Computer Security For Your EBiz by Janice Sperry
Online computer security is overlooked or minimized by too many Internet businesses. There are numerous security software packages available. Each company offers a multitude of features to keep your business computer safe and secure. So which features are essential? Which ones can’t you do without? Which of these features are already in your business computer? Most vendors sell the basic version of their security software and sell the premium versions (usually with the features that you really need) at a higher price. Is it worth it to pay more for the premium versions of these security programs?
To safeguard your online business computer the following are what you absolutely should have:
1. Anti Virus Software
Having an anti virus system installed in your business computer is a must as it will detect and remove viruses and worms that have gotten into your hard drive. You may accidentally download infected files, receive infected e-mails or have your system compromised after visiting questionable websites. Once installed on your business computer, your anti virus software will need to be updated on a regular basis since new viruses are created every day. Most anti virus software programs automatically update themselves.
2. Personal Firewall
Install a personal firewall on your business computer to keep hackers and malicious programs from infiltrating your computer and accessing your business files. A personal firewall will monitor connections that are coming in to and going out of your computer.
3. Anti Spyware Program
Install anti spyware program in your business computer in order to block or remove spyware and adware programs that have gotten into the computer. Spyware and adware programs are malicious programs with hidden code. They disguise themselves as acceptable files. For instance, rootkit programs are often used by hackers to hide spyware and malware.
4. Wireless Network Monitoring Software
If you use a wireless networking system this piece of software is absolutely essential. It will prevent unauthorized individuals from using up all your bandwidth or invading your wireless network. With wireless network monitoring software you can set up access IDs, passwords and network addresses.
The following are also good for security although it may not be as critical to have the best software available:
1. Anti Phishing/Fraud Defense Software
This security software protects your business computer against phishing and fraud. It stops various online fraud attempts to get your credit card number or bank account number. If you use Internet Explorer or Firefox as your browser, they already have this security feature integrated.
2. Online Identity Protection Software
Online identify protection software protects you from online identity theft. Most of the sites you will use for online purchases already have some type of online identity protection implemented. If you use your credit card or debit card for online purchases, be aware that it comes with online protection in cases of unauthorized purchases.
3. Anti Spam Software
An anti spam software filters e-mails you did not request or e-mails that may contain dangerous files. Web-based e-mail services like Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo already have spam filters in place. If you mistakenly open an e-mail with a suspicious attachment or links to sites designed to steal your information, the anti spam software will scan the attachment first or disable the links so that you do not accidentally click on them.
4. Pop-Up Blocker
A pop-up blocker prevents malicious scripts in pop-up webpages from executing. Again, Internet Explorer and Firefox already have a pop-up blocker installed.
When you purchase any of these security software packages to protect your eBiz computer, make sure you keep your subscription up to date. Keeping your security software current helps keep your online business computer secure.
Most security software offers similar features and protection capabilities. There is, however, security software that is specifically recommended for online businesses. Most of this security software can be downloaded for free during a trial period before you purchase the full version.
Your business computer can never be 100% safe and secure. You can, however, lower the risk of unauthorized access to it by using security programs and keeping them all current. By doing this, you save yourself time and money.
Please also read about another essential safeguard involving password security. Be sure to visit our website and discover ways to build a passive income online.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Computer Security is in Your Hands by Jack Kindred
Computers began making their way into North American homes in the late 1970s to early 1980s. I still remember the first computer I ever saw. It was a Commodore 64.
I can recall the day in 1982, I believe it was, when my friend Bob walked through the door with his brand new Commodore 64 tucked under his arm. He was proud as a peacock. His wife wasn’t. We played with that gizmo for hours and still hadn’t scratched the surface of what it could do.
Those were the days when computers were toys. Very few homes had them and no one had to worry about hackers, viruses, malware, cookies and the like as we do today. Heck, we hadn’t even heard of such terms.
In such a short time, computers have evolved from mere toys and sources of entertainment into everyday necessities for most people. In less than 25 years, computers have become such an integral part of today’s business world and private life that we would be hard pressed to survive without them.
Of course, anything so vital will always be the target of unscrupulous cyber vandals. Online crimes have become a major concern for law enforcement and the general public needs to give high priority to keeping criminals at bay. Hence the need for various types of computer security that helps keep our computers safe from harm.
Every computer owner must adapt some program of cyber security or they won’t be online very long at all. And the threat is not limited to viruses and trojans that infect your system. Online criminals also want access to your computer. They want any piece of information that can help them steal your identity. They look for anything that can provide valuable financial information.
You as a computer owner do not have to sit by and see these kinds of criminal activities spoil your computing experiences. There are many things you can do yourself that will add security to your computer. Let’s summarize just a few of them…
1) Install Good Anti-virus Software.
This is a must today. You should never access the internet or your email without active, up-to-date anti-virus program. Keep in mind, however, that new viruses are surfacing daily and it is a huge task for anti-virus programs to keep up with it all. It is vital that you keep your anti-virus software updated regularly in order for it to recognize any new man-made virus that may have been introduced.
Anti-virus programs are relatively inexpensive when you consider the alternative cost of having to clean up an unnecessary mess or replace a hard drive. There are even free anti-virus programs you can download. Some are just as good as some paid computer security products.
2) Have Proper Firewalls Installed.
To understand firewalls, think of your home, especially if it is fairly new or newly renovated. Building codes today call for installation of special drywall called a firewall. These firewalls are installed in case of fire and this type of wall board keeps the fire from spreading from one room to another, at least until help arrives.
Firewalls in your computer are much the same. They are defensive fortifications built into your system to help halt the spread of any virus or trojan that may have been introduced into your system. These firewalls filter unauthorized data from elsewhere, mostly the internet, while allowing authorized or ‘good’ data to enter your computer.
3) Be Careful With Emails
Many viruses enter your computer via your email. Make sure you establish some hard, fast rules about incoming email. For instance, be extra careful about opening emails from anyone you do not know, and never under any circumstances open any attachments to those emails. Often an email gives the recipient a message of urgency for opening the attachment. Be wary.
4) Be Creative With Passwords
The passwords you choose, whether for your email, membership sites, web host Cpanel, etc., need to be more than simple. Never use any personal information like telephone number, street address, banking PIN, etc. The reasons are quite obvious.
Hackers are quite good at breaking passwords so you need to be creative and adhere to a few rules when creating them. Think of them as keys that unlock a cabinet. Almost any key can be duplicated and used for criminal purposes. This is what hackers do. But there are steps you can take to minimize that threat.
a) Never share your password with anyone.
b) Make all your passwords at least 8 characters in length.
c) Make your passwords meaningless. The crazier, the better.
d) Use a variety of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, symbols, special characters, etc. in each password.
e) Keep a list of every site on which you have a password and record the password for that site.
f) Change your password regularly. It is ideal if you make the password changes all at the same time. For example: Change passwords every 3 months, on the 1st day of the third month. Change every password at that time. This way, none are missed. Keep a record of every date you changed your passwords. This keeps you from going too long without a change.
5) Backup Your Computer Data Regularly
This is one cardinal rule all experienced computer users adhere to. All backups must be done to a CD or DVD, or some other external device. The idea here is that if something happens to your system or you lose your hard drive, you still have all your data elsewhere that can be reloaded into your computer.
6) Never allow file sharing from your computer.
This is one of the most dangerous practices you can allow. Keep all other parties out of your computer.
7) Disconnect From The Internet
By disconnecting from the internet when your computer is not in use, you make it impossible for others to gain access to your system.
Keep Abreast Of Security Updates
This is easy to do these days. You can do this by going to the site hosted by your security provider. They have tons of computer security news regarding current security issues. Many even have computer security courses you can take. This way you are well informed of the newest tactics of online criminals and are provided with ways and means of lessening the threat to your system.
Computer security is really up to you. Many take this issue far too lightly until the day all “H….” breaks loose. Then you are rushing around in confusion looking for someone to fix it all. The fact is, most often no one needs to be in that kind of situation. With a good security system in placed and some personal diligence, you can avoid 99.9 per cent of these kinds of problems.
For more information on computer security, visit the following site http://www.affiliatepowerpunch.com. Click “Secure Your Computer” for access.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Home Computer Security by Fraser Wheaton
Unless the only thing you’ve been using your computer for in the last 10 years is for playing Solitaire, there’s virtually no chance you haven’t been a victim of a home computer security breach. These things sometimes happen without us even knowing and you’ll be amazed at the threats we expose our computers to on a daily basis, by simply browsing the Internet for example. The following article will try to explain what some of the most common home computer security problems are and how to avoid them and protect yourself against them.
Internet security threats
Internet security threats are some of the most common and widely spread problems in today’s informatics world. Although there are several home computer security measures that can be taken against Internet security threats, the speed at which the latter evolve is oftentimes hard to cope with. These are the most common Internet security threats:
Viruses – Viruses are malicious software programs whose single purpose is to annoy or cause data loss. Their main characteristics are that they exploit a bug in the operating system and they spread wildly with the help of executable files. The damage produced by a computer virus can range from low (a virus that simply annoys the user of the infected computer by slowing down performance for example) to extreme (viruses that cause data loss).
Trojans – Trojans are comparable to viruses in that they spread using a vulnerability, but they have a more precise purpose than to simply destroy or annoy. Trojans can be used to gather data from a computer and send it to a specific destination for example.
Spyware / Adware – Spyware and adware are commonly confused for one another. The main difference between the two is the way they are used, although the structure of a spyware and an adware program are virtually similar. Home computer security companies focus more and more on combating spyware and adware, as they are quickly becoming the most common form of Internet security threat. Spyware is used to send information from a computer to a destination, mainly on how the computer is being used, what websites are being visited on a regular basis and so forth, thus it is more of a privacy breach and a nuisance than a threat. Adware on the other hand is used simply for advertising purposes, a few examples of adware consequences include changing your browser’s homepage to that of a company, bringing up pop-ups with ads on your screen on a regular basis and so forth.
Home computer security solutions
Obviously, with the explosion of Internet security threats, the home computer security market followed up and we now have a lot of means to combat the above mentioned threats, including antivirus programs (for viruses, worms and Trojans), anti-spyware/adware programs (for spyware, adware and Trojans), firewalls (used against hacker attacks, Trojans, spyware, adware and viruses) and so forth. You can find free home computer security software on the Internet but if you want complete protection, you’ll want a professional home computer security pack that includes all of the above mentioned components and one that you can update on a weekly (if not daily) basis in order to protect yourself from new threats.
Planned Home Security Gives The Peace Of Mind You Deserve.
Fraser Wheaton is the founder and publisher of The Home Security Reports website.
http://www.HomeSecurityReports.com
We aim to be the worlds largest content provider for home security information on the internet. If you have a home security question, chances are, we have the answer.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How to Choose the Best Computer Security Suite for Your Needs by Mike Tetreault
Before you begin reading this article, there is something that it is critical to understand. Simply put, there is no such thing as a completely secure web browser or operating system. While any of the major security suites and associated products will greatly reduce your exposure to security risks, they are not silver bullets that will stop everything that may come your way. Any product that claims to eliminate 100 percent of your security risks should be looked at very carefully.
Now that we have the ground rule out of the way, let’s consider security suites and computer security. There are a variety of means by which the security of a computer can be breached. Among the most common threats are crackers, phishing, Trojans, viruses, and worms. Potential security risks can also be introduced through spyware, malware, or email attachments, and something called port scanning.
Dshield.org, a Florida-based non-profit company, provides “platform for users of firewalls to share intrusion information”. What they do is work with software vendors to allow for a common reporting platform of port scanning activity detected by software. Port scanning is when software scans another computer system looking for open ports to connect to. Port scanning is often a prelude to other types of attacks, and is used by many viruses and worms to propagate themselves.
Among the more interesting items reported by DShield is the “survival time”. What this means is how long an unpatched computer will be able to “survive” online before being attacked. Over the course of the past year, the survival time for an unpatched Windows system is approximately 100 minutes. If you have an unpatched Windows system, you can expect it to be attacked in about an hour an a half. Clearly, you need to take matters into your own hands to protect the security of your computer systems.
There are some simple steps you can take to quickly and easily protect your computer.
1. Never run unfamiliar programs on your computer. While it may seem to be common sense, many of the most widely-spread attacks have involved spyware and email attachment worms. The rule is simple: Don’t open the attachment if you don’t recognize the sender.
2. Never allow others to have unmoderated physical access to your computer. If you have sensitive or confidential information on your computer, if you allow others physical access to the system, they may either inadvertently or intentionally breach the security of the computer.
3. Always use strong passwords. Be sure none of your passwords are easy to guess. Many people use the names of pets or children, or anniversaries or birthdays. Given how many passwords seem to be needed, another common mistake is for someone to use the same password for everything from their picture-sharing website to their online brokerage. By using only one password, if one system is compromised, all systems you have access to can be compromised. Also, if you absolutely must write your password down, never leave it attached to the computer. I recently saw the proprietor of a small business peering under her keyboard to login to her computer.
4. Be sure to keep your operating system and all installed applications up to current patch levels. Most security experts share the opinion that almost all network-based security attacks would stop if users kept their computers up to date with patches and current security fixes. Almost all of us forget to do this regularly. New Trojans, worms, and viruses are being distributed and created every day. Almost all of them are trying to exploit newly-discovered weaknesses in operating systems and applications.
5. Backup backup backup! It can’t be said enough that it is vitally important to keep regular backups of any and all important data. Even if your system is kept secure from worms, viruses, and Trojans, it is still vulnerable to fire, theft, flooding, hardware failure, and any number of other things that can destroy your most valuable data. Given the ease and availability of CD and DVD burners, there are no excuses for not keeping your data backed up.
For most people, enabling auto-updates, using safe email practices, and using a password-protected screensaver provides adequate security. If you would rather take some additional measures to improve the security of your computer, you should consider purchasing a comprehensive security suite.
While there are many packages out there, you should start with asking yourself some basic questions: Are you the only user, or are there multiple users? If there are multiple users, are any of them children? Do you need to password-protect individual files, your desktop, or someone’s internet access? How much are you willing to spend? What kind of system are you running?
Once you are able to answer those questions, you can begin to research which of the available security suites is best able to meet your needs. Consumer Reports, ZDNet.com, and PC Magazine are just a few of the very informative websites available that offer information and insight into security suites.
There are many different security suites available today. Be sure to conduct your research carefully to find the one that best meets your needs. Listed below are some of the more popular choices, along with what PC World had to say about them.
1. Symantec Norton Internet Security 2006. Symantec’s suite produced top-tier malware detection and cleanup scores, but it would benefit from a more streamlined interface and fewer pop-up alerts.
2. McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006. The excellent malware detection and cleanup scores of McAfee’s full-featured suite make up for its terrible installation routine.
3. Panda Platinum 2006 Internet Security. Panda has superior heuristics, a top-notch firewall, and speedy on-demand scanning, but its interface needs better organization.
4. F-Secure Internet Security 2006. This suite’s five scanning engines–including one for rootkits–produced excellent malware detection scores but the slowest scan speed.
5. Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006. Trend Micro’s interface, speed, and features (including an antiphishing toolbar) were better than its malware detection scores.
Mike Tetreault is an accomplished developer and systems architect. He is also the managing principal of Macrocosmic Technologies [http://www.macrocosmictech.com] and its PrivacyOnTheGo [http://www.privacyonthego.com/] product line which offers a solution to the security and privacy issues faced by people who use multiple or public computers.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Computer Security Systems by Kent Pinkerton
In the present technology-oriented era, most important information is stored on computers. In order to locate and use this critical information, intruders come up with innovative and destructive ways to steal this data. People will endlessly try to break into your computer to find information like your credit card numbers and use it for their benefit.
Computer security is that important and helpful field which designs and implements protection for your computer. A relatively new yet complex field, it doesn’t have much publicized literature, due to the nature of its content. Every year companies invest millions on research and development in this area, making it a lucrative and challenging career.
In the US, users are listening to their software experts and taking their advice to select and use difficult passwords which are not easily deciphered by intruders. People are wary of opening unsolicited emails, and readily upload anti-virus programs to guard their machines.
The firewall program by Microsoft protects your PC from intruders who try to make your machine crash, or steal the required information. Antispyware software from the same company helps protect your computer from known programs which can easily track your browsing patterns.
The hackers may change the settings of your computer without your knowledge. By installing antispyware protection you can have a central location for viewing your computer’s security status and changing the security settings. The program also protects you from harmful viruses. It is important for users to avail the available security systems to protect their computer systems from hackers. A careful approach in using the systems will go a long way in saving your precious data from hackers, and will improve the quality of your PC.
Computer Security provides detailed information on Computer Security, Computer Security Systems, Computer Network Securities, Computer Security Software and more. Computer Security is affiliated with Information Security Systems [http://www.e-InformationSecurity.com].
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Computer Security Software by Kent Pinkerton
Computer security software helps you detect unsolicited use of your computer and misuse of private information. The information extracted by unfair means can be used to the hacker’s benefit and may result in huge monetary and privacy losses. These people will go after your hard disk space, computer processor and even your Internet connection. They will infect as many computers they can by spreading disastrous viruses.
Companies like Microsoft spent a lot of money and resources to come up with effective and affordable computer security software. These software programs prevent and detect the misuse of your computer. Preventive software curbs hackers from accessing private data, while detection software helps you detect any damage done by the intruding virus. In the current scenario, where we use computers in almost all essential activities like investing, purchasing and chatting, it has become imperative for us to regularly update our computer security software.
You may consider yourself to be not important or rich enough for hackers to choose you as a target, but these people may not be after your information after all. They may use your system to attack other computers. Under your false identity they may use your email to get into other high-profile computer systems like banks or government records.
A seemingly harmless activity like playing a poker game on the Internet may get these hackers on your computer trail. It is not a very pleasing thought that all your moves on PC are closely monitored, so it is advisable to get computer security software.
Purchase or download the anti-virus products that will provide protection for your systems. You will have to install the latest software, since new viruses are floated on the net every day.
Computer Security provides detailed information on Computer Security, Computer Security Systems, Computer Network Securities, Computer Security Software and more. Computer Security is affiliated with Information Security Systems [http://www.e-InformationSecurity.com].
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Ten Easy Ways to Boost Your Computer Security by Philip Van Zyl
These days it is very easy to take our computers for granted. It is almost as if they are part of our office or household furniture. However, we all have increasing amounts of sensitive data stored on our computers and it’s worth being aware of the ongoing risks so here we take a look at the best ways to maintain and improve your computer security.
Of course adding some computer security features to a pc costs a little extra money, but it is essential to do to ward off attacks from the rogues out there determined to upset home pc users as well as large scale organizations. Viruses can vary in seriousness such as harmless but annoying e-mails or spam to programs delivered to PCs that can wipe out all the data stored on the computer.
Let’s take a look at ten ways all of us can improve our computer security:
1. Password Protection – A good start to computer security is to put in a barrier to unauthorised users of your computer. Protect your login id with a password. That way you can ensure that only you can access confidential information on your computer. Never disclose your passwords to other people, don’t write them down and try and make them unique with a combination of letters, numbers and other characters.
2. Operating System – Keep your operating system updated frequently. Turning on the auto-update in Windows Update will boost your computer security. Microsoft releases frequent fixes to vulnerable areas of computer security so this is critically important.
3. Anti Virus Software – Ensure your pc has up to date anti-virus software installed. This is a key element of computer security and will help detect and remove viruses as well as block spam e-mails.
4. Firewall – At the same time your computer security should be enhanced by adding a firewall especially if you are part of a network either at work or home. The firewall setting on your router should be switched on as these could leave you exposed to hackers or indeed your neighbours might be able to view what you are doing on the internet.
5. Regular Scans – Your anti-virus software may do regular background checks, but it is a good idea to run a scan at least once a week. This will help clean up your system by deleting unwanted cookies and temporary internet files.
6. E-Mail Attachments – Be very wary of attachments to e-mails sent to you, especially if they are from an unknown source. These could potentially carry a virus that will prove damaging to your computer. A good computer security tip is to ignore attachments from unknown sources and delete the e-mail. You can save any attachments or downloads to your desktop and scan them with the anti-virus software.
7. E-Mail Links – It is best not to visit websites by clicking links attached to an e-mail. Most links taking you to a home page asking for log-in or account details are scams. Any details entered here can be used by the hacker who set up the link.
8. Suspicious E-Mails – Ignore e-mails that look suspicious and delete them as these could breach your computer security. Ignore any e-mails purporting to be from your bank or someone else you hold an account with asks for personal details or passwords. This breach of computer security is sometimes known as phishing.
9. Websites – Be wary of websites you wish to enter. Some anti-virus programs offer warnings next to websites to indicate whether they can be trusted. Avoid clicking on a website if it is not rated as trustworthy.
10. Online Payments – If you need to make a payment online ensure that the payment screen is protected. The page will usually indicate that it is secure and may have a padlock image at the top of the page.
Anyone still not convinced may want to bear in mind some of the facts about viruses. In January 2007 a worm called Storm appeared on the scene. Nine months later it was believed that some 50 million computers had been infected by the worm. Computer security is so important to protect you and your personal data.
Indit Technology Distribution is a distributor of the world’s best computer security solutions for small office home office (SOHO) and large corporate data networks in South Africa. Click here to see their range of computer security solutions [http://www.indit.co.za/products/backup-security-solutions/] here, which include Cyberoam, Acronis, Sophos and BioMatch.
Philip writes on computer equipment and computer security issues on behalf of IndIT. IndIT provides equipment, software and other solutions for installing and managing data networks and computers in South Africa. Get their free guide “8 Ways to Future-Proof Your Data Network” here >>> [http://www.indit.co.za/download-guide/].
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Cloud Computing Security by Danny Blacharski
One of the greatest game-changing innovations of this decade is cloud computing. The shift away from pure on-premises applications and data storage is already well underway, with consumers, small and midsize businesses, and even large enterprises putting applications and data into the cloud. The ever-present question however, is whether it is safe to do so. Cloud computing security is by far the biggest concern among those considering the technology. And if you’re an IT manager, it’s good to be paranoid. Losses from cybercrime and attack can be enormous, and the 2008 CSI Computer Crime and Security Survey show an overall average annual loss of just under $300,000.
It may seem like a leap of faith to put your valuable data and applications in the cloud, and to trust cloud computing security to a third party. Yet faith is not a part of the equation, nor should it be. Every enterprise needs to know that its data and applications are secure, and the question of cloud computing security must be addressed.
In fact, the cloud does have several security advantages. According to NIST, these cloud computing security advantages include:
o Shifting public data to a external cloud reduces the exposure of the internal sensitive data
o Cloud homogeneity makes security auditing/testing simpler
o Clouds enable automated security management
o Redundancy / Disaster Recovery
All four points are well taken. Cloud providers naturally tend to include rigorous cloud computing security as part of their business models, often more than an individual user would do. In this respect, it’s not just a matter of cloud computing providers deploying better security, the point is, rather, that they deploy the precautions that individual companies should, but often don’t.
A common security model
Most application providers impose some level of security with their applications, although when cloud application providers implement their own proprietary approaches to cloud computing security, concerns arise over international privacy laws, exposure of data to foreign entities, stovepipe approaches to authentication and role-based access, and leaks in multi-tenant architectures. These security concerns have slowed the adoption of cloud computing technology, although it need not pose a problem.
The very nature of a cloud platform is that it imposes an instance of common software elements that can be used by developers to “bolt on” to their applications without having to write them from scratch. This advantage is especially useful in the area of security. The cloud “platform as a service” brings an elegant solution to the security problem by implementing a standard security model to manage user authentication and authorization, role-based access, secure storage, multi-tenancy, and privacy policies. Consequently, any SaaS application that runs on the common platform would immediately benefit from the platform’s standardized and robust security model.
Superior physical security through cloud computing provider
Lack of physical security is the cause of an enormous amount of loss, and insider attacks account for a surprisingly large percentage of loss. And while the specter of black hats hacking into your network from a third world country is very much real, very often, the “black hat” is in reality a trusted employee. It’s the guy from the Accounting department who you have lunch with. It’s the lady who brings you coffee in the morning and always remembers that you like two sugars. It’s the recent college grad with so much potential, who did such a great job on that last report.
Of course, insiders can attack your network and data regardless of where it is located, given enough incentive and information, but physical proximity of the actual hardware and data makes it much easier to gain access, and cloud data centers tend to have better internal physical security protocols, including locked rooms, regulated access, and other protections against physical theft and tampering.
Conclusion: Superior security through the cloud
Besides physical security, technical security is of the utmost importance. Hosting your own servers and applications requires extra measures. A larger organization may need to deploy dedicated IT staff to security only. Cloud computing, on the other hand, builds cloud computing security directly into the cloud platform. While the company still must maintain in-house security in any case, the provider ensures that the applications and data are safe from attack.
We tend to think that retaining control over everything is inherently more secure, when this is not the case. Smaller companies especially may lack the skilled security staff in-house, and even larger firms often just don’t have the resources to dedicate to implementing rigorous security on an ongoing basis. A cloud computing provider on the other hand, which offers a detailed service level agreement and retains skilled security staff in-house, will often provide superior security when compared with the in-house alternative.
For more information about cloud computing, please visit http://www.cloudipedia.com for a free copy of “Cloud Computing Made Easy.” Cloudipedia is a property of Virtual Global, a provider of cloud-enabled enterprise IT solutions and the TeamHostÂ? cloud computing platform for building SaaS applications without programming.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Understanding Computer Security Jobs by Bill A. Stevens
Are you interested in getting into computer security jobs? If so then here you will find out everything you need to know about the job description and what you may end up doing as well as the qualifications needed.
What Does Computer Security Involve?
There are a large variety of computer security jobs available these days. Each are extremely important in their own way and for that reason the salary tends to be quite high. Unlike other types of jobs such as customer service jobs and clerical jobs, computer security jobs are often quite hard to attain. They can be competitive and the qualifications needed are often quite advanced.
Typically computer security jobs can involve the following:
o Installing security software
o Educating workers about computer security
o Monitor company networks
o Provide evidence needed to stop cyber crime
o Generally making computers more secure
The above are the main responsibilities of computer security employees. As the internet has gained in popularity, the amount of crime committed online is on the increase. Fraud, security breaches and more serious hacking problems may need to be dealt with. So the job of a computer security employee is a very important one. All companies could benefit from hiring somebody to look after their computer security and the salary for such employees does tend to be extremely good.
How can you get Into Computer Security?
Just as you would with clerical jobs or customer service jobs, you will need to achieve the right qualifications to work in computer security. The main thing that you will need to show is that you are trustworthy. You will be able to see all of the company’s information and so obviously they need to be able to trust you. For this reason you may be required to undertake a criminal record check.
The actual qualifications needed are constantly changing. You could need to complete a Post Graduate Degree Course in Information Security. If you live in the UK you may need the CompTIA Certification and in other parts of the world you may need a qualification with Security Associations. You will need to check in your local area what is typically needed.
As with all career options, computer security has many different jobs requiring different levels of expertise. Some jobs such as ones which require network monitoring and computer protection may require advanced computer skills. You may be required to create secure login systems and therefore you would need to have advanced technical qualifications. You also need to prove that you are competent to make decisions regarding computer security too.
If you want to get into Forensic computer security then you will need an IT degree and you will also have to be trustworthy. You will be working with sensitive images at times such as child pornography, so you will need to be prepared for that too.
Overall there are many different types of computer security jobs and some are more advanced than others. All are extremely important and there seems to be an ever increasing demand for security professionals within the IT industry. So if you are interested in getting into computer security, now would definitely be the time!
Bill Stevens is a syndicated author and columnist, currently writing for GoJobs.com. Founded in 1996, it’s the leading Outsourced Job Posting and Job Distribution service. The GO Jobs Job Search lists over 100,000 new job listings, ranging from Computer Security Jobs and Clerical Jobs to Customer Service Jobs.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
The Computer Security Act of 1987 – In Layman’s Terms by Jason Davidson
Are you concerned about computer security? Do you worry that personal and sensitive information could be leaked to someone with the intent to use that information in a negative manner?
What Is It? The Computer Security Act of 1987 was the first true attempt by the government of the United States to legislate information in the federal government’s computer systems. The overall goal was to protect and defend any of the sensitive information in the systems and provide security for that information.
Basically, what’s private should remain private. The Computer Security Act of 1987 puts a check into place on federal computer systems. And, it’s paved the way for the future of the public’s limited access to government information.
The National Bureau of Standards, which is now known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was put in control of creating a strategy to develop certain standards for protecting any information. The Computer Security Act of 1987 required the National Bureau of Standards to create an absolute minimum of acceptable security practices.
Under the Computer Security Act of 1987, security plans dealing with computers needed to be created, and people who used those systems needed to be given the correct training.
Why Did the Computer Security Act of 1987 Originate? At one point in time, the United States Congress had concerns about how vulnerable computer databases could be. Could information be leaked? How possible were breaches in security? Could there be a national security threat if any information leaked and fell into the wrong hands?
It was at this time that Congress decided to check into matters and see how vulnerable the government computers really were.
What Does the Computer Security Act of 1987 Do? The Computer Security Act of 1987 created an advisory board, consisting of twelve members, who met a minimum of three times during the year. The board would give their report to Congress, the National Security Council and others.
The government act does prevent sensitive information from being released, but it also forbids the withholding of any information that’s requested because of the Freedom of Information Act. And, the Computer Security Act of 1987 does not allow any restrictions, limitations or regulations on the disclosure, collection, sale or use of public domain or privately-owned information.
Outcomes from the Computer Security Act of 1987 As of yet, there haven’t been any reports of major information leaks or threats to national security. But, libraries have reported that several government agencies, like NASA, the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, have not released as many documents to the public as they did before the Computer Security Act of 1987.
Since the Computer Security Act of 1987 was passed, it has now been superseded by the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002, which expands on the realm of computer and network security.
Jason R Davidson owns and operates [http://www.computersecurityadvisor.com] For more help on Computer Security [http://www.computersecurityadvisor.com] check out our main site.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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