tagged w/ identity thief
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RSA, the Security Division of EMC recently released several research reports that examine the far-reaching security implications of promising technologies such as cloud computing, virtualization, social networking and mobile communications, and explore the pivotal business risks and rewards they represent to organizations worldwide.RSA, the Security Division of EMC recently released several research reports that... more
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The US Defense Information Systems Agency announced that it is going to released a Request For Information this month. Anyone responding to DISA’s RFI would do well to study the methodology that Barrett Lyon describes using the open source SQUID proxy and caching server. The technique spelled out by Barrett involves putting a bank of high end servers running SQUID in front of the potential targets.The US Defense Information Systems Agency announced that it is going to released a... more
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Thieves prey on our deepest and strongest emotions, and two people madly in love and about to take the plunge are certainly full of emotions and stress. Stress makes us more apt to decide quickly, without thinking the situation through. The sense of relief we feel may encourage us to accept an offer that seems “too good to be true” when we might otherwise hesitate.Thieves prey on our deepest and strongest emotions, and two people madly in love and... more
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“We see many signs that criminals are mimicking the practices embraced by successful, legitimate businesses to reap revenue and grow their enterprises” -Tom Gillis, VP and general manager of Cisco.
According to Cisco Systems’ Midyear Security Report, issued July 14, online criminals are exploiting traditional business strategies as they continue to flourish amid a shaky global economy.“We see many signs that criminals are mimicking the practices embraced by... more
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As it evolves, Emerson believes this next generation telecommunications system, dubbed IronPipe™, will have huge implications for national security as well as tremendous new revenue opportunities for the carriers and supply chains which serve them.As it evolves, Emerson believes this next generation telecommunications system, dubbed... more
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The majority of Twitter users don’t mind sharing their tweets (i.e. their Twitter updates) with the rest of the world. After all, sharing ones thoughts/actions is at the core of social networks like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace. However, what users often don’t realize is that in aggregate, their tweets paint a picture about who they really are.The majority of Twitter users don’t mind sharing their tweets (i.e. their... more
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Why cyber defense? How is this different than “security”? The difference is in motivation, purpose, and risks. Announcing the birth of Cyber Defense Weekly, a newsletter created to give participants in this new category a comprehensive summary of the week’s news, product announcements, and escalations in cyber threats.Why cyber defense? How is this different than “security”? The difference... more
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Simple social engineering tactics can often be used to get to sensitive information simply by supplying a valid SSN. I know many of the business companies I’ve called, when just doing unscientific tests, started out the call with, “May I have your account number please?” To which I say, “Oh, darn; I don’t have that with me! Could I give you my SSN instead?” And usually they say, “Sure; give me the SSN.” Bingo. Social engineering is powerful and used by many crooks.Simple social engineering tactics can often be used to get to sensitive information... more
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Computerworld reports that one in five companies search social networking sites during the hiring process, although many experts believe that number is much higher. You may think that you’re immune to ID theft or misinformation because you don’t have any MySpace, Twitter or Facebook accounts- but read on and you will find that is far from the truth.Computerworld reports that one in five companies search social networking sites during... more
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The idea of having confidential records shopped to competitors and then offered up for sale to the highest bidder would be enough to keep any CIO up at night. Yet, as scary as this scenario is, cyber extortion remains rare. The bigger threat - one that should legitimately keep IT professionals up at night - is on the inside.The idea of having confidential records shopped to competitors and then offered up for... more
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In the age where a huge percentage of all attacks are done through e-mail, very few of us know how to analyze where this e-mail was sent from. This analysis must go beyond the sender e-mail displayed in your e-mail client (which are easily spoofed). Here is a simple tutorial on analyzing Internet headers.In the age where a huge percentage of all attacks are done through e-mail, very few of... more
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Bruce Schneier points out the attacks against US Federal sites that succeeded in shutting them down or the malware spread by USB thumb drive that infected the US Military Central Command, demonstrate a lack of common sense anti-virus and patch management. But that is a very big deal Bruce…Bruce Schneier points out the attacks against US Federal sites that succeeded in... more
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War has not changed. The weapons of disruption, corruption, and destruction reflect only the evolution of human creativity and innovation. We must understand the conflicts that drive their use, be they individual, corporate, or international. Without this insight, we are doomed to cyber attrition.War has not changed. The weapons of disruption, corruption, and destruction reflect... more
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Analyzing an incident when the manufacturer claims that it’s an operator error and the operator claims that it is an application error is one of the most daunting tasks of a security officer. And this is a type of incident that the security officer will be called upon to investigate simply because the management needs an independent observer and has doubts both in the operator as well as the manufacturer. Here is what to do when thrown into the fire…Analyzing an incident when the manufacturer claims that it’s an operator error... more
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