Biometrics is seen as the next step in computer systems security and access control due to the failure of more primitive and fundamental security systems. Fingerprint scanners, passwords, security keys and even smartcards have failed miserably in providing the ultimate and most secure intrusion prevention method for just about anything. From your home, car, computer terminal at work to just about anything else that needs security, it has be come more and more of a must due to the increasing threat of identity theft and other computer related crimes in and out of the workplace.
Biometrics are security systems that are based on the differences the human body manifests in terms of eye structure, facial features and now vein geometry. We’ve all heard of DNA or the so-called blueprint for life and the way it makes each and every human different from everyone else on this earth (well, except for some genetic disorders and diseases that changes the DNA makeup). That is what biometrics takes advantage of as a source of a very unique key or method of identifying one from another person.
Your fingerprint is mapped when it is initially scanned into a computer system which convert’s your analog (actual) print into a digital map that is as unique as you are an individual. Iris scanners take into account the differences the iris has from each and every individual (through the use of a low powered light and scanner to obtain a picture of the eye’s iris which is also unique). Voice recognition takes into account, the differences our voices have from everybody else also converting it into a digital map or password of sorts. Vein geometry, uses a thermal imaging camera to take a picture of your hand or whole body which is sensitive to heat showing all the blood vessels which show as hotspots thus giving you a unique id of sorts as that is also mapped and converted into digital form. All of the above biometrics systems rely on our individual differences which are quite unique to us and add onto it, other more basic security measures such as a physical key (password, key or other devices) to give the ultimate security system preventing intrusion.
Tags: identity-theft, Secure workplace
Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Network Security, Operating Systems, Physical Security, Real-World Issues, Security Policies
One of the common problems that PC owners have these days is finding out that they have a virus residing in their PC. Don’t be comforted by the fact that you have an anti-virus software running. Viruses will always find a way. Also, if you do have one, are you sure it is licensed?
Apparently, most people fail to realize the value of a good anti-virus software when it comes enabled with all the features included. Some are fine with the trial version as long as they are protected. At least that is what they think. But the real value of a good anti-virus software comes out when you get the full version that comes with the actual cleaning tool when you get one officially.
For most trial versions, you may be surprised to note that once they are able to detect a certain virus, you can only discover them but not clean them. If you do try to clean them, it will tell you to get the full version at a certain price of course.
There are some software that clean certain viruses but these are mostly low in threat. But the graver ones are the issues you have to content with. If you really want a fully protected PC, chances are you better consider an investment that can really protect you from such virus issues, most of which can really hurt you as far as computer files and documents are concerned.
Tags: anti-virus, freeware, protection, software, trialware
Categories: IT Security Basics, Operating Systems
We know for a fact that the battle towards malicious software and viruses released on the web has caused a lot of pain as far as pinpointing and remedying them but apparently nothing has been done to really resolve them. We buy licensed software but we have to ask ourselves on the extent of their coverage. Are they up to date and can they really save us from all these uncertainties of getting online?
Microsoft has been a prime target, being one of the widely used operating systems we know of today. But while Bill Gates and company are doing their part in being able to address the various intrusions and headaches that they can do with a simple click, you just don’t know who to trust these days. Even the software companies have the ability to manipulate and do some foul work and they are occurring right under our very noses.
Security researchers concede that their efforts are largely an exercise in a game of whack-a-mole because botnets that distribute malware like worms, the programs that can move from computer to computer, are still relatively invisible to commercial antivirus software.
So with all these things set on the table, is the cyber world safe for anyone? We can fend off threats but the question is are we resolving the situation or merely providing a temporary solution to the problem? Sad to say, it is the latter. We are content with detecting them but it is really the cleaning and protection part that needs improvement.
Tags: cyber wars, internet, Malware, trojans
Categories: IT Security Basics, Malware, Security Policies, Spyware
Emails are supposed to make life easier but sometimes, it may be wise to choose who you give out your email to. Today, a lot of mischief can be done and normally this comes in forms of email attacks or email bombs. In such scenarios, don’t be surprised if you find your email downloading hundred to a thousand emails in one sitting. That is not the best part. You would be lucky if this was done only once since others would schedule it daily.
Why do they do it? One is for trials of these foolish software and the other can perhaps be for malicious reason. It is a fact that while many people on the web cannot be harmed physically, they can create headaches for you in the form of discomforts from the privileges you get from the web. One of the main elements an online user would need to use is his email and by doing these email attacks, it burdens the person on how to get important information usually sent through the web.
One cannot avoid such instances. But the best way to prevent it is to choose the people you give it too. For people you meet on the web, it would be wise to use free mail accounts from Gmail or Yahoo over your personal one. Avoid the troubles of such since it will not only be a discomfort, but a forgettable experience as well.
Tags: emal, explosion, security, spam
Categories: IT Security Basics, Malware, Security Policies, Spyware, Tips
Blogs are the in-thing today and everybody on the planet wants to have one. WordPress being one of the most trusted and used platforms has suffered a great deal from the relentless attacks conducted by hackers who use it for spreading malware to the millions of users on the platform. Another weak link in the blogging trends are the millions of hosting companies, who all want to host as many people on earth they can so they earn as much profit as possible. These hosting servers and service providers might smell good on the outside but can be quite rotten on the outside so getting the right information on the hosting service you aim to use is vital for the survival of your blogging efforts. Web hosting review sites have sprung all over the place and are proving to be the best source of information for budding bloggers and SEO marketers. They offer unbiased information regarding the several or so hosting services giving you the tools to determine the best web hosting information around. These analytical tools may spell success or failure for your blog and thus SEO efforts, so don’t go out without them.
Tags: Cost Analysis, Hosting Information, Web Hosting, Web Hosting Reviews
Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Malware, Real-World Issues, Tips
If you are in charge of network security, one thing you may want to consider as far as laying down the law in safeguarding your network is the regular change of user passwords to avoid potential hackers and cracks based on how their passwords can be easily guessed.
For some users, it is easy to figure out their passwords. The normal passwords that people use include:
1. Birthdays
2. Anniversaries
3. Car Plate Numbers
4. Mobile Phone Numbers
5. Adding 123 to their names, or
6. Using “PASSWORD” as their password
Now there will be a lot of potential combinations depending on the length of the password. That is why the longer passwords (8 alphanumeric characters) are encouraged for users who access the network.
But while the probabilities of guessing or cracking passwords offer a lot possibilities, employing a regular maintenance as far as changing them is indeed something ideal to combat these hackers or malicious people from gaining access to the network and the programs in use.
Once cannot avoid the fact that some people’s curiosity and call for fame are the main reasons for wanting to be a hacker or code cracker. It is evident in people who are looking to try out their skill. They don’t think of the outcome which can cause a lot of problems.
So one good tip to avoid being hacked is to think like one. Once you do, think of security policies that can make it hard for you to breach a system. That is the best way to stay efficient in your line of duty in any organization.
Tags: network, passwords, security, systems
Categories: IT Security Basics, Network Security, Security Policies
You just have to look at how Microsoft always announces certain patch releases for their software these days. Nothing is definite and safe just yet especially if you consider hackers and computer geeks trying to discover flaws in certain computer software such as an operating system. There will always be something discovered and the loophole can be entirely critical and dangerous.
Unlike in the latter 1990’s, today we rarely see patches being given since they have more or less covered the security threats ranging from viruses to malware today. There are still recommended patched needed. But surely, they are not as rampant and dangerous compare to before. And to make sure that you are using authentic software, they make use of software authenticity codes to know if you are using genuine software or not.
Microsoft can be commended for this but it still remains that there are still a lot of flaws as far as their software releases are concerned. But to make sure that customers do not experience these unfortunate mishaps, a continuous research and development for such threats has to be implemented. We can see these days that something will suddenly break out and if you are not protected, chances are you are missing a patch.
As much as possible, apply these patches. If you are in doubt, read on them or even ask for technical support. Security breaches in the IT world are common and to stay away from such a discomfort, it is best to be updated and make sure you are well-protected.
Tags: Malware, Microsoft, patches, security, viruses
Categories: IT Security Basics, Malware, Operating Systems
Closed Circuit TV Cameras (CCTV) have indeed become a new face of overall protection and security. At the rate that security is breached and terrorism growing rampant these days, it is apparent that any place or business establishment needs to work up its security measures to ensure maximum protection for the innocent consumers and people who are unaware of threats that may come their way.
But one issue that has been heard all throughout the world is on their reliability. You can monitor various activities but then what? What action would you take? If you do, would it be enough to avoid any accidents that may suddenly occur.
Apparently, many establishments just want to avoid the trouble. Mischief lingers anywhere these days and the best thing that you can do is to try and avoid them. Compared to the early days, tighter security through videos allows the place owners to monitor abnormal and suspicious behaviors to which the proper steps to avoid them can be done.
The list goes as far as advanced security measures such as the high security of sealed places where new technology as thumbprints, eye scanners and card swiping for better monitoring of accessing people limits the list of potential breaches in a certain area.
This has helped a lot and in times where something unfortunate may happen, investigators can have a better time catching culprits thanks to these hidden monitors. These days, that is why most mischievous people have made it a point to survey before attacking. Sadly, some of them have found a way to get around CCTV security as well.
Tags: access, cctv, monitoring, security
Categories: IT Security Basics, Physical Security, Real-World Issues
It is very essential that security will be maintained getting along with your reliable hosting needs. It is therefore conclusive that when you are secured you will also have reliable hosting too. The internet is now a priceless resource fore everyone- young ones to adults. It is mainly used for the purpose of educating and entertaining people all over the world. It is very essential to know the advantages and so with the advantages of the virtual world, especially that it have becoming so fast changing from time to time. It is also very important to guide children in their viewing or surfing the internet because these might lead them to such devastating and malicious viewing to restrict for children sites. Certain software called the keylogger software can certainly protect your children and almost everyone online.
Children might sometimes be in a situation in which they cannot fully handle the situation while they are using the internet with no restrictions and without their parents consent. Online internet users are really exposed to some dangers just like in chat rooms that are public and those of which from instant messaging softwares. Your children may start communicating with someone who he or she does not know and might lead to the trap of someone else’s malicious intentions.
When it comes to making your children aware of the dangers of IT security, it is easy to tell them everything however, most of the time it is better for them to learn themselves. Children love to get information in short bursts, and the best way it through a blog. Save a link to a blog site about internet security and they can read through to their hearts content.
For your reliable hosting, there is some software, which can do more than protecting site. These softwares have a lot of other uses. The softwares can be used to detect and to have a record of all sites that were visited all the electronic mail that was sent and so with every instant messages and more activities done to your computer on a daily basis. If you have this software, you cannot just protect your children but also your employees at the workplace. Plus you can even use this to monitor your husband or wife whom you think is cheating on you.
Categories: General, IT Security Basics
Promotion of the websites can be done in many different ways but the right tactics will help you to draw more users towards your content. If you are looking for some unique options then best web hosting companies will offer plans which are just apt for you. With the help of online option you can easily search for top ten organizations or most popular companies dealing with web hosting plans. In this way you can find a company who can meet your needs and assist in fulfilling the targets.
Apart from the unlimited plans, the companies also involve various tricks like the use of spyware to get information of another user. This proves to be beneficial as you can access the websites visited by the users and the links which they have opened. Thus this software finds its great use and companies try to get full advantage from it. But this has to be done in a secure way or else you can get in to a big problem. The user is unknown about this fact and so you can go for this option.
The services which you avail from best web hosting companies need to be of high quality and prices in your budget. The plan which you select must cater to the reach of the clients. For this you require experts and professionals who are experienced and knowledgeable to advise you and act accordingly. For any plan you need to pay a monthly fee which depends upon the features which a plan possesses. You can try all the options and pick the most appropriate plan for your website.
Categories: General, IT Security Basics
