Five Threats to your Internet Security

admin 18 May, 2009 Blog Comments Off

Author: Gaelim Holland

The Internet is a very scary place. If you don’t have internet security software, you are playing a risky game. That’s a very simple and direct statement but a powerful one. I am sure most PC users have had some form of malware on the PC. We all have been the victim of a virus, spyware, adware, phishing or spam mail. All these have the potential to cause crippling damage to your PC, threaten your privacy or expose to your personal information.

Since 2004 online shopping, banking and digital trading has increased 25% each year. If you are performing any of these actions without the aid of internet security software, you are being very foolish and making hackers very happy. It has never been more risky to shop online. The Spam/Spyware industry alone has become a billion dollar underground network. Your information is valuable. Hackers are will to invest time and resources to obtain. Therefore, it is more important than ever to learn how to combat these threats with internet security software and educate yourself on safe surfing techniques. Here are the top five threats to your internet security.

1. Spyware

Spyware is an all inclusive term that includes most malware such as Trojans, adware, pop up ads, modified cookies, keyloggers etc. This term does not include virus which is engineered to replicates itself, not spy or steal. Spyware is usually engineered to watch your online activity and uncover security flaws. This is usually the first step in setting you up for some time information theft. Hackers have developed sophisticated tools such as keyloggers that can record every key you type. Yes that means passwords, banking information, and email entries can be uncovered using this software. A quick tip is to avoid free anti-spyware. This has been proven to be ineffective and sometime can be spyware itself. Remember that spyware works by exposing flaws in your internet security. So search for the anti-spyware program with a major magazine endorsement. Here is a link for more information on spyware removal. Visit the site below for more info a products for spyware removal.

2. Identity Theft.

Hackers can steal your information by a variety of methods. Once this information is gained, it will be used to make online purchases using your credit card data, divert paychecks and create false documents. Usually the top internet security software comes with some protection against this problem. An internet security suite may be your best bet to protect your online information. Quick tips to protect yourself against online ID theft are never provide your credit card info to any site that does not offer multiple forms of internet security to protect your transaction. Another key factor to search for is a major secure payment processor logos and information. And last but not least, please read the internet security warning before the payment is processed. It only natural that you protect yourself against this internet security threat.

3. Spam Mail

Spam Mail itself is not dangerous. However Spam mail can have malicious links that can do everything from cause your PC to be infected by a virus, introduce spyware, and attract more spam. A good internet spam filter is usually a good option. Using internet security software and some common sense will help you avoid be inundated with spam mail. Quick internet security tip: When typing your address into the net. Try using a combination of 13 letters and numbers. This will make it very difficult for address to be added spam mail list.

4. Phishing Mail

There is not doubt that you may have heard the term “phishing”. If you haven’t, you soon will because it’s a major internet security threat. This method has become one of the more popular ways to stealing vital information such as user names and password. This works by sending messages to your email account pretending to be trusted sites such as eBay, Paypal or your bank. The links redirect you to a fake site that mimics the trusted site. You type in your personal information and hacker using it to make online transactions with your info or your money. This is real threat to you internet security. The best way to avoid this is to update your web browser with phishing detection. Also other internet security software packages have great phishing detection systems such as Webroot’s Spysweeper and ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite.

5. You!!

That’s right maybe the factor the poses the biggest threat to your internet security. Social engineering such as clicking on obvious spam mail links, downloading freeware and sharing files is a very dangerous practice on the net. By just investing in the best software and updating regularly, could save you from frustration and identity theft. This is the one category where the bargain bin should be avoided. Also, never download anything that is sent to your mail unless you have scanned it for spyware and viruses. However, in the age of digital sharing people often buck internet security by trading pictures, movies and files without hesitaion.

Are you surprised that computer viruses didn’t make the Top 5 internet security threats? There are several reasons for this is not considered the number one internet security threat. One is that the hackers have been shying away from the use of viruses because the technology is mint to disrupt and destroy your internet security. However, spyware is easier to develop and much more effective. Also, most computer users and Windows developers have taken the steps to protect themselves. Anti-virus programs are quite good and can usually respond to new viruses by updating the signature databases daily.

All in all you are responsible for that steps you take online. However, there is no need to risk loosing your valuable data or money because of lack of PC maintenance. Upgrade your computer by increases the amount of internet security measures. Feel confident that you done everything to protect yourself and enjoy everything the net has to offer.

Source: Articlesbase.com

Cathay's Cisco Ccie Security Boot Camp

admin 22 Apr, 2009 Blog Comments Off

Author: fandy

1. Lab Training

The location for CCIE Security training can be sit at Guangzhou or Dalian, China.

There are two tracks for CCIE Security lab training, one is called Intensive Track (CSLT-I), which takes 14 days to have it done, the other is called Fast Track (CSLT-F) which probably takes 18 days.

Pre-class requirement for taking lab training:

You are Current holder of CCSP Certification or you have passed CCIE® written exam or that you have 2 years experience with Cisco® equipment.

(1) Intensive Track (CSLT-I) 14 days (112+ hours)

The intensive track proximately lasts 14days and the price for it is US$ 6800, which including fee for one-on-one instruction, course material, accommodation, meals, and other relevant transportation fee etc.

General study arrangement: In this track, you will receive six and half hours on learning technology, then five and half hours on applying technology each day.

The intensive track is designed for the students who have limited time and are almost ready for the real exam. At the first week, your instructor will help to strengthen the specific weakness of your knowledge and review the most important parts of the exam topics with you. At the second week, you will be given at least four most up-to-date mock labs which will greatly prepare you for the real exam after step-by-step analyzing by your instructor.

CCIE Security LAB Table of Content:

Firewall, (A. PIX and ASA Firewall; B. IOS Firewall); VPN; Intrusion Prevention System (IPS); Identity Management; Advanced Security; Network Attacks

(2) Fast Track (CSLT-F) 18 days (148+ hours)

The fast track lasts 18days and the price for it is US$7955 which including fee for one-on-one instruction, course material, accommodation, meals, and other relevant transportation fee etc.

General study arrangement: In this training track, you will gain six and half hours’ training on learning technologies, then five and half hours on applying technologies each day during the first week. And in the second week, you will receive five and half hours’ training on learning technologies, then six and five hours’ on applying technologies each day.

The fast track is designed for the students who would like to obtain technical and to be well-prepared for the actual exam. Each student will receive a full customized study plan based on his specific weakness after being given a simulating test by his/her instructor. Besides, we provide more numbers of challenging and up-to-date mock labs than any competitor which will definitely become the key weapon for you to success.

CCIE Security LAB Table of Content:

Firewall, (A. PIX and ASA Firewall; B. IOS Firewall); VPN; Intrusion Prevention System (IPS); Identity Management; Advanced Security; Network Attacks

2. Cathay's CCIE Security Written Exam Training (CSWET) 6 days (52+ hours)

The Security written exam training lasts 6 days and the price for it is US$ 3839, which including fee for one-on-one instruction, course material, accommodation, meals, and other relevant transportation fee etc.

The Cathay School CCIE® written exam training is designed for the students who would like pass the real exam in one attempt and to obtain knowledge and technologies. In addition, you will be introduced the information of the lab exam in order that you will be ready to get CCIE® certified

Pre-class requirements: Current CCSP Certification or 2 years experience with Cisco® equipment

CCIE Security Written Table of Content: Security Protocols, Operating Systems, Application Protocols, General Networking, Security Technologies, Cisco® Security Applications, Security General, Cisco® General.

3. Cathay's CCIE Security 1-Stop Training - Fast Track (CSAT-F) 23 days (186+ hours)

The CCIE Security training fast track lasts 23days and the price for it is US$ 10255, which including fee for one-on-one instruction, course material, accommodation, meals, and other relevant transportation fee etc.

The 1-stop CCIE® training includes technologies of both written exam and lab exam. During your stay in Cathay School, a CCIE instructor will work with you to ensure that you will pass the written and lab exam in one go. If you are looking for the class which will actually bring you both technologies and certificate, don't hesitate to choose us. Each student will receive a full customized study plan based on his specific weakness after being given a simulating test by his/her instructor. Besides, we provide more numbers of challenging and up-to-date mock labs than any competitor which will definitely become the key weapon for you to success.

Pre-class requirements: Current CCSP Certification or 2 years experience with Cisco® equipment

General Study Arrangement: In the duration that you are studying our courses, you will receive seven hours’ training on learning technologies and three hours’ on applying technologies each day during the first period of study. When it comes to the second period, you will gain five and half hours on learning technologies, then six and half hours on applying technologies each day.

CCIE Security Written Table of Content:

1.0.0 Topology; 1.1.0 Logical Topology; 2.0.0 Logical Topology; 3.0.0 Logical Topology; 4.0.0 Logical Topology; 5.0.0 Logical Topology;6.0.0 Multi-Protocol Lab #1 Network Topology.

P.S.

1. Want to save big money and earn knowledge?

You can save 10% if you fund your study 30 days ahead, 5% for two participants together and 10% for 3. While in group training, if your company would like to send four or more participants to our boot camps, please contact us for a substantial discount.

2. Our promise: We guarantee that if you failed to pass the relevant exam and get the certification after taking your boot camp, you can return to ours and retake the boot camp free of charge but pay the hotel’s, meals and test voucher only. Furthermore, we believe this course offers the best possible training in this field. You can advice the instructor to withdraw from our courses and handle the relevant materials if you are not satisfied during the first 2 days of your study.

Source: ArticleBase.com

Web Application Security Camera

admin 22 Apr, 2009 Blog Comments Off

Author: priyanka

Modern age is too busy it does not gives time to you to meet with our friends and relatives but this mordent age also gave us so many technologies so that we can talk to our friend face to face whether he or she is too far to you. Yes, by internet with headphone and web cam you can meet with them. A person who is in another country, you do not need to go there to meet with him just see to him on web cam with very low cost.

A web cam is a device that was created due the progress of Internet communications. It is a peripheral that is used to film and transmit images over the network, to communicate with another computer or more. A web cam is very easy to install and manage. Web cams are video capturing device connected to computer or computer network often using USB or, if they connect to networks, Ethernet or Wi-Fi They are well-known for their low manufacturing costs and flexible applications.

Today there are millions of web cams that provide views into homes, offices and other buildings as well as providing panoramic views of cities (Metro cams) and the countryside. Web cams are used to monitor traffic with Traffic Cams, the weather with Weather Cams and even volcanos with Volcano Cams. Web cam aggregators allow viewers to search for specific web cams based on geography or other criteria.

In addition to use for personal videoconferencing, it was quickly realized that World wide web users enjoyed viewing images from cameras set up by others elsewhere in the world. While the term "web cam" refers to the technology generally, the first part of the term ("web-") is often replaced with a word describing what can be viewed with the camera, such as a net cam or street cam. Educators can use web cams to take their students on virtual field trips.

The race of web cam chat users has grown considerably over time. A wide collection of various kinds of web cams and private chat rooms has made it possible for the web users today to communicate efficiently and effectively with people anywhere in the world, no matter how far they might be. The enhanced clarity of sound filtering and screen resolution has made live chat a real boon for people from all walks of life whether they are entrepreneurs, family, friends or scores live girls.

Web cams connected to PCs can act as web-accessible cameras with certain software. Usually this kind of software works with most web cams, since the software auto-detects the peripheral. Many different programs are available, free, open source, and proprietary.

Even the writing world has no option but to provide all the information about the latest technology of  web cam chat and the etiquette one must use in order to get the best  value one get possibly get out of a live chat session. As more and more new innovations are introduced in the technology driven market today, there are innumerable enquiries aimed at manufacturers of web cams and web experts as to how one can enhance the quality of web cam chat. Webmasters that specialize in scores live girls behind web cams and businessmen want to know more about communications that are driven by video, video phones and chat rooms.

CCTV has some informative articles for the creative mind. Find out more about the security cameras at his resourceful site. We appreciate your feedback at our < a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=” http://1800securitycamera.com “ security camera</a>

Source: ArticleBase.com

Internet Security: Human Resource Management Implications

admin 07 Apr, 2009 Blog Comments Off

Author: H.silistre

The rise of the Internet has resulted in many important issues being raised. One of these major issues relates to privacy and security concerns.
These issues become important ones for organizations to consider for several reasons. Firstly, because private employee information is recorded on computers, secondly because organizations have their own important information recorded on computers, and thirdly because many organizations conduct business over the Internet via an informational home page or by Internet retailing.
The question of security will become an important one for organizations and will likely become the responsibility of the human resource department in many organizations, with the questions of security and privacy an extension of information systems generally handled by the human resource department (Bernardin & Russell).
In this paper, the privacy and security issues that arise from the Internet will be investigated. Recognizing that the Internet is relatively new and rapidly changing, the investigation will be completed with an eye for looking forward to the future.
Firstly, I will discuss the modern history of the Internet and how it relates to privacy and security concerns. I will then discuss several key security and privacy issues relevant to organizations. I will then briefly discuss the protection options available to deal with these issues.
THE INTERNET AND PRIVACY & SECURITY
Privacy is not a new concept, but one that has been of importance to people for centuries.
The advent of the Internet however, is taking privacy issues to a new level. Privacy is described as “the ability of individuals to determine for themselves when, how and to what extent information about them is communicated to others” (IBM).
Security also becomes of wider concern. With the importance of the Internet and information technology to society, it becomes a tool that can be used against national security, against individuals or against organizations.
As well as this, the mass of information available on the Internet can be misused.
The Internet has become a profound part of our society, impacting on every aspect of it. With this wide impact, security issues reach out across various topics and take on various forms.
Also relevant is the fact that the Internet remains in its infancy, with the Internet revolution described as “one that experts estimate is less than 10 percent complete” (IBM).
As the Internet grows and changes, new security and privacy issues will appear. As the environment changes, the privacy and security issues will be reconsidered.
There is no doubt that the issues the Internet creates are likely to change, as the Internet and society continue to adapt to each other. Even recognizing this, by assessing the issues now we can begin to see their current impact and also their future direction.
SECURITY AND PRIVACY ISSUES
Hackers
Everyone is under threat from hackers, from the organization, to government information, and through to individuals. The reason for hacking varies as widely as those that become victims of hacking,
“crackers are not necessarily after secret files or valuable corporate data, many just want a machine - fast. Most victimized machines are merely launch pads for other attacks” (Tanase). Essentially, hackers hide themselves by operating through a chain of machines.
Reasons for hacking are extremely varied and can include accessing information, changing information records and launching viruses.
For the organization, information may be extracted to be used against the organization. This information could then be used in various way. Disgruntled employees may seek information to use against the organization.
The threat of misuse also depends on the nature of the organization. A university for example has a threat of students changing their results records, while an organization involved in controversial issues, such as a gun manufacturer may be threatened by anti-gun protesters. Hackers may also operate by damaging company web sites.
The reasons and form of Internet hacking crimes are just as varied as typical crimes.
As the Internet becomes more widespread, Internet crimes may come to mirror all crimes. For example, just as a disgruntled employee may vandalize their place of employment, a disgruntled employee may vandalize the organization’s web site.
Current Effect on Business
Hacker attacks are the largest threats for governments and businesses, with ninety percent of business and governments suffering hacker attacks each year (Krebs).
Of those businesses, only one third were willing to report the attacks to the FBI (Krebs).
Eighty percent reported financial losses as a result but the majority were not willing to quantify these financial losses (Krebs).
The majority of organizations and government departments do suffer from security breaches. Also noted is that this is not all from hackers, a major component is also from company staff. The fact that the majority are not willing to report or verify the problems, is an indication that this is a problem that is thought to be significant as well as damaging.
Organizations generally avoid reporting such problems to avoid alarming shareholders, while government departments avoid public concern. With shareholders and the public warranted in their right to know of these breaches, there is a future likely, where such breaches will be required to be reported.
The reality is that these threats cannot be ignored. A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology recognized that “information and the systems that process it are among the most valuable assets of any organization. Adequate security of these assets is a fundamental management responsibility” (NIST).
The report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology provides a framework for determining a security system program. The needs of the programs are twofold:
“Agency programs must: 1) assure that systems and applications operate effectively and provide appropriate confidentiality, integrity, and availability; and 2) protect information commensurate with the level of risk and magnitude of harm resulting from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, or modification” (NIST).
This considered system and approach to determining may mirror how organizations will approach security considerations in the future.
It is also noted that “many organizations and consumers are only just beginning to realize the value of applied information technology and the increased efficiency and effectiveness of innovations in data collection and management” (IBM).
With increased realization will come increased use of information by organizations, and with this increased use will come a greater need for privacy and security considerations.
Information on the Internet
The Internet is also capable of infringing on a person’s privacy as a publisher of information.
We can see the Internet as a tool for communicating information, just as television, newspapers and other media are.
The difference with the Internet is that the information published is not as well controlled.
With television and newspapers, controls are in place to determine what will be communicated. It is generally not possible for a person to publish information without it being verified in some way.
However, with the Internet, a person can publish and communicate messages to people from all over the world with no requirement to have checks on the information.
Essentially, the Internet allows anyone to say anything, and to say that anything to a lot of people.
This leads to the Internet being capable of being used as a tool to defame others.
A recent court case shows that this does happen, where the case is described as follows:
“A state-court jury awarded $3-million Tuesday to a University of North Dakota physics professor who sued a former student for libel after she accused him in an online article of being a pedophile. The professor, John L. Wagner, 41, filed his lawsuit after an article titled "Kinky, Torrid Romance by Randy Physics Professor" was published on the Web site Undnews.com” (Bartlett).
This example shows how information on any subject can be widely published on the Internet. The guilty verdict indicates that the law does consider this to be a case of defamation.
The ease of publication on the Internet and the difficulty in controlling it is also evidenced by the fact that the article is now posted on another web site (Bartlett).
This situation is one that may find controls placed on it in the future, controls that act as a safeguard for what can and cannot be published on the Internet as fact.
The guilty verdict in this case also leads the way for other defamation claims to be made and defamation laws to be determined for the Internet.
While this is a case against a person, it is also possible that this same type of defamation could be carried out in regards to an organization, its products or its services. It is feasible that a disgruntled customer could publish damaging reports about the company.
More Possibilities
The possibilities of using the Internet for illegal advantages include scams as new and ingenious as the Internet itself.
One opportunity that is not currently illegal, though is concerning, is using one piece of software as a means for distributing another.
One example that is causing universities concern is KaZaA, software that is used to store and swap video clips and MP3 files. This software is specifically targeted at students and is downloaded by large numbers of students. It has been reported that this software has “software attached to it that could allow the company to use student computers and university bandwidth for commercial ventures, such as serving Internet advertisements or selling computer storage space” (Carlson).
While this is not an illegal process, it is a misleading one for the user. It also shows how technology can be used for purposes other than that which we purchase them for. This is important because this is one way information can be hidden within programs and there is potential for this to be used illegally in the future. It is also said that universities are specifically targeted because they have a considerable amount of unused hard drive space (Carlson). This could apply equally to many organizations, so organizations may also become a target of these programs in the future.
SECURITY AND PRIVACY PROTECTION
Security Programs
Security programs currently consist of two main types. The first are virus programs that prevent damaging computer viruses from being received. One of the most interesting things about these programs is that they require constant updating.
These constant updates illustrate how quickly virus concerns change. Essentially, one group of people are constantly creating new viruses, while a second group remain alert to these viruses and create antidotes for the viruses.
The second type of security program is firewall software. Firewall software prevents hackers from accessing a computer. Just like viruses, these programs are under constant upgrading to keep up with hacker technology changes.
Security and Privacy Consultants
Security and privacy concerns have also created a new industry of consultants, who offer advice, personnel and systems to governments, organizations and also individuals.
An example of one of these firms is Rent-A-Hacker, whose company profile reads as follows:
“Rent-A-Hacker was formed to afford anyone the means to protect their valuable information assets. Unlike most Cybersecurity firms whose goal is to sell you security products, our focus is on auditing, detection and proactive prevention” (Rent-A-Hacker).
To achieve these goals, the organizations makes use of experts in Internet security and in hacking. This organization is an example of where the future of Internet security may lead.
With experts developing new ways to breach Internet security, software programs may no longer be enough. A defence system of equally effective experts may be the only way to combat hackers and other breachers of both security and privacy.
Government Actions
The Government plays an important role in effecting privacy and security concerns and does this on two levels. The first is in their role in setting the rules for the private sector. The second is in establishing guidelines for the government’s own use of information (IBM).
With the broad implications of the Internet it is also recognized that government control becomes essential, “the growing interconnectedness of society underscores the need for government officials to understand the broad implications of the Internet and the information technology revolution (IBM).
The government meets this challenge by producing a set of internationally-accepted principles, with these principles developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and are known as the OECD guidelines (IBM).
These guidelines include ‘fair information practices’ for organizations that outline appropriate security of data and disclosure of data practices (IBM).
IBM describes the US security and privacy measures, saying:
“The US has legislatively-required protections in focus areas: government, credit reporting, banking and finance, health, and children’s information. In other commercial areas, such as retail and online marketing, the US relies on its common-law traditions coupled with industry responsibility and leadership to chart the way” (IBM).
Legal Protection
The legal component of the Internet is handled largely by the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Department of Justice. The actions of the section are described, saying:
“Section attorneys advise federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents; comment upon and propose legislation; coordinate international efforts to combat computer crime; litigate cases; and train all law enforcement groups. Other areas of expertise possessed by CCIPS attorneys include encryption, electronic privacy laws, search and seizure of computers, e-commerce, hacker investigations, and intellectual property crimes” (CCIPS).
Legal protection in the US is wide and varied, covering a variety of issues that the Internet relates to.
This includes the considerations of e-commerce, covering topics including Internet gambling, online sales of healthcare products and consumer protection (CCIPS).
Laws are also existent relating to computer crimes. These crimes include cyberstalking, Internet fraud, child pornography and identity theft (CCIPS).
Insurance Protection
Another industry that reflects the rising importance of Internet security is the insurance industry.
Policies purchased for 2001 were just under $100 million in 2001, with it expected to rise to at least $1 billion by the year 2007 (Salkever).
The policies available for organizations include protection from “virus attacks, denial-of-service assaults, cracking into company systems, and Web-site defacements. Some companies even write policies that cover cyber-extortion, where an online intruder or an insider steals crucial data such as customer credit-card files and demands a payoff. The rising tide of lawsuits against companies whose employees have used corporate e-mail inappropriately has also caught the attention of e-insurers” (Salkever).
It is also noted that with the insurance industry becoming a major part of Internet security, they will have the opportunity to shape the computer security business.
This will occur by insurance companies defining what types of security products and practices are acceptable. Following this, premiums will differ based on what software protection systems are used, effectively rating product systems and influencing the business consumers choice.
This is also expected to effect business, with e-insurance becoming a requirement, “as cyber-insurance goes from exotica to a business necessity, the computer-security industry will have to adapt to keep the insurers happy” (Salkever).
There is certainly potential for insurance companies to influence both the coverage required by organizations and the products and actions required to attain this coverage, “that's the wave of the future, as insurers exert even more pressure on the technology practices of any company wishing to insure this increasingly important facet of business” (Salkever).
Also recognized is the possible relationship between insurance companies and security products with it being argued “that insurers will demand responsibility from software companies for flaws in their products — and that they'll have the legal firepower to hold the software outfits accountable” (Salkever).

Source: ArticleBase.com

Planning and Building a Security System That Works

admin 07 Apr, 2009 Blog Comments Off

Author: Jim Reym

First of all a security system is not an alarm system, although the alarm system plays an important part in the overall security plan. In fact,no single component should be seen as most important, although as I will explain some measures provide greatest value for the security money you will be investing. The first step though is a survey of the premise, including how it is used, for what purpose and by whom, and of course the physical layout. Risk factors and loss potential are scrutinized as these greatly influence the budget.

Barrier security will be the first step in the implementation of the security system and devices such as window bars, security gates, security film, security grilles and good locks provide the greatest value for the money you will be investing. Barrier security can also be achieved through installation of security films which are fitted onto existing glass, security films such as Profilon tm, made by Haverkamp in Germany provide a near invisible coating that transforms glass into transparent armor. Security films are especially useful for strengthening glass in offices and homes. Typically thicker films work best for security applications and fourteen mil security film is currently consider minimum for commercial applications.

Security films work best on larger surface areas. Installation is very important and is as important to the barrier security as the choice of film. The glass type is also important with ordinary annealed glass as the design favorite. However if possible the glass should be changed to a laminated glass as that is the best substrate for security film. Installing on tempered glass should be avoided due to break characteristic of that glass. This is of utmost importance as door glass must conform to a safety code and that is almost always done with tempered glass and forced entry through glass accounted for two thirds of all break-ins. Unless the glass is changed to annealed or laminated glass single pane commercial doors should not be fitted with security film. It simply will not work. The mechanical bond of security film to the edges will add to or decrease the value of security film as barrier security and if possible security film should be fitted under the glass retaining stops.

To increase the effectiveness of security film in the security system the alarm system should include glass break detectors of the dual technology type or signature type. Very loud siren horns and or strobe lights outside over the glass is an excellent way to augment the effectiveness of security film in the security system.

The first line of protection in barrier security are the locks and their effectiveness as a security barrier depends entirely on the small details of the installation. Burglar bars, window bars, security bars, different names same meaning are available over the counter or custom built in many shapes and sizes. Window bars are probably the best single investment of barrier security and because burglar bars have been used in the security system for thousands of years many examples of good design are readily available. Security bars are especially useful for protecting basement windows or for protecting windows in warehouses as they provide visual deterrence as well as providing barrier security. A visual display of security is very useful when planning a security system as opportunistic thieves can be easily persuaded to move elsewhere by carefully planned barrier security.

As risk increases the security system becomes layered so that thieves are forced to spend valuable time after detection but before penetrating the barrier security to get to the reward.

Planning and designing an effective security system is as much art as science, but more than anything else involves common sense and while there is temptation to rely on high technology the opposite is true. The best system is simple and relies heavily on barrier security with electronic systems as back up.

Source: ArticleBase.com

Protect Your Servers - Security Guidance Centre for Small Business

admin 07 Apr, 2009 Blog Comments Off

Author: GT Kimberly

If you think of your servers as your network's command centre, it's easy to understand why it is mission-critical to keep them safe from attack. Once your servers are compromised, your entire network is at risk. While some server attacks are merely annoying, others can cause serious damage. To protect your business, protect your servers.

If you're a small business, you may not have more than a server or two. But no matter how few or how many servers you are running, your network relies on them. They serve the applications or web pages or e-mail your team needs to do their jobs. They store valuable and/or confidential information resources. They provide a means for your customers to communicate with you, perhaps even purchase goods or services from you.

So if your servers are down, you lose productivity, you jeopardise customer relationships and you may even take an economic hit.

Basic Steps You Can Take

Many of the procedures already discussed will help protect your servers too. So if you haven't yet taken care of the following, make these steps a priority:

Step 1: Protect Your Desktops and Laptops

Step 2: Keep Your Data Safe

Step 3: Use the Internet Safely

Step 4: Protect Your Network

Even with those security measures addressed, there is more you can do to protect your servers.

1. Keep your servers in a safe place. Businesses must make sure that their servers are not vulnerable to physical calamities. Locate these machines in a secure, well-ventilated room, not in a hallway or under a desk where someone might inadvertently kick or spill coffee on them. Or mischievously tinker with them. Your server room should have no windows and a single door you can lock. Server cases should also be locked to prevent tampering with internal components. Know which employees have keys to the server room. You should also keep a record of the serial numbers of your servers, and mark them with your company information, so they can be identified and recovered if stolen.

2. Practice least privilege. With Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003 and Small Business Server 2003, it is possible to assign users different permission levels. Rather than giving all users "Administrator" access - which is not a best practice for maintaining a secure environment for PCs or servers - you should use your servers to manage client PCs. Windows Servers can be configured to give individual users access to specific programs only, and to define which user privileges are allowed on the server. This ensures users can't make changes in areas that are critical to the server or client PC operation. It also prevents them from installing software that may introduce a virus or otherwise compromise the integrity of your network.

3. Understand your security options. Today's servers are more secure than ever, but the powerful security settings you find in Windows server products are only good if they are used appropriately and monitored aggressively. If your team doesn't have an IT specialist and/or expertise in security issues, consider hiring an outside consultant to work with you to appropriately protect your servers.

For more information on how to protect your servers visit Microsoft security guidance .

Source: ArticleBase.com

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