New Technology Reviews!.: Experts

Search Engine Identifies Vulnerable SCADA Systems - New Challenge for Information Security Experts

Recently, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) reported that SHODAN, a search engine is capable of discovering vulnerable SCADA systems connected to Internet. The report was based on the findings by independent information security professionals. The revelation puts numerous computer systems across critical industries vulnerable to hacking attacks. The search engine scans different ports for devices connected to the Internet. The search even reveals information such as HTTP server responses, get responses, FTP and Telnet service banners, SSH banners and communication between client and servers during login attempts. Ironically, the revelation comes at a time, when information security professionals are grappling with the challenges posed by the Stuxnet cyber weapon targeted primarily at industrial installations. The identified systems have weak authentication mechanisms. Most of the systems were primarily designed for monitoring purposes. The revealed systems are susceptible to brute force attacks. Further, the use of default username and passwords for authentication make the systems vulnerable to remote access. The revelation reflects the negligence by the concerned security administrators despite the heightened cyber security risk. Employees must be encouraged to use strong passwords instead of the default passwords, a fundamental aspect of the cyber security regime. As the SCADA systems are likely to contain sensitive information and databases, it is important to incorporate multi-factor authentication system to restrict easier access to critical files. The revelations necessitate the use of secure networks for remote access and monitoring by different users of the critical systems. The exposure emphasizes the importance of ethical hacking to find vulnerabilities for strengthening the defenses of the information technology infrastructure. Further, there must be adequate monitoring of third-party access to the systems. The disclosure makes it vital for security administrators to place emphasis on employee awareness and cultivate secure IT practices.

Search Engine Identifies Vulnerable SCADA Systems - New Challenge for Information Security Experts

Recently, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) reported that SHODAN, a search engine is capable of discovering vulnerable SCADA syste...

A Shortage of Computer Experts - Help Needed!

It's certainly true that the world is facing tough economic times. But in the field of computers and technology the line-up of occupations offering high paying salaries is simply astounding. And one area in particular, known as computer forensics, faces a serious shortage of experts.So why should you consider a career in this exciting profession? With the FBI's reported increase in crimes, the demand for computer forensics pros is overwhelming. These professionals are needed to investigate crimes that include abuses of the Internet by employees, industrial espionage, hacking, fraud, deception, terrorism, drug dealing and violence among many. In 2009 for instance, the FBI warned the public of scams that target charitable contributors during times of natural disasters.Computer forensic professionals are sought by law enforcement agencies such as the CIA, the Department of Defense, NSA, FBI, Interpol and big corporations to name but a few. Their job entails retrieving vital information from computers as well as recreating events that would lead to securing convictions. After all, computers can be the target of a crime such as in the theft of social security benefits; they can be the instrument of a crime like in the theft of government secrets; or the evidence of a violent crime as seen in cases of child pornography.Many nations around the globe deal with day to day threats in national security. This has opened the market for individuals who specialize in cyber technology. Stopping hackers and Internet terrorism has become a priority.The field can be fun, rewarding and certainly never tedious. A forensics technician will copy the hard drive and retrieve all of the files. This of course will include the files that were lost or intentionally deleted. He or she will analyze the protected folders and the hidden areas of the drive. The expert will conduct an in-depth investigation of the data, will study the user's activities and henceforth, write a detailed report.To better understand the usefulness of this field let's look at the case of Joseph E. Duncan. Data retrieved from his home computer which included a list of contacts taken with a business card scanner led to his apprehension; the information found on a spread sheet led to his conviction and the death penalty.So if you're looking for a career that's lucrative, exciting and certainly pivotal to society don't hesitate. Computer forensics' experts will never lack for jobs.	 	 		 			 				 					 						**To better understand the usefulness of this field let's look at the case of Joseph E. Duncan. Data retrieved from his home computer which included a list of contacts taken with a <a href="http://www.scanshell-store.com/software_s2c.htm" target="_new">business card scanner</a> led to his apprehension.

A Shortage of Computer Experts - Help Needed!

It's certainly true that the world is facing tough economic times. But in the field of computers and technology the line-up of occupa...