Cyber Security Issues

Does it sometimes seem that everything we do today relies on computers and the Internet? Our most important business and personal information, stored on computers, are constantly at risk from cyber attacks. In order to protect yourself and your organization, you have to know what the risks are and what to do about them. This week’s articles can help you defend against such attacks.

You buy insurance, put locks on the doors, and install fire alarms to protect your premises; have you made cyber security the same priority? (Item #1)   Here’s a one-stop source for lots of valuable information on cyber crime. (Item #2)   A single hacker can cause damage to a large number of computer networks; it can help to improve your cyber security. (Item #3)  

Social networks allow phishing schemes to spread rapidly. (Item #4)   Cyber-warfare and cyber-attacks have now become a reality; are you ready? (Item #5)   Would you know if there was spyware on your computers? (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at bmellinger@attainium.net.

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Protect Your Business

A cyber security breach would hit at the heart of the trust that your employees and customers have in your business. Cyber security practices are about more than protecting your network, they are about protecting your business. Fortifying your company against cyber threats represents a critical and fundamental step you must take as a business owner to protect your valuable financial or other important information from falling into the wrong hands.
http://www.staysafeonline.org/content/protect-your-business

2. Cyber Crime, Security, and Safety Reports

A variety of organizations have conducted valuable research that helps us understand the ever changing landscape of consumer behavior and cyber crime. Staysafeonline.org has collected some of these great studies and made them available in one place. This resource makes it easy for all of us to get a perspective on how we can help consumers and businesses protect themselves from Internet crime and cyber attacks.
http://www.staysafeonline.org/content/cyber-crime-security-and-safety-reports

3. Improve cyber security

Protecting your data and information technology systems may require specialized expertise. Depending on the particular industry and the size and scope of the business, cyber security can be very complicated. However, even the smallest business can be better prepared.
http://www.ready.gov/business/protect/cybersecurity.html

4. Reports: Phishing attack hits Twitter

A security company released a report last week saying that reported phishing schemes on social networks -- those that lure users to fake Web sites to steal their log-in information -- have increased in recent months. Nearly a third of 500 companies surveyed by Sophos reported to have been the victim of a phishing attack via a social network at the end of 2009, which was up from 21 percent that reported an attack in April of last year.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/02/02/twitter.phishing/index.html?hpt=T2

5. Cyber-Attacks and Cyber-Disasters: Are You Prepared?

In 2007, a denial-of-service attack was launched every 53 minutes. In 2008, the loss of an undersea cable resulted to the loss of Internet service for entire regions. Businesses that rely to any measure on the Web must secure their businesses against the possibility of large-scale cyber-attacks and disasters.
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/62725.html

6. Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware

Because of its popularity, the internet has become an ideal target for advertising. As a result, spyware, or adware, has become increasingly prevalent. When troubleshooting problems with your computer, you may discover that the source of the problem is spyware software that has been installed on your machine without your knowledge.
http://www.uscert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-016.html