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Computer Security Authentication
Image via Wikipedia Computer security authentication means verifying the identity of a user logging onto a network. Passwords, digital certificates, smart cards and biometrics can be used to prove the identity of the user to the network. Computer security authentication includes verifying message integrity, e-mail authentication and MAC (Message Authentication Code), checking the integrity of a transmitted message. There are human authentication, challenge-response authentication, password, digital signature, IP spoofing and biometrics.
Human authentication is the verification that a person initiated the transaction, not the computer. Challenge-response authentication is an authentication method used to prove the identity of a user logging onto the network. When a user logs on, the network access server (NAS), wireless access point or authentication server creates a challenge, typically a random number sent to the client machine. The client software uses its password to encrypt the challenge through an encryption algorithm or a one-way hash function and sends the result back to the network. This is the response.
Two- factor authentication requires two independent ways to establish identity and privileges. The method of using more than one factor of authentication is also called strong authentication. This contrasts with traditional password authentication, requiring only one factor in order to gain access to a system. Password is a secret word or code used to serve as a security measure against unauthorized access to data. It is normally managed by the operating system or DBMS. However, a computer can only verify the legality of the password, not the legality of the user.
The two major applications of digital signatures are for setting up a secure connection to a website and verifying the integrity of files transmitted. IP spoofing refers to inserting the IP address of an authorized user into the transmission of an unauthorized user in order to gain illegal access to a computer system.
Biometrics is a more secure form of authentication than typing passwords or even using smart cards that can be stolen. However, some ways have relatively high failure rates. For example, fingerprints can be captured from a water glass and fool scanners.
Human authentication is the verification that a person initiated the transaction, not the computer. Challenge-response authentication is an authentication method used to prove the identity of a user logging onto the network. When a user logs on, the network access server (NAS), wireless access point or authentication server creates a challenge, typically a random number sent to the client machine. The client software uses its password to encrypt the challenge through an encryption algorithm or a one-way hash function and sends the result back to the network. This is the response.
Two- factor authentication requires two independent ways to establish identity and privileges. The method of using more than one factor of authentication is also called strong authentication. This contrasts with traditional password authentication, requiring only one factor in order to gain access to a system. Password is a secret word or code used to serve as a security measure against unauthorized access to data. It is normally managed by the operating system or DBMS. However, a computer can only verify the legality of the password, not the legality of the user.
The two major applications of digital signatures are for setting up a secure connection to a website and verifying the integrity of files transmitted. IP spoofing refers to inserting the IP address of an authorized user into the transmission of an unauthorized user in order to gain illegal access to a computer system.
Biometrics is a more secure form of authentication than typing passwords or even using smart cards that can be stolen. However, some ways have relatively high failure rates. For example, fingerprints can be captured from a water glass and fool scanners.
Computer Security provides detailed information on Computer Security, Computer Security Systems, Computer Network Securities, Computer Security Software and more. Computer Security is affiliated with Information Security Systems [http://www.e-InformationSecurity.com].
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Cyber Security - 4 Things to Do to Improve Computer Cyber Security and Prevent Cyber Crime Attacks
Image via Wikipedia In this article, you will learn to avoid all the silly mistakes most computer owners make and expose their computers and personal information open to cyber attacks. You'll also discover why is it important to change your passwords frequently and have up-to-date firewall and antivirus program.
Emails- the best and most simple rule to protect your computer from email cyber attacks is: if you don't know the sender, be very careful and never open any file attached to it. Sometimes even your friends may send you phishing emails against unwittingly because their computer has been attacked and the email is forwarded to you without their approval.
Very simple but effective protection is "When in Doubt- Delete". Your friend will understand.
Common signs include phishing hyperlinks and messages that urge you to open the attached file.
Passwords- passwords are just like door key and they are used to protect our virtual belongings stored on our computer. They should be very difficult to duplicate or steal by cyber criminals, just like door key that we always store in secure location.
Very important and effective rule to keep our passwords safe is: Never share your password with anyone, use different passwords for different for different places and constantly change your passwords.
Here are some proven effective rules to make passwords:
1. Passwords should not make much logical sense and have minimum of 8 characters- this will make it hard to guess.
2. Use types of characters allowed- lower case, upper case, numbers, symbols, special, etc.
3. Change your passwords frequently, the more frequent the better.
4. Under no circumstance give out your password to anybody.
In addition to the above cyber attack prevention tasks, for full computer protection it is very important to have good Firewall and maintain up-to-date antivirus program.
Firewalls- they protect your computer form the outside cyber world by filtering potentially dangerous data to enter your computer. They stop unauthorised data, usually form internet or emails, while data from trusted sources is allowed in.
Up-to-date antivirus software- good antivirus software is "must have" for all computers. Antivirus software is like immunization to humans, it prevents malicious software of entering and potentially damaging your computer.
These programs have been created and designed to protect your computer against known viruses. Therefore, it is critical to keep your antivirus program up-to-date to protect your computer form newly created cyber attacks.
Emails- the best and most simple rule to protect your computer from email cyber attacks is: if you don't know the sender, be very careful and never open any file attached to it. Sometimes even your friends may send you phishing emails against unwittingly because their computer has been attacked and the email is forwarded to you without their approval.
Very simple but effective protection is "When in Doubt- Delete". Your friend will understand.
Common signs include phishing hyperlinks and messages that urge you to open the attached file.
Passwords- passwords are just like door key and they are used to protect our virtual belongings stored on our computer. They should be very difficult to duplicate or steal by cyber criminals, just like door key that we always store in secure location.
Very important and effective rule to keep our passwords safe is: Never share your password with anyone, use different passwords for different for different places and constantly change your passwords.
Here are some proven effective rules to make passwords:
1. Passwords should not make much logical sense and have minimum of 8 characters- this will make it hard to guess.
2. Use types of characters allowed- lower case, upper case, numbers, symbols, special, etc.
3. Change your passwords frequently, the more frequent the better.
4. Under no circumstance give out your password to anybody.
In addition to the above cyber attack prevention tasks, for full computer protection it is very important to have good Firewall and maintain up-to-date antivirus program.
Firewalls- they protect your computer form the outside cyber world by filtering potentially dangerous data to enter your computer. They stop unauthorised data, usually form internet or emails, while data from trusted sources is allowed in.
Up-to-date antivirus software- good antivirus software is "must have" for all computers. Antivirus software is like immunization to humans, it prevents malicious software of entering and potentially damaging your computer.
These programs have been created and designed to protect your computer against known viruses. Therefore, it is critical to keep your antivirus program up-to-date to protect your computer form newly created cyber attacks.
If you would like a FREE SCAN of your PC, visit this Best Antivirus Program review site, it has review of the best performing software including free downloads.
To learn more on how to speed up your computer download the free e-book "Step-by-Step- Turtle to Rabbit Performing Computer" Click Here! You will learn exactly how I improved my computer performance and saved $$$$.
Wish you all the best.
To learn more on how to speed up your computer download the free e-book "Step-by-Step- Turtle to Rabbit Performing Computer" Click Here! You will learn exactly how I improved my computer performance and saved $$$$.
Wish you all the best.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Violeta_Ristevska
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Computer Program Security
Not everyone wants or needs to run a full blown internet security suite. As a bare minimum, however, you should be running an antivirus software
Every computer with access to the internet is vulnerable to attack by cyber-criminals. These intruders are interested in what you have stored on your computer like credit card numbers, bank account details, passwords and so on. By stealing this information they can either use this information themselves or sell it to other criminals.
This is only one part of the picture. The other being that some of these attackers are just interested in using your PC as a means to attack other computers. This way if an attack gets traced, your computer will be the culprit. A lot of spammers work this way.
With the majority of home users using always on, fast cable or DSL connections attacks have been on the increase. It is much easier for a cyber-criminal to target a home user than a corporate network. Corporate networks are usually highly secured while the average home user is not.
Computer program security should be a priority to all of us surfing the internet. A lot of people neglect to pay attention to their computer's security while online. This not only puts themselves but also other people in danger. And the results may come to haunt you.
Maybe you clicked on an email attachment or a link in a webpage containing malicious code. Once you are infected, the spyware program might start to download extra malware to take over your computer. If you are lucky you will see the signs of an infection. The malware will often advertise itself by incessant pop-ups, changing your desktop wallpaper or urging you to download an antivirus program to disinfect your PC.
These are the most common type of infections which are easily detected. You could try to cleanup your PC by scanning it with the appropriate antivirus or antispyware software. If you want to be a 100% sure you got rid of these malicious programs you better format your harddisk and reinstall the operating system.
The most dangerous spyware however is the kind that doesn't announce its presence and quietly sits in the background preying on any information it can capture. It is therefore advisable to scan your PC regularly, but this is a routine most home users do not apply.
You would ideally have a program in place that protects your data, even when you are infected.
Every computer with access to the internet is vulnerable to attack by cyber-criminals. These intruders are interested in what you have stored on your computer like credit card numbers, bank account details, passwords and so on. By stealing this information they can either use this information themselves or sell it to other criminals.
This is only one part of the picture. The other being that some of these attackers are just interested in using your PC as a means to attack other computers. This way if an attack gets traced, your computer will be the culprit. A lot of spammers work this way.
With the majority of home users using always on, fast cable or DSL connections attacks have been on the increase. It is much easier for a cyber-criminal to target a home user than a corporate network. Corporate networks are usually highly secured while the average home user is not.
Computer program security should be a priority to all of us surfing the internet. A lot of people neglect to pay attention to their computer's security while online. This not only puts themselves but also other people in danger. And the results may come to haunt you.
Maybe you clicked on an email attachment or a link in a webpage containing malicious code. Once you are infected, the spyware program might start to download extra malware to take over your computer. If you are lucky you will see the signs of an infection. The malware will often advertise itself by incessant pop-ups, changing your desktop wallpaper or urging you to download an antivirus program to disinfect your PC.
These are the most common type of infections which are easily detected. You could try to cleanup your PC by scanning it with the appropriate antivirus or antispyware software. If you want to be a 100% sure you got rid of these malicious programs you better format your harddisk and reinstall the operating system.
The most dangerous spyware however is the kind that doesn't announce its presence and quietly sits in the background preying on any information it can capture. It is therefore advisable to scan your PC regularly, but this is a routine most home users do not apply.
You would ideally have a program in place that protects your data, even when you are infected.
Fortunately, these kind of programs do exist. Have a look at http://pcuserinfo.com/reviews/sentrybay-personal-data-protection/ to take your computer program security into you own hands.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_D.
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Guide to Internet Security
Image by Channy Yun via Flickr In the earlier days of the internet, user security wasn't as tight. There were fewer threats to users and those that existed tended to target businesses instead of individuals. Now, however, threats seem to be looming around each and every corner. As computer and internet use has proliferated in the past decade, so has the variety of viruses, malware, spyware, and other security threats. Understanding your computer's security risk, and actively working to protect it, has become a key element in responsible computing.
The Threats
Malware typically presents itself in several forms.
- Viruses - These are small programs that attach to other code and infect it. Viruses can change certain computer settings, corrupt files, or even crash your computer entirely.
- Spyware - This type of software is typically installed on your computer without your knowledge. Its intent is to gather personal information about you. Sometimes spyware may include a key-logger, which transcribes every key you type and compromises passwords, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and anything else you might type out on your computer.
- Phishing scams - Scams are typically e-mails or websites, made to look legit, that ask you for your personal information or credit card information. The goal of these scams is obvious--to gain access to your personal information.
- Spam - Another threat that comes via e-mail, spam can contain spyware hidden in messages that will install itself on your computer.
How to Protect Yourself
Your first line of defense against malware is a firewall. Firewalls monitor all in and out computer traffic and prevent unauthorized communications. While computers typically come with firewalls installed, they are sometimes not as effective as commercial firewalls.
Another crucial defense is to install anti-virus software on your computer. While some anti-virus software is free, this is one area that you don't want to skimp on. If you install a free anti-virus program and your computer is attacked by something that slipped through the cracks, you will end up paying to fix or replace your computer anyway. It is always better to avoid the headache and ensure that your computer is receiving the best security from the get-go. Anti-key-logging and anti-spyware software are also excellent tools to use in conjunction with an anti-virus.
Spam blockers are useful for preventing spam, malicious or not, from entering your inbox. The only down side to spam blockers is that they can sometimes mistake normal e-mails for spam and filter them accordingly. If you are using a spam blocker, it is helpful to check in the box on occasion to be sure that everything is sorted correctly.
Also, on shared computers, always make sure your data is password protected. People often underestimate the security threat posed by others that have direct access to your computer. If you have information that you would not want to make readily available to other users, be sure to password-protect it with a strong password.
Useful Tips
The Threats
Malware typically presents itself in several forms.
- Viruses - These are small programs that attach to other code and infect it. Viruses can change certain computer settings, corrupt files, or even crash your computer entirely.
- Spyware - This type of software is typically installed on your computer without your knowledge. Its intent is to gather personal information about you. Sometimes spyware may include a key-logger, which transcribes every key you type and compromises passwords, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and anything else you might type out on your computer.
- Phishing scams - Scams are typically e-mails or websites, made to look legit, that ask you for your personal information or credit card information. The goal of these scams is obvious--to gain access to your personal information.
- Spam - Another threat that comes via e-mail, spam can contain spyware hidden in messages that will install itself on your computer.
How to Protect Yourself
Your first line of defense against malware is a firewall. Firewalls monitor all in and out computer traffic and prevent unauthorized communications. While computers typically come with firewalls installed, they are sometimes not as effective as commercial firewalls.
Another crucial defense is to install anti-virus software on your computer. While some anti-virus software is free, this is one area that you don't want to skimp on. If you install a free anti-virus program and your computer is attacked by something that slipped through the cracks, you will end up paying to fix or replace your computer anyway. It is always better to avoid the headache and ensure that your computer is receiving the best security from the get-go. Anti-key-logging and anti-spyware software are also excellent tools to use in conjunction with an anti-virus.
Spam blockers are useful for preventing spam, malicious or not, from entering your inbox. The only down side to spam blockers is that they can sometimes mistake normal e-mails for spam and filter them accordingly. If you are using a spam blocker, it is helpful to check in the box on occasion to be sure that everything is sorted correctly.
Also, on shared computers, always make sure your data is password protected. People often underestimate the security threat posed by others that have direct access to your computer. If you have information that you would not want to make readily available to other users, be sure to password-protect it with a strong password.
Useful Tips
- Ensure that every computer you own that accesses the internet has a virus protection program installed and running.
- Don't open attachments from unknown sources.
- Make your passwords complicated and difficult for others to figure out. Strong passwords make use of numbers, letters, and symbols.
- Avoid sending too much personal information, particularly credit card numbers and bank account numbers, over the internet. If you use a credit card to pay for something online, be sure that the payment system is trustworthy and secure.
| Imaging Network Technology is a computer support service that specializes in computer security, 24/7 tech support, and network infrastructure. Visit Imaging Network Technology. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Schubert |  |
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Security Computer Programs - Why Security is Crucial
One thing everybody should be aware of in thinking about security computer programs is how the Internet and its technologies work. This will give you a means of using the Internet more safely and responsibly.
Human nature, being what it is, is heavily reliant on trust. The Internet was built on trust. Connecting computers in the 1960's was a very straightforward thing, relying on everybody playing by the rules. A lot has changed since those days. The way we use computers has changed and a lot more people have access to a computer. The Internet has literally exploded since the days that just a few researchers tried to connect their very slow PC's together.
Let's make a comparison. When you receive a landmail, most letters contain a sender's address. Did you ever stop and wonder if these addresses are really valid. How would you go about finding out if the return address was valid? Most people wouldn't bother, I think.
Here comes the - now so popular - email message, how are you to know where it comes from? An intruder can easily fake the return address, which is called spoofing. Not only can email messages be forged, the information packets that contain data and get sent all over the Internet are susceptible to forgery as well.
What does this mean for you and why should you be concerned? Think about it. It means that you should never unconditionally open an email from which you do not know the sender. You should never trust any information from an unknown source. Paranoia big destroyer, like the Kinks worded it in one of their songs. Better to be safe than sorry while using the Internet.
If you click on a link in an email message that turns out to have some harmful virus or Trojan attached to it, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but possible also all the people in your address book. That is a serious responsibility and that is also why you should care about your computer's security.
There is no need for paranoia, but being a bit critical and cautious will surely not do any harm while using the Internet.
Human nature, being what it is, is heavily reliant on trust. The Internet was built on trust. Connecting computers in the 1960's was a very straightforward thing, relying on everybody playing by the rules. A lot has changed since those days. The way we use computers has changed and a lot more people have access to a computer. The Internet has literally exploded since the days that just a few researchers tried to connect their very slow PC's together.
Let's make a comparison. When you receive a landmail, most letters contain a sender's address. Did you ever stop and wonder if these addresses are really valid. How would you go about finding out if the return address was valid? Most people wouldn't bother, I think.
Here comes the - now so popular - email message, how are you to know where it comes from? An intruder can easily fake the return address, which is called spoofing. Not only can email messages be forged, the information packets that contain data and get sent all over the Internet are susceptible to forgery as well.
What does this mean for you and why should you be concerned? Think about it. It means that you should never unconditionally open an email from which you do not know the sender. You should never trust any information from an unknown source. Paranoia big destroyer, like the Kinks worded it in one of their songs. Better to be safe than sorry while using the Internet.
If you click on a link in an email message that turns out to have some harmful virus or Trojan attached to it, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but possible also all the people in your address book. That is a serious responsibility and that is also why you should care about your computer's security.
There is no need for paranoia, but being a bit critical and cautious will surely not do any harm while using the Internet.
If you would like to find out more about a new and extremely efficient computer security program, please visit http://pcuserinfo.com/PersonalDataProtection/sentrybay.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_D.
Network Security a Top Concern - Computer Security Can Be Yours With Satellite Internet Services
Network security is a top concern for computer users. With all the sensitive data and personal information passed through online communications, it's no wonder concerns regarding network security are now at an all-time high.
When internet users look for service deals, price is typically the top priority. However; making security your main consideration could be the smartest, and ultimately the most cost-effective, reason to select the right internet provider.
Satellite internet has proven to be highly safe. For users who shop and frequently share information pertaining to personal identification and financial resources, you could protect both your assets and identity with the aid of satellite internet's security systems.
While effective encryption of data was initially a concern with satellite transmissions, developments have been made to address and rectify any technological short-comings, resulting in greater peace of mind for users. Satellite providers continue to advance encryption standards.
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) now transpires within an expedient time frame that does not compromise computer security. TCP Acceleration is a newer protocol that uses compression and packet management to speed delivery and reception of information sent via satellite internet connections. It in turn decreases the latency that once adversely affected bandwidth.
Another helpful development is a process referred to as pre-fetching or pipeline cache works. It works by separating objects (graphics or HTML code, for example) so systems can request these objects first and allow them more time to load. As a result web pages can load faster.
Of course, common sense and thoughtful consideration should always be given to any information you share online. Even with the safest of systems and reasonable precautions, putting data out for public consumption carries something of an inherent risk. Always be sure that you're giving your personal details to a trustworthy source.
With recent developments and ongoing improvements in satellite technology, there's no reason to fear satellite internet services. Now you can experience the computer security that you demand, along with the convenience of always-on connections and the web access you need even in remote and rural locales.
When internet users look for service deals, price is typically the top priority. However; making security your main consideration could be the smartest, and ultimately the most cost-effective, reason to select the right internet provider.
Satellite internet has proven to be highly safe. For users who shop and frequently share information pertaining to personal identification and financial resources, you could protect both your assets and identity with the aid of satellite internet's security systems.
While effective encryption of data was initially a concern with satellite transmissions, developments have been made to address and rectify any technological short-comings, resulting in greater peace of mind for users. Satellite providers continue to advance encryption standards.
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) now transpires within an expedient time frame that does not compromise computer security. TCP Acceleration is a newer protocol that uses compression and packet management to speed delivery and reception of information sent via satellite internet connections. It in turn decreases the latency that once adversely affected bandwidth.
Another helpful development is a process referred to as pre-fetching or pipeline cache works. It works by separating objects (graphics or HTML code, for example) so systems can request these objects first and allow them more time to load. As a result web pages can load faster.
Of course, common sense and thoughtful consideration should always be given to any information you share online. Even with the safest of systems and reasonable precautions, putting data out for public consumption carries something of an inherent risk. Always be sure that you're giving your personal details to a trustworthy source.
With recent developments and ongoing improvements in satellite technology, there's no reason to fear satellite internet services. Now you can experience the computer security that you demand, along with the convenience of always-on connections and the web access you need even in remote and rural locales.
| S. L. Robertson has published hundreds of articles on the topic of evolving internet technologies and regularly informs consumers about what to look for when considering high speed Internet in their homes. Robertson is considered an expert in the field of satellite Internet developments. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._L._Robertson |  |
