The Option of Outsourcing Security
March 2nd, 2008
The benefits of outsourcing system security have begun to be appreciated by companies that rely heavily on electronically stored data. Its benefits however should be tempered by the potential threat of allowing external entities to have access to sensitive information.
The high dependence of organizations on information technology leaves no space for unreliable and unsecured systems. It is not an easy task to monitor, manage and assess security risks and threats thus measures that will gain security assurance that are within a cost-effective budget are highly desired. Security infringements not only result to irritation and aggravation but also to foregone opportunities, diminished competitive advantage and unpleasant company/client relations which will all ultimately result to financial loss.
Collecting Without Delivering?
February 11th, 2008
Early in the history of search engine optimization, smaller SEO companies and consultants charged for services that they were unable to deliver. However, majority of these where attributed as part of the industry’s growing pains or simply a case of not knowing better rather than a deliberate attempt to rip-off unsuspecting people.
The large scale SEO operations at present are en entirely different case as some choose to make easy money out of people whose only desire is to effectively market their website on the Internet. In fact, many SEO clients are recycled or have previously worked with another company who has obviously failed to deliver. Such companies give a bad name to the otherwise lofty undertaking of search engine optimization.
Hacking as a Profession?
February 10th, 2008
The word hacking carries a very negative meaning that it can be hard to imagine someone doing it as a legal profession. Many organizations are starting to realize that they would be in a better position to evaluate the threat of intruders gaining admission into their system if they could anticipate the offensive action. One way to do this is to hire professionals that would think like the enemy and attempt to do exactly as an intruder would.
This is where the so-called ethical hackers enter the picture. These people should be completely trustworthy since the responsibility of testing a client’s system security will place them in an advantageous position of gaining confidential information. This is the reason why ex-hackers are not considered for the position. Trust has been placed a higher consideration than hacker skills gained from questionable experience.
Safe Internet Banking
February 8th, 2008
Money has a way of inviting crime that can be hard to beat. It is no wonder that the world of Internet banking is continuously exposed to the attempts of unscrupulous human elements. Even with risk involved, there are several ways to ensure safe online banking.
It is highly advisable not to use a public computer for the purpose. Passwords should be composed of letters and numbers which should be changed regularly. Responding to an email or phone call requesting for confidential details such as banking passwords should be totally avoided. Legitimate parties such as banks will never ask anyone to divulge his/her personal security details. Personal and credit card information should only be given if one is sure he/she is dealing with a trusted source.
The Weakest Link
January 27th, 2008
In the fight against online fraud and anomalies, fraudsters still manage to do their thing in spite of better security technology. Experts believe that consumers remain the weakest link among the various entities working together to fight fraud. This has something to do with the failure to adopt security as a habit and not just something to talk about or even complain about.
Conscious efforts to ensure security of one’s system would include regular updating of anti-virus and anti-spyware and checking if it works as well as educating the entire family about risks and protection for online transactions. A reasonable amount of alertness and common sense would also come a long way in achieving online security.
Accessing Computers Remotely
January 27th, 2008
The ability to access files and information over the Internet has been proven to be beneficial whether at work or play. The technologies that enable this kind of access fall into two general categories: those that access files remotely and those that access and control desktops remotely. While file access essentially allows the user to access files from a remote location using the Internet, desktop access and control brings the entire desktop of a person’s home computer to the computer that is being used elsewhere.
The idea is to bring the entire working environment of a computer to another which is being used from another geographical location. This eliminates the need to synchronize files between laptops and desktops and allows the user to really work away from the home or office. However, computing experience tend to be slower since current technology still does not allow lag-free control over a remote connection.