MindfulSecurity.com - The Information Security Awareness Resource » Articles

Securing your Information with Free Security Software

PJ — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:47:18 +0000

Securing your computer and the information stored on it does not have to cost money. There are many reputable and free security solutions available that can help and this article list some of the best. Just because they are free, it does not mean they are no good. In fact many free security solutions are at least as good as, or even better than, their paid-for counterparts.

Preventing and Limiting Spam Email

PJ — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:09:59 +0000

Spam is unsolicited email sent in bulk to many individuals, usually for commercial gain, but increasingly for spreading malware. It is one of the great annoyances of using email and affects everyone. This article outlines measures to help prevent spam from occurring and to help limit the amount of spam you receive.

Secure Email Communication and Use

PJ — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:51:19 +0000

Email is one of the most popular methods of communicating today and is used for communicating with business colleagues, friends and family. However, being an Internet based technology, email brings with it a number of security threats such as malware and phishing. This information security awareness article looks at some common email security characteristics, then outlines some best practices that you can follow for using email in a secure manner.

Using Bluetooth Securely

PJ — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:28:21 +0000

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect and exchange information between them. Bluetooth has a number of benefits, such as making it easy to share files, convenient data synchronization and allowing for hands free communication. However, as a wireless networking technology, Bluetooth also carries a number of security threats that you need to be aware of. This article looks at some known Bluetooth threats and outlines measures for using Bluetooth securely.

Preventing the Spread of Malware

PJ — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:30:18 +0000

Malware is a term used to describe all types of malicious software. Malicious software includes, but is not limited to, Viruses, Trojans, Worms and Spyware. Malware is primarily designed to infiltrate systems and the information stored on them for criminal, commercial or destructive purposes. This article outlines common ways malware is spread, how to prevent a malware infection and what to do if you suspect your computer has been infected.

Securing your Home Wireless Network

PJ — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:24:38 +0000

When leaving home, you wouldn’t leave the door wide open – you would shut it and lock it. The same principle needs to be applied to your home wireless network. Without any security in place, you are basically leaving the door to your network wide open for anyone to come in. This article outlines some steps you can take to ensure your home wireless network is configured securely.

Securely Classifying, Labelling and Handling Information

PJ — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:28:16 +0000

Everyone has probably watched a movie where someone says something along the lines of “I am afraid I can’t tell you, as that information is classified”. This article looks at how information classification can help us understand the value and sensitivity of information and how the information should be handled and protected.

There’s No Delete when you Tweet

PJ — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:03:35 +0000

Social networking services such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Twitter allow people who share common interests to connect and network with one another on the Internet. However, use of these services can put both personal and company information at risk if the proper precautions are not taken. This article outlines social networking security measures to help ensure you practice safe social networking and your information remains protected.

Catching a Phish

PJ — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:27:57 +0000

Phishing is a form of Social Engineering, involving the sending of legitimate looking emails aimed at fraudulently extracting sensitive information from recipients, usually to gain access to systems or for identity theft. This article discusses phishing in more detail, outlines some common characteristics of a phishing email and explains what to do if you receive one.

The Importance of Maintaining a Clear Desk or Workspace

PJ — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:02:11 +0000

Maintaining a clear desk or workspace is important to help ensure sensitive information is not physically exposed when you are at your desk, when you leave your desk unattended during the day, or when you leave at night. This article outlines guidance for maintaining a clear desk or workspace.