Computer security is one of the biggest concerns for all companies nowadays. Company data is sensitive and organizations will do everything to keep it secure. A recent survey revealed that there is a huge demand for computer security experts that is not being filled because there aren’t enough professionals who can fill these slots.  Computer security experts can demand top dollar because it is such a highly sought after job.

If you want to become a computer security expert here are some tips you can follow:

Education

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that those who want to become computer security experts need a bachelor’s degree in a computer related course but there are some employers who will be willing to accept those who only have a related work experience. Among the courses that will be a good fit for this career path include Information Technology Security, computer science, information systems security, or even computer forensics. To further make you more desirable in the job market, you can obtain a masters degree with a specialization in security.

Skills

A computer security expert has many responsibilities – among these is to develop, set up and install an organization’s network and computer security systems. The needed skills for this include the ability to encrypt data transmissions, set up firewalls, the ability to review security violations and monitoring reports and setting up security protocols.

Experience

A computer security expert position is not an entry level position. This means you need experience equivalent to a few years. You can start gaining experience by applying for internships, which gives you valuable hands-on experience.

About The Author

Spiro Lecatsas works for website that offers IT related jobs listings.

If we are to believe that someone is watching our online communication, we should be careful of the subject line we choose to use in our emails. There are certain words, when detected, arouse special interests from the wrong people. If they have reason to believe that someone would have the slimmest interest in a related product or service, they may cause the floodgates of spam emails to open.  These are the so-called spam trigger words.  These are the very same words that email programs will block and effectively prevent emails from being read by intended recipients.

Some examples of these words include “as seen on”, “buy”, “clearance”, “shopper”, “order”, “order status”, “buying judgments”, and “buy direct” which are words often seen in commercial messages.  Words such as “meet singles”, and “score up with babes” appear very spammy in personal messages.  There are also words categorized as spammy in employment, financial, greetings, marketing, medical, numbers, offers, and call-to-action and words depicting a sense or urgency.  Using the word “free” is sometimes enough to send off warning bells.

Descriptive phrases like “satisfaction guaranteed” or “greatly reduced” also raise the ante of email spam filters.  This is the reason why seemingly harmless emails will end up in the spam folder.  It is best to check the spam folder once in a while since many will get trapped in there because of the words’ presumed meaning.

Many people receive a load of spam emails everyday.  They can choose to aggravate the situation by opening them and forwarding them to friends and associates or they can simply ignore them and move on to more productive online tasks.  Although no one will probably be able to stop spam emails altogether, at least not providing any more information to spammers by responding to such emails will go a long way in not further clogging emails of email contacts.

Spam emails are so easy to create and sending them to thousands of recipients will cost the sender nothing.  Many gain something by getting a response or even closing a sale  from the use of such spam email.  It is no wonder then that this practice is not about to stop anytime soon.

There are many eyes watching our online transactions.  Sometimes, they only need to see a word to see you as a probable client for their offering. Do yourself a favor and stay away from these trigger words in your communication.

Teresa is a researcher-writer who covers a wide range of topics in search of useful information.

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In the past, viruses can be contracted through the sharing of data via floppy diskettes. Today, however, they can attack a computer via email, downloading of software over the internet or through P2P sharing.

A research by Google has suggested that one in every website is infected with malware. Statistics released by AVG in 2009 also showed that viruses are fast moving and can infect as many as 100,000 to 300,000 new websites each day.

How Viruses Attack a PC and Printer

Computer viruses can affect any type of file but more often, they target those with a .com, .exe, .sys, .bin and .pif file extension. They have the ability to increase the file size, corrupt it, delete the file as it is being run, convert .exe files to .com files and reboot or freeze the computer even when not prompted by the user.

With regards to the printer, viruses and malware normally target the Windows registry and system files. Some attack the printer spooler which can result in a malfunction of the device. It’s either the printing device will show error messages or it simply will not print. Even with an antivirus program, this can still happen.
What you can do then is start your PC in safe mode by pressing F8 when it boots. This will allow you to scan the system.

You may also check if your printer is running by going to the Control Panel and then clicking Administrative Tools. Next, click on Services and right click on Print Spooler then Start. If this won’t work on several attempts, you can delete the printer including its spooler service and driver. You can then reinstall a more updated version.

Tips to Protect Your PC and Printer

Updating your Windows program is one of the ideal ways to prevent virus attacks in the future. Make sure to install updates as well related to the printer including your firewall and antivirus software. And if you need to work on your PC every day, do a malware scan if possible.

In addition to your free anti-spyware programs, it’s a good idea to install a real-time protection against adware, Trojan and other spyware that can infect your PC. While the free applications can detect spyware, the more professional programs are effective in preventing infections and removing them.

About the guest author:

Donnie is a blog contributor and owner of a small printing business who has had numerous challenges relating to virus attacks. Businesses that require printing and photocopying of large volumes of documents should get a photocopier hire with consolidating billing.

It could happen to anyone.  Those highly disturbing malware trying to inch their way into an unsuspecting user’s computer system are simply the bane of computer use.  Once they are able to enter a system, it could be very difficult to get rid of them.

A computer user will feel the symptoms.  He or she may not exactly realize at once what exactly is different but the feeling is uncanny because the difference is there.  It can be a slow start-up or computer resumption, a link that does not work, an unexpected change in browser, a program that will not start, advertisements seem to appear from nowhere, and anything else that doesn’t seem right.  A computer user will know especially if he or she has been using the same computer for some time.

Malware usually enters a computer system through malicious codes embedded by the hacker.  The problem here is that these codes cannot easily be seen and are purposely hidden.  They may come with innocent-looking communication which has been opened by the user in the ordinary course of operating the computer.

There are malware that can easily be removed once identified but there are others that are more persistent which can be a major source of headache to computer users.  In attempting to rid of malware, it is important to disconnect the computer from the Internet.  A computer can be booted in the Safe Mode such as that provided by Microsoft so that only the minimum required programs and services are being used.  It would be best to back up important files and delete temporary files before running a virus scan.  A reliable antivirus program should do the trick.

About the Author:

Teresa is a researcher-writer who covers a wide range of topics in search of useful information.

Image: techtips.salon

Image: ktechie

An anti-virus program is always recommended and deemed critically important in all PCs.  The threat of malware is very real and exists in a continuing basis.  Malware can create havoc in a computer system resulting to decreased functionality or corrupted files.  Without a reliable anti-virus program, computers are left open to the harm inflicted by malicious elements.

Anti-virus programs provides multiple virus scans that can be put to action anytime.  They are also able to provide protection from both internal and external threats that are lurking around.  Computer users need to be aware that passing malware is a deliberate action of hackers and nothing happens by accident.

The installation of an anti-virus program should take note of the configuration to ensure that it will function as it should.  Anti-virus also need upgrading as the newer versions are made available.  Anti-virus programs are regularly updated to ensure that they can adequately protect computer systems from newer threats.

Taking the time to install an anti-virus programs can save computer owners from the inconvenience and harassment of a disfunctioning computer system.  Most people will be familiar with what to expect when malware successfully invades a system but many will be unable to fully understand just how important protection is until their computers exhibit weird malfunctions that prevent them from accomplishing their tasks.

There are many choices for anti-virus programs.  All the computer users need to do is choose.  A strong and reliable anti-virus can save users a lot of headache and inconvenience.

 
About the Author:
Teresa is a blogger who constantly faces risks of virus attack during computer use.

Smart TV

Also called connected TV or hybrid TV (although these names have not really caught on), the smart TV is basically a TV set that has extended capabilities such as integrated Internet connectivity. This means that users can install add-ons and software to maximize their use of the smart TV. These cover both software and hardware.

So, what does this have to do with security?

Obviously, with the TV being connected to the Internet, there is always the possibility of unauthorized access. Now, some might say that this is a doomsday perspective, but it is a real threat.

As a matter of fact, one of the leaders in smart TVs had an issue, which was raised last December. Samsung is not the only player in the smart TV game, but it definitely is one of the biggest – if not THE biggest. That has its pros and cons, of course, and one of the downsides was opened up to the public by a Malta-based startup.

Apparently, the startup, ReVuln discovered a vulnerability in Samsung’s smart TVs, one that allows hackers to gain access to the device and even copy data from USB drives connected to it. Imagine plugging in a USB stick with private photos and videos and having some person from the other side of the world gaining access to it!

Samsung has been quick to deal with the issues, thug, releasing an official statement as well:

We have discovered that only in extremely unusual circumstances a connectivity issue arises between Samsung Smart TVs released in 2011 and other connected devices. We assure our customers that our Smart TV’s (sic) are safe to use.

We will release a previously scheduled software patch in January 2013 to further strengthen Smart TV security. We recommend our customers to use encrypted wireless access points, when using connected devices.

Real threat, but manageable
The short of it is this: there is the possibility of security issues, but the good news is that you can pretty much enjoy all your SatelliteTV.net shows if you employ your own security measures. The threat is very much real, but with a little precaution, security should not be that big of an issue – just like with computers and other Internet-connected devices.

Image: zuuply

Banking transactions have always been sought to be kept confidential because of the big risk in having personal finance details divulged to unauthorized parties.  Internet banking gives rise to the question of how safe personal banking information remains in the online environment.  Banks assure their clients of safe transacting but this does not totally eliminate scams and scammers from the equation.  It is best therefore to learn safe Internet banking.

Safety starts on the computer used.  It is best to use one’s own computer which has been installed with updated firewall software, anti-spyware, and anti-virus.  Using public computers is quite risky since there is a big possibility that scammers watching on the side-lines can retrieve personal details after a person’s use which will allow them access to bank accounts.  It is considered safe practice to always log out from one’s Internet banking webpage after completion of transactions.  Clearing browsing history is an additional safety practice.

Personal details have to be kept private.  This means not divulging PINS, passwords, and other like information to other people.  Computer users in general are always forewarned of staying away from passwords that are easy to guess because of their similarity to commonly known facts such as birthdays, the user’s name, children’s name, and pet’s name.  Regularly changing passwords is highly recommended.  It is likewise recommended to shred bank records before throwing them in the bin.

Other online banking safety practices require the use of common sense.  Banks will not ask for a client’s personal banking information which they already have so emails containing such request should be ignored or reported to the bank.  Online bankers should never agree to request to have their accounts used for illegitimate purposes.  Online bankers are advised not to click on links provided on emails since legitimate banks do not ask their clients to do such an activity.

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Information Technology Security or I.T. Security is a way of protecting information from any or all threat of unauthorized access that can result to the use of information contained in a manner that is not or will not be approved by owners in ordinary circumstances. Information is sought to be protected because there is great danger in allowing critical information in the hands of people who have less than noble intentions for accessing it.

Unauthorized access of information connotes an illegitimate and usually dangerous intentions of people who purposely do it.  Attempts of these people can be thwarted by professionals trained towards this direction.  As such, there are numerous employment opportunities in the field of IT security.   

Some of the more notable jobs in the industry include the IT Crime Investigator or Forensic Expert; the Web Penetration Tester; Directory of Security, Software Developer, and Disaster Recovery Manager.  Each of this job requires knowledge, expertise, and experience to be performed properly.  These people are very critical for businesses who rely on computer stored and generated information.

There will always be intruders who will seek to breach a business’ IT infrastructure.  An IT Crime Investigator or Forensic Expert perform the task of investigating attacks made and enables companies to plug the existing flaws that allowed the attack to be successful.  A Forensic Expert therefore seeks to master the prevention of intrusion.  A Web Penetration Tester is an expert in finding the vulnerabilities that makes systems susceptible to attacks.  A Director of Security needs to have business acumen and communication skills in addition to technological know-how.  Secure software is made by security-savvy software developers while a Disaster Recovery Manager take charge when a system has been attacked.

Image: cyberpaths

Of all the deliberate offenses committed by certain elements on legitimate Internet users, cyberstalking is probably the most personal.  The act has varying aspects connected to it.   It can consist of harassing an individual or an organization in a way that will cause distress to the subject of harassment.  Cyberstalking requires the use of electronic means, typically the Internet, to do the act although it is highly possible that it can be done in conjunction with offline stalking.

Cyberstalking can come in the form of constant monitoring of online activities, making threats or false accusations, unauthorized gathering of personal information which will be used for online harassment or embarrassment, solicitation of sex specifically of minors, and identity theft.  The motivating factor of cyberstalking is to control the subject in whatever way possible.  A cyberstalker can be a stranger or a known person although the latter can be more dangerous because of the possible access to more personal information.  A stranger however, has the advantage of anonymity which can be quite unnerving to the subject of stalking.

Stalking is not a single action but rather a series of actions intended to achieve the desired goal.  It is quite disruptive and invasive since a cyberstalked person cannot feel comfort even in one’s house since he or she knows that someone will be watching the moment he or she goes online.  The effect can be such as to prevent someone from going online even at the expense of work and family communication.

Many celebrities are known to have their own cyberstalkers but ordinary people can go through the same thing when targeted by online stalkers.  Women and children are the most vulnerable, although men have had their fair share.

The leading social networks have expressly disallowed users who are below 13 years old.  This age requirement has produced at least two undesirable effects.  It is either the parents allow their children below 13 to lie about their age or the denied children to access such platforms outside the home, far from their disapproving parents.

Allowing children to lie about their age is not really a great way to introduce them to social media use.  Parents are often caught up in a dilemma of how they should go about it in keeping their child safe from the existing risks and threats of the environment.  Experience tends to show that children will find ways to participate in social media with or without the approval of the parents.  A teenage child’s participation in social media is best done under the guidance and limitations set by parents.

Dependence on social media interaction has affected to a large degree the ability of teenage children to talk to people face to face.  Social skills are lacking.   Social media use also tend to eat up time for rest, recreation, and other activities in life.  Parents can still protect their children from the ills of social media without totally invading their children’s privacy.  Children of this age need to know the basic online safety rules so they can protect themselves.