Twelve Key Questions You Need to Ask About Your Computer Security for Your Home or Business

<br /> <p>Security technology is only a part of an overall security plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or if you've been tasked with implementing security at your organization, developing a comprehensive security plan should be a very important part of your overall security strategy. Get the information you need to get started on the right track! In the computer/internet security game, the best move is one of Prevention! Prevention! Prevention!</p><p><b> With that in mind, here are the twelve questions you need to be asking, or, at least, be thinking about if you're serious about preventing or stopping security risks, threats, and attacks:</b></p><p>1. Do I have a solid security policy or strategy?</p><p>If you don't, begin immediately to get sample security plans, policies, and best practices for your business and/or home.</p><p>2. Where would I go for key information and news on keeping your information private? <br /><br>Search the internet for managed security services. Ask if they provide a free computer test to assess your pc's level of vulnerability. Ask if they provide the latest tips to keep your privacy and protect your personal information and that of your business. Or simply - ask me.</p><p>3. Does my disaster recovery plan include redundant back-up and data recovery systems?<br /><br>Understand what a good data back up system is and how to best recover from a disaster.</p><p>4. Do I know how to create safe passwords?</p><p>Learn how to write virtually un-crackable passwords.</p><p>5. How do I train my employees or family members to be secure?</p><p>Get all leading research on what to teach about security.</p><p>6. What do I do if my employees are my biggest security risk?</p><p>Learn all about social engineering and insider hacking.</p><p>7. What or who is a hacker?</p><p>A person who uses and/or creates software technology to break into the computers of individuals, businesses, government, and organizations for personal gain is known as a hacker. Often after he, she, or they hack into a computer, they can control it secretly by remote, making it a "zombie computer".</p><p>8. How does he (or she or they) break into home and business computers?</p><p>If they don't have the break-in software, they can buy it off the black market, or create it, themselves. With this technology, they use their malicious software to look for holes in the computers of their targeted victims.</p><p>9. To what extent might my home or business computers be vulnerable to hackers, hacker's tools, viruses, etc.?</p><p>You will never know unless you take the time to test your computer to see what holes are open, by what back doors (up to 65,000 portals) are malware entering your computer.</p><p>10. What is "drive-by hacking"?</p><p>Because wireless Internet access points have become popular for homes and businesses, home and business computers have now become a major target for hackers. In this new phenomenon, called "dive-by hacking", hackers simply take their laptop computers in their cars and drive through business parks or residential neighborhoods remotely scanning for open wireless networks.</p><p>11. Would I know if someone tries to hack into my computer?</p><p>Depending on the security measures you have on your computer and the sophistication of the hacker's software program, you might or might not be aware. Using keylogging programs, these cybercriminals can secretly see and record every keystroke you enter on your computer, thereby gaining access to all your private and personal information.</p><p>12. I have all the security measures, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall I need. Can I still be hit by hackers and other pc-disabling attacks, risks, and threats?</p><p>Again, depending on the security measures you have on your computer and the sophistication of the hacker's software program, your computer or computers might or might not be compromised. <b>Remember:</b> Cybercriminals are superintelligent criminals! They somehow always seem to stay one step ahead of authorities and anti-cybercriminal software.</p><p>Obviously if you have to ask these questions, then you need to take immediate steps to plug the holes and cover the gaps.</p><p><b>So, here are some steps you can take immediately to implement, increase, or improve your present security measures:</b></p><p>* Learn all you can about hackers and the tools and methods they use to invade your privacy and cause problems. Subscribe to a comprehensive source of Internet security research, news and information for small and mid-sized businesses and organizations, or other professionals, that want to increase their level of security and build on their current technologies and efforts.</p><p>* Take advantage of the research already done. Get access to information about the leading topics in the security field, including hackers and hacker tools, viruses, data back up, writing good passwords, government and legal issues, protecting from insider hacking - and more.</p><p>* Stay current with important security news developments. Work with a managed security firm that maintains an entire library of the most beneficial news articles, white papers and other links that you can use to maintain an excellent awareness of cyber-security issues on an ongoing basis.</p><p>* Need help creating a security plan for your organization or business? Take advantage of professional security consulting and training both by telephone consulting or on-site visits. Get vulnerability assessments, employees training, security implementation, and much more.</p><p>Because cyberpredators and other cybercriminals are becoming smarter and more sophisticated in their operations, they are real threats to your personal security and privacy. Your money, your computer, your family, and your business are all at risk.</p><p><b>These cybercriminals leave you with three choices :</b></p><p>1. Do nothing and hope their attacks, risks, and threats don't occur on your computer.</p><p>2. Do research and get training to protect yourself, your family, and your business.</p><p>3. Get professional help to lockdown your system from all their attacks, risks, and threats.</p><p><b>Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!</p><p>© MMVII, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, The Internet Safety Advocate and Educator</b></p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

Twelve Key Questions You Need to Ask About Your Computer Security for Your Home or Business

Security technology is only a part of an overall security plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or if you've be...

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Twelve Scams of Christmas to Watch Out for

The festive season is just around the corner and planning holidays and shopping online seems to be everyone's mind. However, what Internet users should not forget is that this is a happy season for hackers too. Internet security firm McAfee has listed Twelve Scams of Christmas Internet users should watch out for this holiday season. <br /><P><STRONG>1) iPad Offer Scams<BR></STRONG><BR>It is obvious that hackers would use bogus offers for free Apple iPads this year. With the new wonder tablet by Apple hogging so much attention and being on the wish list of many, it does not come as a surprise that it is being used as a bait to encourage consumers to reveal their credit card number and cell phone numbers online. Of course, victims never receive the iPad or the any other items, just the headache of reporting a stolen credit card number or being a part of a cell phone scam.</P><br /><P><STRONG>2) Help! I've Been Robbed Scam</STRONG></P><br /><P>What would you do if you were contacted by a close friend of family member online while they are on a vacation saying that they have been robbed and need money urgently? Most people would wire money instantly. According to McAfee, this travel scam sends phony distress messages to family and friends requesting that money be wired or transferred so that they can get home. McAfee Labs has seen an increase in this scam and predicts its rise during the busy travel season.</P><br /><P><STRONG>3) Fake Gift Cards</STRONG></P><br /><P>Holiday season and gift cards. Need I say more? It is common that during festive seasons like Christmas, Cybercrooks use social media to promote fake gift card offers with the goal of stealing consumers information and money, which is then sold to marketers or used for ID theft. So, beware.</P><br /><P><STRONG>4) Holiday Job Offers</STRONG></P><br /><P>It is a simple rule that more money means a more luxurious holiday or celebration. Where will the money come from? Maybe a vacation job. Scams on micro blogging sites like Twitter offer unsafe links to high-paying, work-at-home jobs that ask for your personal information, such as your email address, home address and Social Security number to apply for the fake job. So, do not fall for that too-good-to-be true job offer on the Internet. </P><br /><P><STRONG>5) Smishing </STRONG></P><br /><P>McAfee says cybercrooks are now smishing, or sending phishing SMS texts. These texts appear to come from your bank or an online retailer saying that there is something wrong with an account and you have to call a number to verify your account information. In reality, these efforts are merely a ruse to extract valuable personal information from the targets. Cybercrooks know that people are more vulnerable to this scam during the holiday season when consumers are doing more online shopping and checking bank balances frequently.</P><br /><P><STRONG>6) Suspicious Holiday Rentals</STRONG></P><br /><P>Just like job offers, if rental offers look out-of-this-world, be cautious. During peak travel times when consumers often look online for affordable holiday rentals, cybercrooks post fake holiday rental sites that ask for down payments on properties by credit card or wire transfer. So, book only via reliable sources.</P><br /><P><STRONG>7) Recession Scams Continue</STRONG></P><br /><P>The recent economic recession hit many and so it is only normal for people to fall prey to recession related scams such as pay-in-advance credit schemes. McAfee Labs has seen a significant number of spam emails advertising pre-qualified, low-interest loans and credit cards if the recipient pays a processing fee, which goes directly into the scammer's pocket.</P><br /><P><STRONG>8) Grinch-like Greetings</STRONG></P><br /><P>E-cards are a convenient and earth-friendly way to send greetings to friends and family, but cybercriminals load fake versions with links to computer viruses and other malware instead of cheer. According to McAfee Labs, computers may start displaying obscene images, pop-up ads, or even start sending cards to contacts that appear to come from you. So think twice before sending that cute-looking Santa Clause to your friend across the globe.</P><br /><P><STRONG>9) Low Price Traps</STRONG></P><br /><P>McAfee warns that shoppers should be cautious of products offered at prices far below competitors. Cyber scammers use auction sites and fake websites to offer too-good-to-be-true deals with the goal of stealing your money and information. So all you shopaholics out there, think twice before investing that branded bag which that site is selling for 50 percent less. </P><br /><P><STRONG>10) Charity Scams</STRONG></P><br /><P>Having a good heart will not save you from Internet scams this holiday season. Common ploys include phone calls and spam e-mails asking you to donate to veterans charities, children's causes and relief funds for the latest catastrophe. So, make necessary inquiries before donating money online. </P><br /><P><STRONG>11) Dangerous Holiday Downloads</STRONG></P><br /><P>According to MaAfee, holiday-themed screensavers, jingles and animations are an easy way for scammers to spread viruses and other computer threats especially when links come from an email or IM that appears to be from a friend.</P><br /><P><STRONG>12) Hotel and Airport Wi-fi</STRONG></P><br /><P>Think you got a good deal regarding your holiday hotel due to the free Wi-Fi they are offering? It might not be as good as it seems as this is a tempting time for thieves to hack into Wi-Fi networks hoping to find opportunities for theft.</P><br /><P>McAfee advises Internet users to follow these five tips to protect their computers and personal information:</P><br /><P>Experts at McAfee advise Internet users to stick to well-established and trusted sites and ask them not to respond to offers that arrive in a spam email, text or instant message.</P><br /><P>Always preview a link's web address before you click on it to make sure it is going to an established site. Never download or click anything from an unknown source. McAfee adds that users should stay away from vendors that offer prices well below the norm. Don't believe anything that's too-good-to-be-true. Also, make sure to use trusted Wi-Fi networks. Don't check bank accounts or shop online if you' re not sure the network is safe.</P>

Twelve Scams of Christmas to Watch Out for

The festive season is just around the corner and planning holidays and shopping online seems to be everyone's mind. However, what Intern...

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Twelve Key Questions You Need to Ask About Your Computer Security for Your Home or Business

<br /> <p>Security technology is only a part of an overall security plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or if you've been tasked with implementing security at your organization, developing a comprehensive security plan should be a very important part of your overall security strategy. Get the information you need to get started on the right track! In the computer/internet security game, the best move is one of Prevention! Prevention! Prevention!</p><p><b> With that in mind, here are the twelve questions you need to be asking, or, at least, be thinking about if you're serious about preventing or stopping security risks, threats, and attacks:</b></p><p>1. Do I have a solid security policy or strategy?</p><p>If you don't, begin immediately to get sample security plans, policies, and best practices for your business and/or home.</p><p>2. Where would I go for key information and news on keeping your information private? <br /><br>Search the internet for managed security services. Ask if they provide a free computer test to assess your pc's level of vulnerability. Ask if they provide the latest tips to keep your privacy and protect your personal information and that of your business. Or simply - ask me.</p><p>3. Does my disaster recovery plan include redundant back-up and data recovery systems?<br /><br>Understand what a good data back up system is and how to best recover from a disaster.</p><p>4. Do I know how to create safe passwords?</p><p>Learn how to write virtually un-crackable passwords.</p><p>5. How do I train my employees or family members to be secure?</p><p>Get all leading research on what to teach about security.</p><p>6. What do I do if my employees are my biggest security risk?</p><p>Learn all about social engineering and insider hacking.</p><p>7. What or who is a hacker?</p><p>A person who uses and/or creates software technology to break into the computers of individuals, businesses, government, and organizations for personal gain is known as a hacker. Often after he, she, or they hack into a computer, they can control it secretly by remote, making it a "zombie computer".</p><p>8. How does he (or she or they) break into home and business computers?</p><p>If they don't have the break-in software, they can buy it off the black market, or create it, themselves. With this technology, they use their malicious software to look for holes in the computers of their targeted victims.</p><p>9. To what extent might my home or business computers be vulnerable to hackers, hacker's tools, viruses, etc.?</p><p>You will never know unless you take the time to test your computer to see what holes are open, by what back doors (up to 65,000 portals) are malware entering your computer.</p><p>10. What is "drive-by hacking"?</p><p>Because wireless Internet access points have become popular for homes and businesses, home and business computers have now become a major target for hackers. In this new phenomenon, called "dive-by hacking", hackers simply take their laptop computers in their cars and drive through business parks or residential neighborhoods remotely scanning for open wireless networks.</p><p>11. Would I know if someone tries to hack into my computer?</p><p>Depending on the security measures you have on your computer and the sophistication of the hacker's software program, you might or might not be aware. Using keylogging programs, these cybercriminals can secretly see and record every keystroke you enter on your computer, thereby gaining access to all your private and personal information.</p><p>12. I have all the security measures, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall I need. Can I still be hit by hackers and other pc-disabling attacks, risks, and threats?</p><p>Again, depending on the security measures you have on your computer and the sophistication of the hacker's software program, your computer or computers might or might not be compromised. <b>Remember:</b> Cybercriminals are superintelligent criminals! They somehow always seem to stay one step ahead of authorities and anti-cybercriminal software.</p><p>Obviously if you have to ask these questions, then you need to take immediate steps to plug the holes and cover the gaps.</p><p><b>So, here are some steps you can take immediately to implement, increase, or improve your present security measures:</b></p><p>* Learn all you can about hackers and the tools and methods they use to invade your privacy and cause problems. Subscribe to a comprehensive source of Internet security research, news and information for small and mid-sized businesses and organizations, or other professionals, that want to increase their level of security and build on their current technologies and efforts.</p><p>* Take advantage of the research already done. Get access to information about the leading topics in the security field, including hackers and hacker tools, viruses, data back up, writing good passwords, government and legal issues, protecting from insider hacking - and more.</p><p>* Stay current with important security news developments. Work with a managed security firm that maintains an entire library of the most beneficial news articles, white papers and other links that you can use to maintain an excellent awareness of cyber-security issues on an ongoing basis.</p><p>* Need help creating a security plan for your organization or business? Take advantage of professional security consulting and training both by telephone consulting or on-site visits. Get vulnerability assessments, employees training, security implementation, and much more.</p><p>Because cyberpredators and other cybercriminals are becoming smarter and more sophisticated in their operations, they are real threats to your personal security and privacy. Your money, your computer, your family, and your business are all at risk.</p><p><b>These cybercriminals leave you with three choices :</b></p><p>1. Do nothing and hope their attacks, risks, and threats don't occur on your computer.</p><p>2. Do research and get training to protect yourself, your family, and your business.</p><p>3. Get professional help to lockdown your system from all their attacks, risks, and threats.</p><p><b>Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!</p><p>© MMVII, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, The Internet Safety Advocate and Educator</b></p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p><b>Resources Box: Etienne A. Gibbs, Independent Internet Security Advocate and Educator</b>, consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, malware, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com" target="_new"><b>http://www.SayNotoHackersandSpyware.com/</b></a>.</p> <br />

Twelve Key Questions You Need to Ask About Your Computer Security for Your Home or Business

Security technology is only a part of an overall security plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or if you've be...

Continue Reading>>