Information Protection and Security

Cyber-criminals have started preying on Verizon Wireless customers, sending out spam e-mail messages that say their accounts are over the limit and offering them a "balance checker" program to review their payments.

Sounds easy, but for security reasons, there’s a little more to it than just plugging the computer into the wall, or opening up your laptop.  If you’re working with wireless make sure you’re working on a secure network. Though wireless is easy and accessible, most wireless is not secure.  An insecure network can allow people in your area to use your Internet connection, access your computer, and steal information sent over the connection. Internet cafes and other wireless access points are insecure. Most wireless accommodations are open and available for anyone to drop into. Use wireless for public information transmissions only; do not maintain or store sensitive or confidential information on mobile equipment; do not use wireless to transmit confidential information (bank account numbers, passwords, personal information, [NPPI], etc.); make sure the firewall on your computer is enabled and you're using a complex password.  Stop. Think. Secure IT!

 
Computer scientists in Japan say they've developed a way to break the WPA encryption system used in wireless routers in about one minute. 

The wireless network security product enables IT departments to simulate hacker attacks on their WLANs to spot and fix vulnerabilities.
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Dancho Danchev on ZDNet is reporting a new Windows malware disguised as an unlocking program for the iPhone.
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Wireless networks bring flexibility, but IT managers say interference, latency and security issues can be challenging.

Expert warns of deadly combination of long-distance remote and wireless hacking to get inside an organization.

A new study by Computer Economics, "Insider Misuse of Computing Resources," looked at security risks posted by employees who inadvertently expose their organizations to possible information loss or compromise. The survey included 100 IT security professionals and executives.