Computer users lose their privacy once their online presence and activities are no longer anonymous.  Losing anonymity means that someone or a group of people are able to track online behavior.  This includes knowing the user’s location or browsing habits.

Most people are not aware that their online activities are under surveillance.  It should be noted that Internet Service Providers  possess a full record of user activities, not to mention that search engines and websites likewise record all user activities in spite of claims that all data garnered are “anonymized” or has not been provided identifiable information.  There are providers and sites that purposely collect personal information to sell to the highest bidder. 

So how do we go about protecting our online anonymity?  Users can consider using a software implementation that uses a network of servers that can effectively conceal usage and location.  This highlights the layered nature of encryption wherein a data is encrypted and re-encrypted many times over on its way to its final destination.  The process prevents undesirable elements from unscrambling and understanding the message sent.  There are several tools available in the market today including Proxy.org, JonDonym, Ultra Surf, Tor, Proxomitron, and the Ultra VPN.

Another way to protect online anonymity is to install a good software firewall. Computer users can also stick to visiting highly reliable big sites such as Disney which are committed to upholding the highest standards.  Upholding the highest standards simply means doing right with whatever information they inadvertently or purposely obtain from the customers.   There is also an option to maintain an alias email address to enable users to receive messages without revealing the true email address.

There can be no assurance of complete security based on the choice of browser used.  Each of the more popular browsers has its specific vulnerabilities that can be potentially attacked by malware and viruses.  Even software features that are supposed to provide functionality to the chosen web browser may initiate vulnerabilities in a system. 

Computer users can use several browsers by assigning one per nature of transaction.  It is important however to understand which browser supports a particular feature and their corresponding risks.  Each one has to be properly configured so as to minimize possible vulnerabilities.  Browsers are typically pre-installed in computers.  Owners of newly-acquired computers just need to learn how to securely configure them through documentation provided by vendors.  Additional information can be requested from them should the need arises. 

The Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) browser is an application that comes with the Microsoft Windows Operating System.  Its removal is not recommended primarily due to practicability and its continued leadership in relation to the number of users.  Enabling greater security for the web browser can be done through the security tab. 

The Mozilla Firefox browser has many features similar to Internet Explorer.  There is a specific menu that can help IE users to better understand the difference between the two.  Settings for Mozilla Firefox can be edited while the corresponding options for other required changes are provided. 

The Google Chrome web browser was first used as a beta version for Microsoft Windows.  It has overtaken Mozilla Firefox as second place with the most recent study of worldwide usage share.  To date, it has managed to prevent exploitation of whatever security vulnerabilities exists.  A recent Accuvant Study ranks Google Chrome first, IE second and Mozilla Firefox third for best browser security.

Sometimes, we fail to see the solution because our eyes are too far off from the obvious.  A case in point is the protection of our computer and its system from the physical threats that are present in the environment.  Before we even think of the the intricate digital barrier we should use to prevent malware and viruses that pervade the online world from entering our system, we should be considering the measures we can use to protect our devices which contain critical information, whether personal or business.

Good old-fashioned protection is not merely placing the computer and other devices under lock and key.  It is also about considering who has access to these locks.  A high-security risk environment will exactly be such in terms of possible theft  or intrusion.  It is likewise about protection from the natural elements like water and heat and occurences like power surges and fluctuations. 

Visitors are best received away from the regular work area.  This prevents potential information thieves from being able to read computer screens, install malware on network devices, or simply being within reach of portable devices that can be stolen without being noticed.  Desktop computers that come in individual cases can be locked to prevent tampering of  internal hardware. 

Physical protection would also entail other sensible and simple acts such as locking the personal account whenever the user needs to step away from the computer and installing security cameras in areas of specific security concern.  Not many people are aware that  the manner of placement of network cables and equipments can result to a tendency for accidental loss of information. Another important aspect of physical protection is securing the access point for those using wireless networks.  Threats can come in all forms but the simplest defense is usually the most important.

Photo Source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1260785

IT security has always been a concern, but as we move into bigger and better technology, what are the challenges that face us? Technology changes so fast that it isn’t possible to predict exactly how things will go down, but we can prepare for as many eventualities as possible, using current challenges as a stepping stone.

Criminals have always seen the Internet as a possibility for committing more crimes, and that’s not likely to change any time soon. So, we can reasonably expect that cyber crime of all types will increase alongside technology.

Security Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8QuUEwrKm8

Improved Technology Offers New Opportunities

Cloud computing is a big security concern for many companies, according to Security Week. A number of cloud services have popped up recently, and they offer plenty of benefits, including more cost-effective operating for large companies and increased mobility of information. It’s this mobility that can cause problems.

Back in the day, bandits often hit travelers and trains because the products they carried were valuable and they were vulnerable on the move. While the Internet isn’t exactly like the Old West, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that any time information is being sent or received, it can be vulnerable to others who may want access.

As cloud services are by definition detached from the companies that use them, physical security is an issue. Employees need to be carefully screened and checks put into place to prevent leakage of information as well as the outright stealing of data. Hackers are also a concern, and so are leaks between customers. Keep in mind that all of your information is stored along with information from other companies, making it simple for a breach to occur.

Cloud will likely grow considerably in the next decade, eliminating the need for keeping up with your own virtual storage space. However, this means that the security risks will also increase and new technology will have to be developed to keep information safe.

At the moment, 75% of attacks occur through Web applications, which show where the main problems are. This is something that will need to be fixed as the Internet and IT continue to grow. Where SaaS (Software as a Service) is provided, keep in mind that designers will need to implement more rigorous methods of keeping out the riff raff.

Photo Source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/913770

Hackers Aren’t Going Away
At SysSec in the UK, studies have been done to learn more about security issues we currently face, as well as how they might affect us in the future. At the moment, with social media on the rise, it’s a hotbed of activity for hackers who are using new ways of attacking social media users as well as search engines.

In 2010, hacker attacks through Adobe Reader files increased by 11.7% over 2009. While most people expect attacks from .exe files, hackers have evolved their techniques to include everything from PDFs to Word files and will continue to do so to find new methods of attacking as older ones are blocked.

SysSec’s study showed that there are already major consequences attributed to simple viruses infecting everything from cars being remotely shut down by a disgruntled employee-turned-hacker to trains failing because of a virus infecting the system. Vivian Reding told the company that we are looking at a future where the consequences could be even direr, such as hospitals shutting down, trains and planes crashing, and a lack of water and electricity.

The Biggest Threats
According to SysSec, the highest risk areas for malware and fraud in the future will be the underground economy and social networks. However, while these are likely to be the hardest-hit areas, virtualization, clouds, and routing are also going to be vulnerable. The studies also show that new attack vectors and more advanced malware will be a major issue in the future.

Areas that were a concern but not considered high risk include IPv6, online games, and DNS. It’s also expected that targeted attacks, where hackers focus on a specific victim, will be an issue, though not a high-level one.

One of the main concerns is that hackers have shifted from hacking for fun to hacking for profit, and it is no longer just a nerd in a basement suite; many crime organizations are now involved in cyber crime.

How Do We Fix It?

Of course, like all problems, there are solutions. While hackers and their malware may be improving, so are our IT security solutions such as anti-viruses and firewalls. IT will be affected, but will be required to come up with new methods of preventing attacks and leaks from occurring. ICT FORWARD offers some suggestions for improving security protocols in the future in a recent whitepaper, as does SysSec. These include:

• Separation of vital information from the Internet. If it’s not connected, it can’t be hacked as easily.
• Developing new security structures to protect against high-end attacks.
• Creating attack transactions, which include large amounts of useless data to thwart hacking systems.
• Tracking systems to identify criminals and their marketplaces.

The next decade will bring more intelligent attacks, but it will also bring more advanced technology, continuing the dance of hacker vs. security.

Computer users are fairly familiar with encryption which is basically converting a readable information to what appears to be nonsense.  Encryption is directly connected to the study of techniques for securing communication known as cryptology or cryptography.  While cryptology aims for protection against adversaries that threaten confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of data, encryption as we know it prevents unwanted people from getting hold of critical information through computer use.  Decryption is about converting incomprehensible messages to their comprehensible form.   The adversaries in this case are the cybercriminals who prey on weaknesses of computer passwords and laxness in electronic commerce. 

In order to protect themselves, computer users have to maintain a certain degree of secrecy in their activities specifically in granting or withholding their approval for online transactions.  Revealing too much personal information could pave the way for unwanted personalities to decipher protected passwords and codes.  This is the reason why people are always reminded to be selective of what information to provide and to whom it is provided. 

E-commerce usually makes use of the encryption protocol known as the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).  This is often seen in URLs starting with “https” instead of the typical “http”.  Decryption is facilitated by the use of a “secret key”.  Encryption also concerns itself in checking the trustworthiness of the source on any message.

Operating an online business will use e-commerce one way or the other.  Encryption has made it possible for online businesses to be conducted.  Without any secure means of financial transaction, very few customers will take the risk no matter how tempting the offer.

Malware developers have a special place in their hearts for successful and popular systems, platforms and devices.  Why this is so is readily understandable.  The more successful and popular the target is, the more people are bound to be affected.  Also apparently, there is much pride in being able to penetrate what is touted to be secure and impenetrable.

Windows is said to be the king of malware being targeted by thousands of computer contaminants in the form of viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, crimeware, scareware, and unwelcome adware.   Google, Bing, Yahoo,Facebook and Twitter are likewise preferred targets precisely because they are all successful and popular in their own rights.  There is a growing consensus that Android is fast becoming the “Windows of Mobileware”, targeted by the same cybercriminals targeting other platforms that have since declined. 

Success and popularity as usual have their two sides, attracting patronage and attacks at the same time.  Malware attacks users through the very pathways where functionality is obtained which is primarily through the Internet.  Traditional protection are not able to stop the effects of more recent malicious attacks.  There exists a dilemma in the fact that fiercer malware are spurned faster more than solutions are produced. 

In the face of the unrelenting attacks on the most used platforms in spite of best efforts to keep them at bay, consumers are reminded to exercise caution and use common sense in their transactions.  Malicious intents always come with offers that are too good to be true.  Information requests which are obviously unrelated to the transaction  such as getting list of contacts for a game download should never be entertained.  Remember that cybercriminals will always be after two things:  your money and your personal information.

Wireless connection works on radio frequencies. The wireless computer has adaptor which converts its signals to radio waves. The computer router which actually receives signals sends these signals over a hard wired cable that is connected to one’s personal computer. In case a person is unaware his phone calls can be interrupted and may be listen by the unauthorized person.

If a person is using a good password that does not mean that its connection is safe and secured. It does not prevent your wireless connection from being hacked. Hackers are smart enough to decrypt your password. Other people who are using internet can hog your spectrum bandwidth and leave you with a slow internet connection. If a person is having doubt that his/her internet connection is being hogged, that there are a number of free tools available online which can monitor your internet connection called as wireless network watcher or there are other ways to judge your network: if you pay by month for an internet connection and if you are limited to the amount of data you can download, then there is a chance that someone else is using your connection. If your internet connection does work slowly, this may be due to multiple users accessing the same connection.

Tips to prevent your connection from being hacked:

1. One should turn off his computer when he/she is not using it.

2. Personal information like credit card numbers and others should only be entered after looking in URL address bar, if it begins with https instead of http, the ‘s ‘at end denotes a secure connection.

3. One can use Wireless network watcher does not allow the hackers to take advantage, and secures a person connection. Its scanning feature allows you to detect the hacker or the person using your bandwidth illegally.

4. One can export and save its result as .xml, .txt or other formats which he/she can keep for future reference or help. This software is working and is tested on 32 or 64 bit versions of windows vista, windows7 etc.

Now the question arises how to use it?

5. Wireless network watcher is easy and straight forward to use. First of all download file from the link: http://www.computingunleashed.com/find-who-is-accessing-wireless-connection.html. Its a small file around 250 KB. After downloading use it.

6. Its fast software it will be easily downloaded will scan the network very fast and display the results. The result obtained from it contains IP address, device name, MAC address and manufacturer.

7. If a person wants to save the result, just he/she has to select all and click on save selected items key.

8. This can easily help you to detect the culprit, who hacked your network, prevention of your network from such unauthorized person is essential, if one wants to enjoy uninterrupted and full bandwidth of the network.

We have been repeatedly forewarned that we should avoid dealing with questionable and unverified sites for any of our online transactions.  Much like in the real world where we are told to avoid suspicious-looking characters, we are constantly reminded that online transactions are much safer when done with sites that have proven track records of reliability and consistency.

When you wish to promote your blog, isn’t it a given that it is done in conjunction with respected sites as well.  Reliability equates to better security and there is much sense in choosing to be associated with sites that promote quality online presence.  In truth, we can practice security even by choosing the sites which our blogs will be associated with. 

Blogsearchengine.com is backed up by SplashPress Media Network.  It is a site that offers reviews and listings to blogs for the purpose of providing critical exposure and attention that would result to added traffic and relevant links.  Its reviews are in depth and are meant to support a blog’s goal to maximize readership and earning potentials.

Membership packages start at the standard rate of $ 14.99 which can be upgraded to the Silver Package for $ 24.99, the Gold Package for $ 59.99, and the Platinum Package for $ 99.99.  Those who wish to avail of this important service can simply sign up and pay the required fee which will only take about a minute to complete.  Reliable sites complement each other as they work for their respective goals.  The reliability of each is reinforced as they join forces to project security to consumers.  A single quality link is worth more than a hundred trash links.

When it comes to privacy and security one should be full aware of the dangers associated with using internet. Suppose if a spouse wants to inform her husband about the keys then if she is having an easy email-id which can be easily hacked and she is using it, then there is a danger of stealing their household goods. As there id once hacked, it’s very difficult to get it back. Having one’s email encrypted is the first step for email-id protection. There are a number of companies offering such services online; they have latest technology software which can aid a person.
Now the question arises how to protect them?

1. People should share their email-id only with trusted peoples. One should have two email id one for general purpose work, and other one for official purpose, or any other online transaction.

2. One should be careful while opening attachments or downloading the attachments of received mails. One can get viruses, worms etc. so he/she should use security software while opening attachments.

3. One should be careful while doing chatting, should not accept unknown friend request, so he/she should do instant messaging carefully.

4. Think about the legality of any website before pursuing any work. As hackers always use fake identity or website to do hacking. Specially if you use financial sites, always make sure the site is legal.

5. Use your email-id wisely, does not make any money transactions, or share your credit card number on mails, your password. Use it for only making personal connections with your friends and colleagues.

6. Use good quality security software for prevention of your mail, do not rely on any illegal software and continuously update your software for better performance.

7. Never reply to an unknown person, don’t entertain such peoples, as they may be hackers. Making your decision wisely can help you a lot.

8. People should create a complex email-id, they should not make simple-id as it can be easily hacked, use numbers, special characters, digits , along with your name to create your email-id

9. Your password should be a strong one. Involving a lot of mind, it should not be an easy one such as containing only numbers, it should involve a lot of tactic, and should act like a brain teaser to others mind.

10. One should not enter their information on screen pop-up. Hackers basically use this technique to get a person’s information completely. Never put your information when pop-ups appear on screen.

By followings above mentioned tips, one can easily save their account from hacking.

Many people are not aware that they are making it very easy for cyber criminals to invade their privacy.  This typically happens when convenience is prioritized over the more critical matter of security.  People relax their guard as they choose the easiest path to go about their online transactions.  Let’s face it, the use of the Internet is a risk in itself but we multiply that risk when we fail to consider the factors that make us susceptible to fraud and theft.

Protecting our most basic online defenses is a primary concern.  User names and passwords are our first line of defense but they tend to be compromised by the tendency to use the same names and passwords for all online transactions.  The main problem here is that we make it easy for cyber criminals  to penetrate our transactions in the same manner as we give easy access to ourselves.  The practice can admittedly save time during the initial stage but the probable resulting loss requires more time and effort to correct.  Identity theft can be a traumatic experience both in the physical and emotional aspects.

Cyber criminals are at their work without people realizing it.  They are constantly trying to discover passwords by fishing for personal information such as names and dates related to family or work.  They can also try to steal passwords saved from memory. They can even be looking into various word and number permutations that will provide them the key to the doors of your private world.

A little effort towards making yourself less predictable to cyber thieves goes a long way.  It can be readily understood why some people persist on unsafe online practices especially if they don’t have prior bad experience in transacting online.  Due to the sheer amount of information we are encouraged not to put in writing for our own protection,  we try to help our memory by choosing letters and numbers that we can easily recall.  That is the very weakness which cyber criminals are looking out for.