Google and NSA an Unlikely Duo
According to the Associated Press the National Security Agency and Google are reportedly teaming up in an effort to combat cyber attacks. Read More →
Personal Data & Information Privacy Compromised by Technology
A recent trip got me thinking about technology and the ramifications it imposes on data privacy, our safety and our lives. The thought started as I watched in amazement as each passenger on my flight readily handed over his or her credit card to purchase a snack. Many didn’t need it, certainly not the person next to me, but that’s off the point. Those who tried to pay in greenbacks were told the airline does not accept cash. Does this trouble... [Read More...]
Controlling Risk to Information Assets – Cyber & Data Security in the Workplace
Is information security an afterthought in your business? At what point is security considered? Now being a technologist you might answer that it is at the forefront of your activities and that’s great but for the business people at what point does it enter the business discussion? Chances are it doesn’t. The reason I raise the question is simple. Effective security should be core to business operations and culture, not a bolt on application,... [Read More...]
Government IT & Cyber Security Compliance & Regulation Not Enough – The Case for Effective Risk Management
Balancing Government compliance, regulation and security initiatives while helping define and drive your priorities and timelines to manage what can be enormous investments – risk management practices and principles supporting today’s information rich, connected, online present organizations. I am amazed at the number of organizations that continue to take either a lax, or too narrow approach in protecting information assets. I am certain... [Read More...]
Preparing for the FACTA Red Flags Rule
Perhaps you have heard about new regulations that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed for some time now called the Red Flags Rule. The Red Flags Rule stems from The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 (FACTA). As of this writing the mandate will be enforced beginning November 1, 2009. FACTA added sections to the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act intended primarily to help consumers fight the growing crime of identity theft.... [Read More...]
What Your Employees Know About Your Business
What your employees know about your business might keep you up at night if you really thought about it. In some cases the employee may have greater targeted knowledge or access to data than the owners, principals, executive team, or directors. What your employees know about your business may be of strategic value and provide that competitive edge. It may be the special sauce that took the company years to develop and it may walk out the door prior... [Read More...]
Social Engineering Exploits Delivered Via Telephone
Most individuals who use a computer have received erroneous emails claiming they have won some prize, need to verify online banking credentials, are being contacted to accept funds from some far away estate that has no rightful owner, or some other elaborate story. The list goes on. The email based scams are referred to as phishing attacks. These attacks are carried out by criminals who are looking to farm sensitive information from unsuspecting... [Read More...]
Government Reports Computer Spies Breach Fighter Jet Project
According to the Wall Street Journal’s Siobhan Gorman, August Cole, and Yochi Dreazen, computer spies have broken into the Pentagon’s $300 billion Joint Strike Fighter project. This is the Defense Department’s costliest weapons program ever, how can this be? Tell me its not true. Was 9/11 not enough of a wake up call? The events of that day cast doubt on the US government’s ability to protect its people. Now... [Read More...]
Cybersecurity Rules for Private Networks Proposed
According the the Washington Post and reporters Joby Warrick and Walter Pincus “Senate Legislation Would Federalize Cybersecurity, April 1, 2009″ there is a new Senate Bill which proposes mandatory security standards for private industry. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), was drafted with White House input. It is my opinion that this is nothing... [Read More...]
Is Your Critical Business Information Safe?
Recent news indicates that two large payment processors have become the victims of electronic compromise. According to RBS WorldPay in a press release the company states “Certain personal information of approximately 1.5 million cardholders and other individuals may have been affected and, of this group, Social Security numbers of 1.1 million people may have been accessed”. Heartland in a statement to the public indicated that it contacted more... [Read More...]
