The Global Gen World

There are three different procedures used simultaneously by firewalls to control data flow in a computer system. Firewalls can use a technique called Packet Filtering which evaluates small portions of data against a filter. This technique admits to the system, sections of data that are deemed acceptable while discarding others.

The Proxy Service Method lets the firewall serve as retriever between the Internet and the system where it actually obtains data from the Internet to send to the requesting system. The Stateful Inspection Approach provides that only integral parts of each segment of data are evaluated against a database of information instead of examining entire segments. Incoming information is admitted when there is satisfactory match with the attributes of the information contained within the system.

The term surveillance commonly refers to observation from a distance through the use of electronic equipment or other technological means. In French, it literally means “watching over” while the familiar “eye in the sky” remains to be the great icon of surveillance. Notwithstanding its usefulness as a tool for law enforcement and security, there is the growing concern for loss of privacy.

Surveillance may be covert or overt, but almost always involve watching over the activities of persons or groups from a position of higher authority. A whole new field of operation has been introduced through modern electronic and computer technology from the original idea of using a spy.

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.

The technologies that measure and analyze human physical and/or behavioral characteristics for the purpose of authentication, identification and screening are collectively known as biometric surveillance. Physical characteristics would include fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, DNA, facial patterns and hand measurements. On the other hand, the signature, gait, voice and typing patterns are all behavioral biometric characteristics.

Biometrics has inherent advantages over standard and identification and validation systems. Passwords tend to be forgotten, guessed and may possibly be used by someone else having questionable intentions. The fact that biometrics require the presence of the person being authenticated greatly reduces the risk of fraud.

With the strong influence of digital technology, a wide range of connections, viewing, recording, storage and control products are available to complete the closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) chain. Internet protocol and wireless technologies are now more commonly used to ensure optimal end-to-end interconnections in almost any distance. The latest compact flat-screen monitors provide high resolution, multi-image and multi-screen display to facilitate image viewing with the maximum visual information.

The Internet protocol shows the most promise for future development regarding CCTV surveillance systems. This is due to its inherent scalability, flexibility and functionality plus the low cost of ownership. Another key area where innovation in application can be of real use is in video content analysis.

Surveillance device or bugs are devices that require a communications channel and usually involve a radio transmitter. Its original purpose was to relay sound but has since progressed to broadcasting of even TV pictures courtesy of the miniaturization of electronics, specifically the incorporation of miniature video camera.

The recent trend in the development of surveillance devices is inclined towards concurrent development of popular electronic devices. A very good example of this is the insertion of recording devices, cameras and communications devices into ipods and laptops. The scenario is very similar to that seen in movies, where surveillance agents pretend to listen to music or use laptops while near their targets. The only difference is that it’s true to life.