
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The National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace is part of our overall effort to protect the Nation. It is an implementing component of the National Strategy for Homeland Security and is complemented by a National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets. The purpose of this document is to engage and empower Americans to secure the portions of cyberspace that they own, operate, control, or with which they interact. Securing cyberspace is a difficult strategic challenge that requires coordinated and focused effort from our entire society, the federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, and the American people.
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Links: http://www.whitehouse.gov/pcipb/
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CERT/CC Vulnerabilities, incidents & Fixes 2004-02-15
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'We alert users to potential threats to the security of their systems and provide information about how to avoid, minimize, or recover from the damage. Because users are our primary source of information, we encourage you to report any incidents you experience on your systems or any vulnerabilities you find. These reports will help us inform you and others about potential threats and ways to avoid or recover from them.'
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Links: http://www.cert.org/nav/index_red.html
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CERT/CC Advisories 2004-02-15
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Established in 1988, the CERT® Coordination Center (CERT/CC) is a center of Internet security expertise, located at the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded research and development center operated by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Links: http://www.cert.org/advisories/
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