McAfee Tips for Securing New Devices in 2011

January 14, 2011 · Filed Under Security Software, Software News · Comment 

Millions of people worldwide rang in 2011 with the latest in technology gadgets and devices, jumpstarting the New Year with the most innovative smartphones, savviest tablets and PC/Mac laptops on the market.

But many consumers neglect to take the necessary steps required to protect themselves from the dangers of cybercrime associated with their new prized-possessions and tech gadgets.

If you were one of the millions of adults and kids who received tech gifts during the holidays, beware. Computer and cybercrimes have risen by more than 22% according to the most recent statistics from 2009. McAfee Labs predicts an increase in mobile, social media and PC-based threats in 2011, with cybercrooks finding new ways to do harm via all types of connected devices. And millions of new device owners will become easy targets if they don’t take proactive measures to ensure their security.

Here are some practical tips from McAfee to ensure optimal Internet safety and security in 2011: Read more

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Solutionary identifies Top Security Risks and provides precautionary tips for Winter Olympic Games

February 8, 2010 · Filed Under Internet Software, Security Software, Software News · Comment 

Company encourages businesses, event advertisers, and corporate and individual attendees to remain vigilant and take information security precautions

Solutionary, has identified the top information and data security risks facing businesses, Olympic advertisers and attendees of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver from February 12th to 28th. In addition, the company has provided precautionary tips to help these people and organizations protect their data and assets.

Solutionary is a trusted security advisor to companies of all sizes around the world, processing more than 300 billion events annually through the company’s Security Operations Centers (SOC). Solutionary’s certified SOC analysts and technology offer 24/7 live and automated event monitoring to ensure the highest levels of protection.

“Hackers, spammers and scammers often take advantage of major events, like the Olympics, to steal confidential consumer and corporate data and information or to generally create chaos,” said Don Gray, Chief Security Strategist of Solutionary. “Since the 2008 Games, new and more malicious threats have surfaced and attacks are more prevalent, from the Google email hacks to Twitter and Facebook denial of service (DDOS) attacks. In the age of Web 2.0 and constant connectivity, it’s more important than ever for businesses and individuals alike to remain vigilant about information security – especially around an event of such international significance.”

Solutionary’s information and cyber security experts have identified the following as the top five information security risks around the Olympics:

Social Networks & Instant Messaging (IM) – In recent months, sites and services like Facebook, Twitter and MSN Messenger have been repeatedly targeted by hackers. Keep your guard up, even during the excitement of the Games. Who you are connecting to? How you are connecting to them? Are you sharing information that could be used for social engineering? Never share files thru IM services and connect only to branded, trusted information sources.

Masquerading Wireless Networks - Always know what network you are connecting to and avoid unsecured wireless networks. Only connect to networks associated with trusted brands/providers and be sure to verify names and credentials of the access points.

Malvertising – Website ads containing malicious exploit code may be hosted by unsuspecting websites in an attempt to maximize online ad revenue around the Games.

Hacktivism – Nationalistic pride can be a powerful motivator in driving hackers to initiate attacks. In the recent Google hacking incident there was evidence of retaliatory hacking affecting Baidu.com.

Whaling – Corporate executives and guests should be trained to recognize attempts to target them, their laptops, and phones for exploit. Promotional items can easily be faked. Emails, devices, CDs, and memory sticks can all convey malicious software.

Solutionary’s experts recommend Olympic attendees, advertisers and Vancouver-area businesses take the below security precautions, at a minimum, leading up to and during the Games:

Awareness – Make sure everyone in your network – whether it’s your kids or your employees – is aware of potential threats. If they are aware of heightened risk, they will be more vigilant and likely to flag suspicious activity or items.

Protect Endpoints - Attendees must protect mobile computers and phones as these devices often are targeted for the data they contain as well
as an exploit path for stealing account credentials, credit card information, etc.

If you can, leave them at home. Consider limiting yourself to one pocket-able device that’s easy to keep track of.

If you must have a laptop, ensure that it is up to date with the latest patches, anti-X (virus, spyware, malware) software.

Remove all non-essential data from laptop before traveling – especially if it’s confidential or sensitive.

If you must travel with sensitive or confidential data, employ strong whole disk encryption.

Check, Double-Check and Re-Check Security Processes – Local businesses and advertisers should review their information security countermeasures, validate that patches are up-to-date, that web applications are not vulnerable, and that wireless networks are secured using WPA/WPA2 authentication and TKIP/AES encryption.

Log Monitoring – Local businesses involved with the Games and advertisers must recognize that their participation brings about the possibility of increased motivated attackers targeting them for nationalistic or political reasons. Ensure security log monitoring is adequate to handle the increased threat level and volume.

Check ATM’s – Attendees and local financial institutions should be vigilant about checking for ATM pin-pad skimmers. Most pin-pad skimmers can be detected by careful examination and physical checking as they are often taped on top of the real card-entry mechanism on the ATM. If there is any doubt, find another ATM to be safe.

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