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Friday, November 30, 2012

Intrusion Detection System to Effectively Manage Network Security

In this day and age, there is no question about it-internet security is an essential facet of making sure that your business are protected from malicious attacks online. For those who don't realize it, once your entire system goes online, you leave it vulnerable to attacks in the virtual world. And the solution is so simple that it's easy to ignore and take it for granted-install a security software such as an effective antivirus and firewall properties.

Intrusion detection system is a type of security management that provides and manages online security for computers and networks.

Similarly, there is intrusion detection system a type of security management, like other protection measures for computers and networks. An ID collects and researches information from various areas within a computer or a network to locate possible security breaches including both intrusions - attacks from outside the organization and misuse. Vulnerability assessment is is termed as scanning and it integrates technology designed to monitor the security of a computer system or network.

Intrusion detection system works to:

1. Review and analyze user and system activities

2. Investigate system configurations and vulnerabilities

3. Assess system and file integrity

4. Detect and prevent network intrusions

5. Adopt role antivirus, anti spyware management

6. Recognize patterns typical of attacks

7. Check abnormal activity patterns

8. Track user policy violations

ID systems have expanded due to the increasing responses, due to number of attacks on major sites and networks, such as Pentagon, the White House, NATO, and the U.S. Defense Department. Sophistication of fraudsters towards the technology has made computer and internet security increasingly difficult. Besides, already tested methods are easily available over the web demanding less technical ability.

Below mentioned are ways in which IDS can be grouped:

Misuse detection and Anomaly detection

In misuse detection, the system reviews the information it gathers and compares it to huge databases of attack signatures. This detection software is cross referenced across a database of attack signatures, which compare packets. In anomaly detection, the administrator of the system creates the baseline, or normal, state of the network, traffic load, breakdown, protocol, and typical packet size. The anomaly detector investigates network segments and also compares the state to the normal baseline and look for anomalies.

Network-based and Host-based systems

In a network-based system, individual packets, which pass through a network are investigated. This system monitors malicious packets, which are fabricated to be overlooked by a firewall. In a host-based system, there is examination of activities of each individual computer or host.

Passive system and Reactive system

In passive intrusion detection system, should there be a potential security breach, it logs of the information and puts on an alert that is backed by network security. In a reactive system, suspicious activity prompts a user to log off by reprogramming the firewall to stop network traffic and avoid potential attack.

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5 Tips To Avoid Fake Internet Telecommute Jobs

There are tons of people who fall prey to fake internet telecommute jobs (a.k.a work from home) and if you're not careful you can be one of the victims. The mode of deception varies but these con artists share one common interest - to rob you of your money. The most difficult part of these kinds of deceptions is that you don't know who you're dealing with. Most of them operate online. You can't even see the person who hires you for the job. How would you be able to determine whether this is a con or the real thing?

This is the reason why before you even attempt to apply online, you need to be cautious whether the company you are sending your resume for is indeed a real company and not a bogus one! At least you will avoid becoming a victim of a con.

Recently, I fell prey to one of the oldest ones in the book. Had I been a bit more alert, I could have avoided this internet robbery. In an effort to help others, I've put together these five quick tips that can help avoid others from getting robbed.

Tip 1: First and foremost, make sure the Company is accredited and a member of the BBB. If this is a real company, they will post their credentials.

Tip 2: Make sure the company that hires you provides contact information, including website, physical address and working phone lines with a person on the other end answering.

Tip 3: Make sure all correspondence has legitimate company contact information that you can check on. If there is a website, click on the link to make sure it is active. If there is a phone number call it and make sure you talk to a person.

Tip 4: Enlist the help of banking professionals. Advise your bank branch of your new found employment. This will alert them immediately if anything comes in for deposit that looks suspicious.

Tip 5: Always wait at least 5 to 7 business days before withdrawing funds from monies received from your new employer to make sure the funds have cleared, in the event bank officials miss a catching a counterfeit note, you are not left covering the tab from your account.

This kind of job opportunity deception is like an art. Those who perfect the art of the con will succeed in ripping people off from their hard earned money. These five tips will help you spot the phonies and avoid getting robbed. Be alert, be wise and be safe!

Remote Desktop Vs VPN Service: Key Differences Finally Explained

Many people on Internet discussion forums and answering sites seem to be having a problem with distinguishing between a remote desktop and VPN services. It is hard to blame them, since these two concepts are definitely alike, and a layperson has every right to be confused. To make it easier for you, below you will find a concise explanation of their key differences.

Let us get the definitions straight first. A remote desktop is not a network tunnel, but merely the ability to "take over" and use a desktop from a remote location, that is, without having to actually sit in front of it. In order to perform this kind of action, special software needs to be installed on the computer to later interpret the remote actions of the user. The type of link here is a basic one-to-one connection with GUI interface.

A virtual private network is a network that cannot be accessed from outside. Imagine you can enter a LAN network from a remote location. This is probably the simplest way of explaining what a VPN server and appropriate VPN software allow for. If you happen to have a friend who says he works from home, this is what he or she most probably utilizes to do that. In comparison to remote desktop connection, VPN is more universal and can connect multiple computers to a server, basically excluding GUI interface.

What are the main differences in installation, maintenance and technicalities?

1. Virtual private networks require special VPN software to be installed. They need professional maintenance. This can be done by company's network administrator, but still tends to be quite costly to purchase and set up. Also, firewalls on the remote LAN have to be reconfigured in order to be able to receive VPN connections. This is not required with remote desktop, since the connection type is generally firewall friendly.

2. VPN connects local computers to remote LANs, but unlike remote desktop, it does not give the user direct access to the remote computer. Also, performance results are rather not very impressive for VPN in terms of resource access over the remote LAN. This proves to be particularly true for file transfer and direct remote files access.

3. Manual configuration is a must for VPN software. This has to be performed by the end user, and typically needs some customized setup options provided by the network administrator.

It is important not to confuse VPN services with remote desktop connections, and furthermore, to stop perceiving them as competition to each other. So, let us have it explained once and for all on the following example. Imagine you work from home. There are two ways you can do this. If you decide to use virtual private network, then a VPN server will work like an adapter that enables outside connections to intranet networks. However, if it were your desire to simply work from the computer that resides on your desk at your workplace, you would first need to log in to the intranet at work via the VPN service, and only then use remote desktop protocol to access the work PC.

Preventing a Network Security Breach

If you're running a business, a secure network is paramount. Without it, you risk sensitive documents being made public, viruses attaching themselves to your network and more. All of this can be very damaging to your productivity and your business as a whole. The best thing to do is to prevent a network security breach before it ever happens - but how can you do that?

Your network security really isn't that difficult to maintain when you use the right tools. The following list can help you choose which programs and services will make the most difference to your business by ensuring your network security is solid and effective.

Virus & Firewall Programs

One of the most basic network security solutions is to install virus and firewall programs on your network. These will block any dangerous programs that could mean to do you harm. A virus can really wreak havoc on your network - causing computers to crash, files to be deleted, etc. Virus and firewall programs practically run themselves so it is a good solution for maintaining a secure network and not adding on a great deal of work for yourself.

Access Controls

Another way to prevent a network security breach to is keep unauthorized users off of your network in the first place. This can become difficult as the world becomes more mobile and your employees want to access your network from their homes or during their commutes. The right network security program will force all visitors to prove their identities before they get on your network, ensuring unauthorized users cannot access it. However, it is also important to balance ease-of-access with security - you certainly don't want your employees struggling to access your network! Luckily, a network security program can give you the security you need and the quick access your employees are looking for.

Information Rights Management

Imagine sending a sensitive document to an employee. Does that employee have the ability to forward that document on - whether intentionally or accidentally? Information rights management gives you the ability to decide who can access what files or documents and what he or she can do with them. So if you want to ensure no one can forward a certain document on your network, it can be done! Your network security is as much defined by what comes in as by what goes out, so protect it by having the ability to set use parameters on sensitive files. Whether you want to control who can email, forward, print, edit or do other tasks to a document, information rights management can help you do so.

The best way to take advantage of all these solutions is to contact a network security company. They can work with you to decide what will make the biggest difference to your business and they will also make sure any programs you implement stay up and running.

Password Protection: Login Security and Password Generator

Password protection is becoming increasingly more important in an age when passwords and logins are not as secure as they once were. A high level of login security is essential due to the threat presented by modern phishing software, and keystroke recorders are able to detect your login details.

While security services such as Norton, MacAfee and BullGuard are able to protect your computer to a certain extent, it is amazing how many people still use birthdays or names of relatives as their passwords. A good password generator can regenerate passwords regularly so that none are lying around long enough to be detected and used.

Most people have their date of birth and names of their family on their Facebook or Friendster profiles, so it isn't difficult to find the type of personal information that many use as their passwords. In any case, keystroke logging systems can easily record your login details even if they are obscure.

Keystroke loggers can be purchased online. Intended to record the keystrokes made by your children, they can be used against you to find your user names and passwords. Believe it or not, this can be done remotely and determined people are able to find your login details fairly rapidly if they have the desire to do so!

What Does Password Protection Offer?

A good password protection system will provide you with modern encrypted storage of your user names and passwords, so it cannot be breached by spyware or hackers. Here are other benefits that such systems offer:

• Storage of login details for each individual site or page.

• Auto-recognition of site and automatic login with a single click.

• Automatic storage of logins details and passwords for new sites.

• Secure password generation using random characters and numbers.

• Auto-completion of forms with your personal details.

• Avoid Keystroke loggers with one-click login.

This saves you a great deal of time in filling in forms, and also makes sure that you will never again have to click that 'Forgot Password' link. Keystroke loggers cannot detect your passwords because the password security software can detect what site you are trying to access, and then fill in the details with one click of a button.

Remote Storage of Login Details

Some packages also offer remote storage of your passwords and logins. They are stored on remote servers so that they cannot be hacked from your own computer. Another possibility is that you can store them on a USB memory drive. The drive also stores the password manager software and password generator, so you can carry the USB drive around with you and access your passwords anywhere in the world and on any computer or mobile device.

You can utilize such systems on your PC, laptop, iPad or other tablet, iPhone, Android device and many others. This type of system offers an extremely high level of security and is used by the US Air Force and government departments. By using the USB option, your login details are not stored on your computer, so offering the highest level of login security.

Password protection is very important in today's age of online business and banking, and it may be of critical importance for you to install such a system on your own computer or mobile device. Phishing and hacking are becoming increasingly more common, but it can be avoided by using effective login security, password protection and by using a random password generator so that your details cannot be guessed.

Is My Site Hacked? Quick Indications and Symptoms Showing Your Website Is Infected

There's no doubt having your website infected is frustrating. But why is it actually so? What is wrong with being infected?

First let's define what is an infection.

When your website is hacked, its contents are usually changed in one way or another. The hacker may change pages to add spam, or add additional pages to the site, usually with the intent of phishing (tricking users into parting with personal and credit card information). Alternatively, they may inject malicious code (malware)-for example, scripts or iFrames that pull content from another website that tries to attack any computer that views the page.

In all the cases generally it is said that a website is infected by malware. The term "malware" covers all sorts of malicious software designed to harm a computer or network. Kinds of malware include (but are not limited to) viruses, worms, spyware, and Trojan horses. Some hackers may even take administrative control over a hacked site.

So, the answer to question what's wrong with being infected is twofold:

First, despite all the generous intentions of your website, it is simply spreading malware. So now your site turns to be on the bad side of internet. This is not only disappointing, but also could make serious impact on your site or business credibility and reputability, not talking about possible legal consequences.

Secondly, by having malware you get immediate direct penalty by losing traffic to your site. Your site will be included in various blacklists (including Google). Visitors will see a warning and will stay away from your site, sysadmins will add preventive measures forbidding to access your site from within companies internal networks and so on and so forth. So you'd better be clean!

According to StopBadware, the most common forms of infections that StopBadware sees on compromised sites are:

Malicious scripts .htaccess redirects Hidden iFrames

Malicious scripts

Malicious scripts are often used to redirect site visitors to a different website and/or load badware from another source. These scripts will often be injected by an attacker into the content of your web pages, or sometimes into other files on your server, such as images and PDFs. Sometimes, instead of injecting the entire script into your web pages, the attacker will only inject a pointer to a.js or other file that the attacker saves in a directory on your web server. To avoid detection and to mislead analytics scripts sometimes are divided into smaller parts. These parts can be spread on multiple files or even multiple websites and are combined upon running.

Many malicious scripts use obfuscation to make them more difficult for anti-virus scanners to detect.

Some malicious scripts use names that look like they're coming from legitimate sites (note the misspelling of "analytics"):

.htaccess redirects

The Apache web server, which is used by many hosting providers, uses a hidden server file called .htaccess to configure certain access settings for directories on the website. Attackers will sometimes modify an existing .htaccess file on your web server or upload new .htaccess files to your web server containing instructions to redirect users to other websites, often ones that lead to badware downloads or fraudulent product sales.

Hidden iFrames

An iFrame is a section of a web page that loads content from another page or site. Attackers will often inject malicious iFrames into a web page or other file on your server. Often, these iFrames will be configured so they don't show up on the web page when someone visits the page, but the malicious content they are loading will still load, hidden from the visitor's view.

How to find out if my site is infected?

The most obvious way is to analyze the source code and look for the forms of infection similar to described above. When you browse your own site keep focus on any unexpected results and analyze the source code of such pages. Look for obfuscated JavaScripts, iFrames, check your .htaccess file.

Also there are some symptoms that indicate about possible infection:

First and most common form of notice includes third party notifications. Your visitors will see a warning when they try to visit a site from the search results pages. Also they could see a warning of their antivirus software upon visiting your site. If you or other people try to visit your website but get automatically taken to some other website instead, it's another symptom of being hacked. Surely you'll soon receive a phone call or email that will tell you about the infection. Another (indirect) symptom of possible infection is a sudden decrease of visits from search engines. Your site appears in search engines using absolutely irrelevant search terms. Your site could become less responsive. It takes longer to load web pages. Your site or some particular web pages have been removed from search engines. You notice strange files at your site that you didn't put there. Last but not least, your AdSense account is blocked.

If you encounter one or more of these symptoms there might be a chance your website is hacked. There are some tools and services that let you check your website for malware or help to monitor your site's status on a periodic basic.

However, even after you clean up your website there's no guarantee it won't be infected again. So the best approach would be to try to eliminate all the possible security holes and vulnerabilities. There are some great open-source and commercial tools available for checking website security.