Most security problems involving e-mails are related to the contents of the messages, which usually abuse of social engineering techniques or characteristics of certain programs readers e-mail, so you can open files or run programs attached to messages automatically.

It is possible to configure a program reader e-mails more safely?

Yes Some setup tips to improve the security of your program reader e-mails are:

1. turn off the options to automatically open or run files or programs attached to the messages;

2. off the options to run JavaScript and Java programs;

3. off, if possible, how to view emails in HTML format.
These settings can prevent your program reader e-mails automatically spread viruses and Trojan horses, among others. Programs are readers of e-mails that do not implement these functions and therefore do not have these options.

It is important to emphasize that if the User follow the recommendations, but still
open the files or manually run the programs that come attached to emails, you may have a problem that would breach the security of your computer.

What preventive measures should adopt the use of programs readers e-mails?

Some preventive measures that minimize the problems brought to the e-mails are:

• always keep the latest version of your program reader e-mails;

• Do not click on links that, perchance, may appear in the content of the e-mail. If you really want to access the page with the link, type the address directly in your browser;

• Avoid open files or run programs attached to e-mails without first check them with a virus;

• always suspicious files attached to messages, even if they were sent by persons or entities known. The return address may have been forged and the attachment can be, for example, a virus or a trojan horse;

• download programs directly from the manufacturer's website;

• Avoid using your program reader e-mails as a browser, switching the
viewing emails in HTML format.

Currently, Internet users have been bombarded with junk mail and, especially, with fraudulent messages and the purpose of obtaining financial advantage. Some examples are:

• messages offering large sums of money through an electronic transfer of funds;

• messages with offers of products with prices well below the prices charged by the market;

• messages that seek to induce the User to access a specific page on the Internet or install a program, open a photo album, see e-cards, etc., but whose real purpose and cause the user to provide personal and sensitive data, such as accounts banking, passwords and credit card numbers credit.

António Nogueira is a Civil Engineer and expert in Concrete. Visit Projetos de Engenharia and see the calculo estrutural

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/readers-mail-software-security-alerts-1785704.html

Web application weaknesses are a major way that cyber criminals, working with hacking techniques, can steal sensitive data. With this data, nefarious crooks can affect companies and individuals alike; there is little distinction between Fortune 500 Companies and an end user with a credit card. They often just follow the path of least resistance.

Online data theft is not a game. While some hackers will brag about having breached the security of a web application and gained access to sensitive data, the criminals have money, not bragging rights in their cross-hairs. Extortion is sometimes the name of the game. If data can be held at ransom by thieves, depending on how sensitive the data is, they can demand a huge sum of money.

The ways that companies and individuals are affected by web application attacks are numerous. Imagine this “what if” situation. A large Fortune 500 company is attacked by an orchestrated attack and the credit card numbers are taken and held at ransom by an organized crime group. Word gets out and the Fortune 500 company under goes a huge investigation and security audit. The clients and customers of the company lose trust in the security of the company and start taking their business elsewhere. The company then starts losing revenue and the customers begin to find that their credit cards are being charged illegally. The credit card companies are involved and are losing money as well. Nobody is immune to these web application attacks, whether its large company or one individual.

As programmers design web applications to be more accessible and easy to use, often these features are targets for crime groups to attack. Programmers must protect their applications by following secure coding practices to filter out any attacks and create a safe place for their clients customers to do business.

One of the major ways hackers breach a web application are through SQL injection attacks. SQL injection attacks can be used to access sensitive data or do any number of destructive things to the data stored in the web application's database. Cross-site scripting attacks are also prevalent. This attack occurs when malicious code is inserted and executed when a user loads an infected page. Denial of service attacks are also popular. This happens when the network hosting a web application is swamped with useless requests sent out by the criminals which creates so much traffic that the network or system crashes.

It’s a wild world out there...

Sense of Security will continue to focus and innovate as an Information Security leader to government, non-profit and commercial entities. Sense of Security has offices in Sydney and Melbourne and is expanding in 2010.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/how-does-web-application-security-affect-me-1781691.html

Before surfing the Web, it is beneficial to know exactly what malware is and how to prevent it from being installed onto your computer.

What is Malware?

The term malware is actually short for malicious software. Malware is software whose sole purpose is to infiltrate and damage computer systems without the owner being aware of its existence. Malware has several specific types of software included under its umbrella name – computer viruses, rootkits, spyware, adware, worms and trojan horses are just a few.

Malware can be confused on occasion with defective software. When a piece of legitimate software programming does not work properly, this is due to possibly harmful bugs and should not be considered malware. This is, however, not to say that malware cannot be the culprit of a dysfunctional computer, however, detection by appropriate software is always recommended.

The purpose of malware ranges from practical jokes to spyware that secretly monitors users' browsing habits and even keystroke logging. Increasingly more prevalent these days are malware programs designed with profit in mind. These types of attacks come in the form of email spam and denial of service attacks with extortion in mind.

How to Prevent the Installation of Malware

The only way to prevent an infestation of malware on your computer is by installing and running a good, quality, anti-malware program. These programs provide real time protection of the computer against unwanted malware installation. They work in the same way as anti-virus protection programs do by scanning all incoming data from the computer's network connection and blocking any potential threats.

Additionally, anti-malware programs scan the computer system for any existing pieces of malware software. They scan the Windows registry, currently installed programs, and OS files. If any malware software is present, the user is immediately alerted with a list of all threats and an option to immediately remove all unwanted files or compare them to lists of known malware components and files.

One of the first anti-malware programs available to the public and considered to be the top program in its class is Ad-Aware. This program is completely free of charge and is very simple to install. It works with Windows 7, Windows Vista, XP, and 2000. CNET rated this anti-malware software with 4.5 stars out of 5. While the free version offers rootkit malware detection, it does not offer real time registry protection.

Protect Yourself or Fall Victim

Simply put, some form of anti-malware protection should be in place whenever a computer is going to be used to surf the Internet. Malware is growing at an alarming rate. The longer one goes without some form of protection on a computer the chances of being infected rise exponentially. Protect yourself now against with a Recommended Anti-Malware Program!

Peter Herme is a computer system administrator with over 20 years of experience. After his very own PC was infected with spyware and losing years worth of personal files, he has vowed never to let something like that happen to him or other computer users again. As a result, he tried out various antispyware programs and learned how to properly secure his computer from spyware, malware, adware, viruses, and other computer attacks. His website details his research and is constantly updated with tips on preventing and removing spyware:

http://www.spywarefixpro.com

He knows the feeling of having your computer infected and at risk of losing your personal data. He hopes his advice will help and educate you.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/demystifying-and-preventing-malware-1770282.html

Firstly, shall we examine what this Encrypted USB manufacturer (and software reseller) warrants - this from their splash page :

* FREE updates!
* Protect your files for only $39.99
* Create encrypted 'Vaults' on any storage device
* Save & manage your passwords using the Password Manager
* Uses the most powerful encryption available
 

The most reknowned encryption standard used in the Western World is the 256-bit AES encryption (named Rijndael) which is made of 3 ciphers (or Encryption Algorithms) ; AES-128, AES-192 and AES-256 and each AES cipher has a 128-bit block size, with key sizes of 128, 192 and 256 bits, respectively.  This has shown to provide virtually indestructible encryption, and as such has been adopted by the US Military and Department of Defense.  

Each building block affects at least 32 bits of information and quite often it changes the key.  If there are only 4 cryptographic blocks and 16 of these blocks can be made randomly one after the other, there exist 416 = 4294967296 different probabilities for the particular encryption algorithm!  If 128 instruction blocks were to be assembled, a selection of 4128 = 1,158*1077 mixtures would result (standard 128 bit encryption yields a total of 3,403*1038). It is important to note that this is without affecting execution time because there is the requirement for a well-shuffled key data array which has got to be assured by conventional algorithms also. The Polymorphic technique features a substantially higher attack security than any standard method.  To figure out the total attack security, the amount of code combos must be multiplied by the number of key mixtures.  Key size might be 16 bytes = 128 bits ; therefore there exist 2128 = 3,403*1038 permutations for the key stored in the key information array.  The 2 keyspaces multiplied yield 1,158*1077 * 3,403*1038 = 3,913*10115 possible key combinations for the Polymorphic - PMC 512-bit -Method.  

 In order to compare typical cryptographic techniques with the Polymorphic - PMC 512-bit - technique, the total keyspaces must be compared.  As both strategies are presumed to function on a 128 bit data key, this comparison is legal.  Thus, the polymorphic technique beats any typical method by an element of 3,913*10115 / 3,403*1038 = 1,150*1077 ( ).  This is greater than the number of atoms on our planet!  

It seems like this is a good thing.  Based simply on the Encrypted USB techology, I might venture to assert that this company may have hit it right on the head.  I'm always one to want more protection, even if it is not obligatory.  And for the price, this is, thus far, a great find!

I have been an IT Specialist, working as a freelance contractor for since the 90's. Working in all facets of IT from Storage, Backup, to Administration and Security, I have seen the prevalent need for Encryption, Protection and related technologies such as Encryption Protected USB drives. You wouldn't believe how many easy DIY things you can do to help you in your everyday life with computers. I'm here to help!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/pmc-512bit-encryption-1772004.html

Computer viruses and other forms of malware are probably the biggest source of problems for computer users around the world, expecially those using Windows operating systems.

Virus can spread themselves between computers very easily, via disks, USB sticks, local networks and across the internet.

Even so, most people don't consider that they are at risk and so they quickly become infected.

If your PC has been infected with virus then you may have noticed these symptoms -

• your computer is running slowly
• you are faced with popup ads when surfing the internet
• your antivirus program will not open/update
• you cannot connect to the websites of antivirus vendors
• you have no internet connection at all

If your machine has picked up a computer virus then the following quick tips are for you -

How To Remove A Computer Virus In Minutes

1. Back up your important files or data on your PC and remember to store them to a safe place. (Ideally you should have done this before becoming infected!)

2. If you don't already have an antivirus program installed on your computer (what were you thinking???) then download one from the internet, choosing a name you know well and from a secure website.

3. Disconnect from the internet. Reboot your PC and press F8 to go into safe mode. Launch your antivirus program and use it to remove the virus.

4. After removing all the detected files, restart your PC and scan your system once again. Make sure there are no suspicious files left.

Lee Ives writes plenty more on his security blog where you can find information about all the best security programs along with many tips to help you surf the internet safely.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/how-can-i-remove-a-virus-from-my-computer-quickly-1770885.html

For let's remember what a proxy server is and then examine the real attacks on your privacy.   A proxy server sits in between you and the web sites you visit, it does protect these web sites from detecting your location and IP address but only when they are configured correctly.

But now the real big problem with proxy servers, they do actually create another security issue when your surfing.  Compare the proxy server with a helpful man you met on  the street, this man has offered to take care of all your correspondence.  He will pick up all your mail from the post office, and also deliver all your mail  directly himself.  In truth you are absolutely trusting this person implicitely with all your mail,  which is exactly what you do with a proxy server.

The proxy contains every single request you make online, unless it's logs are purged it contains a complete list of all your browsing.  What is perhaps worse that all your usernames, account names and passwords also pass through this proxy.  

Do you trust the administrator of the proxies you use online?

Of course most people who use free anonymous proxies, or the alleged secure elite proxies have no idea who is running them.  It could be a spotty 13 year old linux geek, a Russian Identity Thief or a bored student playing with proxies.  Whoever they are, you hand them control of all your browsing and online data.

It's a sobering thought and one that is not tempered by the knowledge that the majority of our web browsing is conducted in clear text.  No encryption, no secure transfer just lines of clear readable text flying across the ether.  You see dear readers, HTTP the preferred protocol for using the world wide web uses plain text, it uses it for speed and security is simply not a consideration.

So I urge you to be wary of the promise of security that thousands of web sites offer via their web proxy.   The pages of IP addresses of 'elite proxies' available for free should be viewed with utmost caution.  A central goal to being secure online is to minimise the number of people with access to your data, using a proxy does precisely the opposite.

If you'd like to read more about staying secure online, then please come and read my blog based on anonymous surfing I hope it will help you understand the issues and the opportunities !

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/a-proxy-provides-privacy-but-only-in-your-dreams-1768336.html

Encryption and science and art of writing messages in encrypted form or in code. And part of a field of study that deals with secret communications, used, among other purposes, to:

• authenticate the identity of users;
• authenticate and protect the confidentiality of personal communications and commercial transactions and banking;
• protect the integrity of electronic funds transfers.

A message encrypted by an encryption method should be private, that is, only those who sent and received that should have access to the contents of the message. In addition, a message should be, that is, the person who received it must verify that the sender and even someone who claims to be and be able to identify whether a message may have been modified.

The current encryption methods are safe and effective and based on the use of one or more keys. The key and a string that can contain letters, digits and symbols (such as a password), and and converted into a number, the methods used to encrypt and decrypt messages.

Currently, cryptographic methods can be divided into two broad categories, according to the type of key used: a single key cryptography and public key cryptography and privacy.

What is encryption of unique key?

A single key cryptography uses the same key to both encode and decode messages. Although this method is quite efficient in relation to the processing time, ie the time taken to encode and decode messages, the main disadvantages is the use of a secure environment for the key can be shared between persons or entities wishing to exchange encrypted information.

What is cryptography of public and private key?

The public key cryptography and private uses two different keys, one to encode and decode messages to another. In this method each person or entity has two keys: one public, which can be freely disseminated, and one private, which must be kept secret by its owner.

Messages encoded with the public key can only be decrypted using the corresponding private key.

Be the example, where Joseph and Mary want to communicate confidentially. So they have to perform the following procedures:

1. José encodes a message using the public key of Mary, which is available for the use of any person;

2. Once encrypted, José sends the message to Mary, through the Internet;

3. Maria receives and decodes the message using its private key, and that only their knowledge;

4. If Mary want to answer the message, you must perform the same procedure, but using the public key of Joseph

Although this method has much lower performance compared to processing time, when compared with the encryption key only, has the major advantage of free distribution of public keys, not requiring a secure environment so that keys are combined in advance.

Moreover, it can be used to generate digital signatures.

Luis miguel love software especially the POS Software system. Visit this at POS Software system and see the Pos Software

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/encryption-1762093.html

The ethical hacker aims to help the organization take anticipatory measures against malicious attacks by attacking the system himself; all the while staying within legal limits. The most important point is that an Ethical Hacker has authorization to probe the target. The reason is that as technology advances and organizations depend on technology increasingly, information assets have evolved into critical components of survival and need to be protected at any cost.

Need for Ethical Hacking

As network security assumes significance for businesses and investment in security infrastructure grows by the day, the need to validate the knowledge and skills of network security professionals has also grown proportionately. If hacking involves creativity and lateral thinking, then vulnerability testing and security audits will not ensure a foolproof network security of an organization. To ensure that organizations have adequately protected their information assets, they must adopt the approach of 'defense in depth'. In other words, they must penetrate their networks and estimate the security posture for vulnerabilities and exposure.

What we do?

In the present times, where network security assumes utmost importance for businesses around the globe, teaching "hacking" as a legitimate means of training students in how to protect a future employer's data assets has been introduced into courses with increasing frequency. MetaWing comes up with a short term professional courses designed for young engineering minds on IT security and Ethical Hacking. We offer courses in Ethical Hacking and allow training professionals to undertake an attempt to penetrate networks and/or computer systems using the same methods as a Hacker. The course is designed to imbibe in you the skills for advanced security concepts. The students pursuing this course are also able to prevent hacking and other forms of cyber crimes. It helps you to find out e-business solutions and execute security policies. It also teaches the students to trace real network security threats and come up with remedies by using firewall systems.

Vaibav gupta
mob. no. 9811747801

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/ethical-hacking-training-1759637.html

This malicious application displays aggressive warnings, alerting you that infections and spyware are on your computer.  The fake online scans detect supposed threats, but these are simply files created by WinFixer to scare you, and they are harmless.  This program claims to detect and remove parasites, but it cannot do either.  In fact, it is a parasite that is potentially dangerous.

How malware gets placed on your PC

How do these malicious software programs get installed on your PC to begin with?  Usually, spyware installs when you download other programs you enjoy like movies or games.  This software often “bundles” with the others, and you don't realize you are installing anything bad.  WinFixer may also install if you visit a malicious website or share networks with others.  

Symptoms of WinFixer

The symptoms of this rogue security program are much the same as with other malware.  You may notice that your home page has suddenly changed.  Frequently, those infected have a slow running or unstable PC.  Your browser may direct you to strange websites, and the pop-up ads and security warnings will drive you absolutely nuts.  You will definitely know that something is not right.

Purpose of spyware

You are probably curious as to why malicious software would install on your PC.  Devious people create these programs mostly for the purpose of taking your money.  However, malware also does some other unsavory things.  It may track your online interests and access private information, which can all be transmitted to remote servers.  These third parties will then turn around and slam you with targeted pop-up ads and spam e-mails.  This advertising will be geared toward your interests, or what you search for online.

Once you realize that spyware resides on your computer, it should be removed at once to avoid possible damage or identity theft.  You can remove it yourself, but the process is not easy and you could severely damage your PC if it isn't done right.  The best solution for these nasty parasites is to use a reputable antispyware tool.  A good one will restore security automatically, and remove all traces of spyware.

Don't take chances with your security. To remove WinFixer, visit http://bluepenguinsoftware.com/spyzooka for a free scan with SpyZooka, the only antispyware tool that guarantees 100% removal of all malware and spyware.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/winfixer-is-a-scam-that-fails-to-fix-anything-1753524.html

First we will examine infrared illumination.  This technology has been used in video surveillance for many years.  Color cameras cannot detect the infrared light spectrum but black and white cameras can.  Today’s camera manufacturers offer cameras that are color during the day and black and white at night.  They do this by removing the IR cut filter in the CCTV camera.  Removing the IR cut filter allows the camera to view the infrared light spectrum.  Using what is called today a “Day/Night” camera combined with infrared lighting these cameras can see in almost complete darkness.  The human eye cannot see the infrared light spectrum so to potential intruders this light in nearly invisible.  Using infrared lighting is ideal for covert application or when lighting an area may not be neighbor friendly.

White LEDs are a fairly new technology being used in surveillance camera systems.  White LEDs are white light that can be seen just like traditional lights.  The white light they produce is visible to both color cameras and the human eye.  White LED lights offer a number of benefits compared to traditional lighting systems.

1. Less Power Consumption - White LEDs use low voltage and require very little power compared to traditional 120/240 or 480 Volt outdoor lights.  Lower power consumption provides an energy efficient “green” solution that saves on power costs.

2. Lower Installation Costs - Since these lights are low voltage they can be installed by the CCTV camera installation company at the same time the cameras are being installed.  This leads to a lower cost of the installation and a single point of contact for the lights and cameras.

3. Built-in Photocell - These lights come with a built-in Photocell that automatically turns the lights on when it gets dark.  This further saves on system costs. 

White LEDs also offer benefits over infrared illumination because they allow the camera to still produce a color image.  Color images are far superior than black and white images and can offer far more forensic details.  Allowing a Day/Night CCTV camera to remain in its color mode will improve video quality and provide details that would otherwise be missed by the camera system.  Visible light and well lit areas are always a crime deterrent so using White LED’s for illumination can provide protection of property and assets.

For the best of both worlds there are “hybrid” illuminators.  These illuminators have both an IR and White LED lighting system.  They work by providing IR light at night when there is no motion.  This allows live viewing of the camera by guards or anyone wishing to remote monitor the camera.  When motion is detected the White LED lights turn on and the area is lit up.  The camera will produce a color image and can potentially scare off a potential intruder or vandal.

When nighttime surveillance is a goal of your camera system then exploring the use of these lighting options is critical to the success of the system.  Select the lighting that best suits your security goals and ensure that the cameras work seamlessly with the illumination chosen. 

Daniel Cogan is the president of Access Security Corp. which is a member of the PSA security network. He has over 15 years experience is the design, installation and servicing of camera systems and specializes in integrated security systems. Access Security is certified in numerous CCTV surveillance systems and provides complete installation and service of security systems.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/light-up-the-night-improve-video-quality-using-infrared-and-white-led-illumination-is-the-key-to-improved-video-1748917.html