Computer Security Authentication

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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.

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Guide to Internet Security

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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

• 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.

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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.

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Computer Security is in Your Hands

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Computers began making their way into North American homes in the late 1970s to early 1980s. I still remember the first computer I ever saw. It was a Commodore 64.
I can recall the day in 1982, I believe it was, when my friend Bob walked through the door with his brand new Commodore 64 tucked under his arm. He was proud as a peacock. His wife wasn't. We played with that gizmo for hours and still hadn't scratched the surface of what it could do.
Those were the days when computers were toys. Very few homes had them and no one had to worry about hackers, viruses, malware, cookies and the like as we do today. Heck, we hadn't even heard of such terms.
In such a short time, computers have evolved from mere toys and sources of entertainment into everyday necessities for most people. In less than 25 years, computers have become such an integral part of today's business world and private life that we would be hard pressed to survive without them.
Of course, anything so vital will always be the target of unscrupulous cyber vandals. Online crimes have become a major concern for law enforcement and the general public needs to give high priority to keeping criminals at bay. Hence the need for various types of computer security that helps keep our computers safe from harm.
Every computer owner must adapt some program of cyber security or they won't be online very long at all. And the threat is not limited to viruses and trojans that infect your system. Online criminals also want access to your computer. They want any piece of information that can help them steal your identity. They look for anything that can provide valuable financial information.
You as a computer owner do not have to sit by and see these kinds of criminal activities spoil your computing experiences. There are many things you can do yourself that will add security to your computer. Let's summarize just a few of them...
1) Install Good Anti-virus Software.
This is a must today. You should never access the internet or your email without active, up-to-date anti-virus program. Keep in mind, however, that new viruses are surfacing daily and it is a huge task for anti-virus programs to keep up with it all. It is vital that you keep your anti-virus software updated regularly in order for it to recognize any new man-made virus that may have been introduced.
Anti-virus programs are relatively inexpensive when you consider the alternative cost of having to clean up an unnecessary mess or replace a hard drive. There are even free anti-virus programs you can download. Some are just as good as some paid computer security products.
2) Have Proper Firewalls Installed.
To understand firewalls, think of your home, especially if it is fairly new or newly renovated. Building codes today call for installation of special drywall called a firewall. These firewalls are installed in case of fire and this type of wall board keeps the fire from spreading from one room to another, at least until help arrives.
Firewalls in your computer are much the same. They are defensive fortifications built into your system to help halt the spread of any virus or trojan that may have been introduced into your system. These firewalls filter unauthorized data from elsewhere, mostly the internet, while allowing authorized or 'good' data to enter your computer.
3) Be Careful With Emails
Many viruses enter your computer via your email. Make sure you establish some hard, fast rules about incoming email. For instance, be extra careful about opening emails from anyone you do not know, and never under any circumstances open any attachments to those emails. Often an email gives the recipient a message of urgency for opening the attachment. Be wary.
4) Be Creative With Passwords
The passwords you choose, whether for your email, membership sites, web host Cpanel, etc., need to be more than simple. Never use any personal information like telephone number, street address, banking PIN, etc. The reasons are quite obvious.
Hackers are quite good at breaking passwords so you need to be creative and adhere to a few rules when creating them. Think of them as keys that unlock a cabinet. Almost any key can be duplicated and used for criminal purposes. This is what hackers do. But there are steps you can take to minimize that threat.
a) Never share your password with anyone.
b) Make all your passwords at least 8 characters in length.
c) Make your passwords meaningless. The crazier, the better.
d) Use a variety of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, symbols, special characters, etc. in each password.
e) Keep a list of every site on which you have a password and record the password for that site.
f) Change your password regularly. It is ideal if you make the password changes all at the same time. For example: Change passwords every 3 months, on the 1st day of the third month. Change every password at that time. This way, none are missed. Keep a record of every date you changed your passwords. This keeps you from going too long without a change.
5) Backup Your Computer Data Regularly
This is one cardinal rule all experienced computer users adhere to. All backups must be done to a CD or DVD, or some other external device. The idea here is that if something happens to your system or you lose your hard drive, you still have all your data elsewhere that can be reloaded into your computer.
6) Never allow file sharing from your computer.
This is one of the most dangerous practices you can allow. Keep all other parties out of your computer.
7) Disconnect From The Internet
By disconnecting from the internet when your computer is not in use, you make it impossible for others to gain access to your system.
8) Keep Abreast Of Security Updates
This is easy to do these days. You can do this by going to the site hosted by your security provider. They have tons of computer security news regarding current security issues. Many even have computer security courses you can take. This way you are well informed of the newest tactics of online criminals and are provided with ways and means of lessening the threat to your system.
Computer security is really up to you. Many take this issue far too lightly until the day all "H...." breaks loose. Then you are rushing around in confusion looking for someone to fix it all. The fact is, most often no one needs to be in that kind of situation. With a good security system in placed and some personal diligence, you can avoid 99.9 per cent of these kinds of problems.

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Computer Security Certificate is For Everyone

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Our computers are vulnerable from attacks that come at all sides. It comes from different sources too. That is why a computer security certificate is very useful. Every business have some kind of broadband Internet Access these days. So your connection is always on and your personal information and your business information are exposed to the internet.
Aside from the Computer Security Certificate, you also need an anti-virus protection. Do you know that there are thousands of viruses that are made everyday. It basically means that no computer is safe especially without the anti-virus protection and most especially if you do not know what you need if did not learn what you need to protect yourself. Your computer's network is always under attack from hackers. With the Computer Security Certificate, you can protect your users and your company from any unauthorized web access that will not only damage your data but also your productivity and your employees' productivity as well.
So remember the Computer Security Certificate provides you security. It is as simple as that. There are online training courses offered that you can avail because the first step in protecting yourself is by equipping yourself with the necessary knowledge and being able to get a certificate that will prove that you can do that. Even if you are not a computer expert, the training is for everyone. So you can be a programmer, a network engineer, a site administrator, an analyst, mom and you can benefit from the right certification.

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