week 12 discussion

USB Tokens:

Password required(second authentication factor) to gain access to the computer system

Hard to duplicate and tamper resistant

Ability to store digital certificates that can be used in a public key infrastructure (PKI) environment

Key Questions to Discuss:

Does second authentication factor assure complete security?

Even though USB devices are hard to duplicate and tamper resistant, what factors still allow sensitive information stored in USBs vulnerable?

Can you come up with more weaknesses or strengths of USBs???

Smart Cards—Advantages

Contains a microprocessor–enables storage and processing of data and use of more robust authentication schemes:

Valid recognition of smart card (first authentication factor)

Requirement of password (second authentication factor)

Smart Cards—Disadvantage Requires installation of a hardware reader and associated software drivers on the consumer’s home computer

Why is it a disadvantage? Let’s discuss!!!!

Password Generating Tokens

Unique pass-code, also known as a one-time password (OTP)—ensures that the same OTP is not used consecutively

User name and regular password (first authentication factor)

OTP generated by the token (second authentication factor)

What makes password generating tokens so secure ???

Password-generating tokens are secure because of the time-sensitive, synchronized nature of the authentication. The randomness, unpredictability, and uniqueness of the OTPs substantially increase the difficulty of a cyber thief capturing and using OTPs gained from keyboard logging.

Biometric Techniques and Identifiers

Fingerprint Recognition

Face Recognition

Voice Recognition

Keystroke Recognition

Handwriting Recognition

Finger and Hand Geometry

Retinal Scan

Iris Scan

Key Questions to Discuss for Biometrics

How can biometrics help financial institutions in replacing the use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards?

Currently, some financial institutions, domestic and foreign, that use fingerprint recognition and other biometric technologies to authenticate ATM users, are eliminating the need for an ATM card and the expense of replacing lost or stolen cards.

Once enrolled, customers interact with the live-scan process of the biometrics technology. The live scan is used to identify and authenticate the customer.

Web Browsers

Today, Web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari (to name a few), are installed on almost all computers. Because Web browsers are used so frequently, it is vital to configure them securely.

Often, the Web browser that comes with an operating system is not set up in a secure default configuration.

Not securing your Web browser can lead quickly to a variety of computer problems caused by anything from spyware being installed without your knowledge to intruders taking control of your computer.

Vulnerabilities

Ideally, computer users should evaluate the risks from the software they use. Many computers are sold with software already loaded. Unfortunately, it is not practical for most people to perform this level of analysis.

There is an increasing threat from software attacks that take advantage of vulnerable Web browsers.

We have observed a trend whereby new software vulnerabilities are exploited and directed at Web browsers through use of compromised or malicious Web sites.

This problem is made worse by a number of factors, including the following:

Many users have a tendency to click on links without considering the risks of their actions.

Web page addresses can be disguised or take you to an unexpected site.

Many Web browsers are configured to provide increased functionality at the cost of decreased security.

http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/securing_browser

Key Questions to Discuss

Are Web browsers secure?

What are the vulnerabilities of Web browsers?

Why do we need to secure the Web browsers?

How can Web browsers be made secure?

Reducing Risks in Web Browsers Force authentication(strong authentication preferred)

Configure browser for safe operation

Use remote access server (RAS) to validate access

Use secure protocols

Use host and network firewalls

Use antivirus (update it frequently)

Guard against malware

8/3/2014

11

DISCOVER: ROLES

Page ‹#›

Access Control, Authentication, and PKI

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