FIREWALLS / DETECTION NETWORKS

Firewalls screen all communications to a system, including e-mail messages, which may carry logic bombs. The term "firewall" is a relatively generic term for methods of filtering access to a network. They may come in form of a computer, router or other communications device, or in form of a network configuration.

The services and access that are permitted to each user are defined by firewalls. One method is to screen user requests to check if they come from a previously defined domain or Internet Protocol (IP) address. Another method is to prohibit Telnet access into system.

Here are a few key things to remember in order to protect yourself from Cyberterrorism:

i. All accounts should have passwords and passwords should be unusual, difficult to guess, and alphanumeric where possible.

ii. Change network configuration when defects become known.

iii. Check with venders for upgrades and patches. iv. Audit systems and check logs to help in detecting and tracing an intruder.

v. If you are ever unsure about safety of a site, or receive suspicious email from an unknown address, don't access it. It could be trouble.

TRACING SOFTWARE

There are software companies that create products designed to trace exactly where anyone connecting to your network is coming from. Giving you detailed information on registered owner's name, address, etc. Greater possibility of detection always reduces incidence of crime.

PROTECTION SUITES

Click here:http://www.irieisle-online.com/cyberterrorism for a suite of online services which combine a number of protection strategies.

Today's commercial off-the-shelf software is riddled with holes. Microsoft products in particular, seem to be targeted. A recent Gartner Group report strongly suggests that changing from Microsoft's Internet Server would be a positive step. Software makers should design more secure products, which should be shipped to consumers pre-configured with high security settings. Such efforts will probably mean higher costs and slower progress in short term but will pay off in long term.

There are no foolproof ways to protect a system, as completely secure system can never be accessed by anyone. Your organization's classified information can be kept on machines with no outside (internet/intranet) connection, as a form of prevention of Cyberterrorism. In end, onus of fighting Cyberterrorism is really on each company or organization. The cost to protect your data will be a small fraction of what will be lost if your information systems are attacked or accidentally damaged.

A while back I had read several articles in PC Magazine about these risks and that was what made me get a copy of Black Ice. By way it is easy to install and use. I don't know about ZoneAlarm but from my readings it appears it is also fairly simple. One of ezines I subscribe to recently had a short article about a site called "Shields UP!" where you could go to check your computer security for free. If you are interested go to: https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

These tests are for Windows systems. There will be two buttons, "Test My Shields" and Probe My Ports". These tests take a couple of minutes each and they will give you a full report. When I was finished, I felt pretty good for moment since they couldn't get into my machine. In fact they evaluated it as "appearing that my computer didn't even exist".

You can sit there and say that you are only a little guy or gal, who would even try? Well that may be so, but on other hand, do you know exactly what you have saved on your computer - credit card numbers, account numbers, personal information...? You would be amazed at number of files that are saved on your machine by windows and other programs that you aren't even aware of.

I have had to change credit card accounts twice in last year due to some large well known companies who's systems were attacked and credit card files were compromised. So it can happen, even to big guys. The software is out there to help you, it can be free or relatively inexpensive. Why not feel a little more secure?

Joe Reinbold, Publisher of Home Income Quarterly E-dition, a free weekly on line marketing newsletter. To subscribe just mailto:subscribe@homebizlink.com Or visit The Entrepreneur's Home Business Link where you will find the solutions to your home business needs at: http://www.homebizlink.com