New Technology Reviews!.: Vulnerable

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...

Why Wireless Networks Are More Vulnerable Than Wired Networks

The reason why wireless networks are more vulnerable than wired networks is that because the data is transmitted through the broadcast radio technology that works on the same microwave radio band (2.4 gigahertz) as cordless phones, instead of a dedicated cable.It is possible to be intercepted by hackers, especially if there is not a firewall installed because the networking transmissions are broadcast indiscriminately. Drive by hackers and casual intruders can pick up the radio signal 20 to 50 meters and as much as 500 meters if there is sensitive equipment. It is estimated that 30 percent of all wireless networks have already had a hacking attempt made, even though it is illegal.Your wireless network can become contaminated with a virus, if another wireless computer taps into the network and has it, contaminating your server and the other computers on that network.When wireless networks came out, they were more convenient and often a higher speed access than traditional wired networks. It soon became evident that they were easier to be compromised since multiple users were using the same broadcast signals. If a server is not secure, encrypted and firewall protected, it can cause data loss of confidential information and virus attacks that can make a system vulnerable to crashing.Many government agencies are no longer using wireless networks because of the security issues. For most other usages, a wireless network is suitable, as long as it is firewall protected properly, but you may want to consider the additional security of a wired network, if you handle sensitive information.The safest thing is to have an IT or network security audit done to evaluate the multiple computers on your network, whether wireless or wired, for security and firewall needs. Businesses that transmit data, store crucial customer information like credit cards and other confidential information need to be especially aware of the consequences, should the information fall into the wrong hands.By having an IT security audit done on your system, you can discover any vulnerabilities and protect against them. Typically, they will do audits that involve external penetration tests and internal management tests to uncover any possible threats, intentional or by ignorance of protection on the part of users.Not only can security be compromised through wireless networks that are not properly secured, but wired networks need to have proper security software and firewalls working on their server to assure protection, on an internal, physical basis.An IT security audit will evaluate the environment of the server, whether wireless or wired and any weak links in the security including the physical location and access to the server and settings for anti-virus and firewall programs.Wireless networks have gained in popularity due to the ease of installation, especially in older buildings and the cost is less to install than cabling a wired network. The chances of contamination of data, information loss and virus or hacking by intruders may not be worth the cost savings, due to the vulnerability of wireless systems.	 	 		 			 				 					 						Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information on Network Security, he recommends Network 24, a leading provider of UK <a href="http://www.network24.co.uk/security/" target="_new">network security solutions</a>.

Why Wireless Networks Are More Vulnerable Than Wired Networks

The reason why wireless networks are more vulnerable than wired networks is that because the data is transmitted through the broadcast ra...

Car Computers - Research Indicates They Are Extremely Vulnerable

Anti-virus software is a colossal industry; and for a good reason. Everyday hackers steal myriads of vital information losing companies and consumers' time and money alike. Anti-virus software along with other programs are continually updated in preemptive attempts to thwart future cyber attacks.Your computer may not be you're only valuable at risk. A group of researchers from the Universities of California and Washington feel the auto industry in particular, is highly susceptible to cyber attacks. In fact, after a slew of controlled tests in which researcher attempted to cyber hack a few recently released vehicles, the findings were alarming.Researchers who "cyber hacked" an array of vehicles found that with a little tweaking they were able to control many of the vehicles vital components. Even when the physical driver would attempt to intervene and manually gain control of the vehicle, the hackers were able to over ride the manual controls and in essence have the control of the drivers life.Once given access to an on board diagnostic port installed for dealers to quickly access the vehicles computer, researchers were able to set up a wireless network in which they could send and receive the information needed to remotely access the vehicles. By flooding the vehicles system with packs of data, the researchers were shockingly able to map-out and manage many of the vehicles controls.After an array of tests, researchers found that they were able to perform an assortment of tasks ranging from maintaining the volume of the radio to completely disabling the breaks at high speeds. The tests found holes in these systems highlighting the fact that there is in fact a huge potential window for cyber attacks. The researchers found that hacking these complex vehicle computer systems was relatively easy in light of the fact that some vehicle systems can carry more complex computer code than a fighter jet. Researchers are hoping the public and media will find these results un-ignorable.As vehicles get more and more autonomous, they naturally begin to rely more and more on their computer systems. As connectivity and the use of electronic data increases, the likelihood of hackers potentially attempting to enter vehicle systems drastically increases. With vehicles heavily relying on computer systems to function, the potential threat of a hacker becomes more and more a serious issue that could have vast detrimental consequences.Due to the lack of efficiency in their computer systems, many auto manufactures have taken a plethora of bad media and lost a great deal of income due to the degradation in consumer trust and appeal. The fact that nearly half of all automotive warranty claims come from vehicle electronics systems already says a lot about the security and functionality of many of these vehicle computer systems. To add to the surmounting pressure of the volatility of vehicle systems, up to half the purchase cost attributed to many high end vehicles is directly accrued from purchasing these systems.Researchers are hoping that by providing concrete evidence on how fragile these automotive computer systems actually are, the automotive industry and public alike will recognize the drastic need for IT and how it can help integrate up-to-date, safer systems. These aspirations for newer more secure systems aim is to provide increased safety, increased security, boost consumer trust and appeal, and to decrease maintenance and failure costs.The world is constantly transforming due to the technological advances happening every day. As the world changes, industries, such as the automotive industry, must do everything possible to remain a lucrative business. Whether it is reducing emissions, meeting governmental safety regulations, or keeping your vehicles data system secure, there is always something new for the pack to chase.	 	 		 			 				 					 						Rusty Shakelford works as a freelance writer and marketer for companies like <a href="http://www.CarLocate.com" target="_new">http://www.CarLocate.com</a>, a web portal where you can conduct car research and <a href="http://www.carlocate.com/SearchCars.aspx" target="_new">buy a car</a>. When he is off the clock, Rusty writes, stays up on the latest marketing innovations, and follows the latest in the automotive industry and cars.

Car Computers - Research Indicates They Are Extremely Vulnerable

Anti-virus software is a colossal industry; and for a good reason. Everyday hackers steal myriads of vital information losing companies a...