Assssgn

Professor’s response to my main post:

"Patches are necessary to correct vulnerabilities in the software and improving its security." - yes, but isn't it true that patches sometimes create more problems than they fix, so how would you prevent that?

Response:

Student 1 Post:

Class,

          Social networks and cloud computing increase vulnerability, as people who use social networks and cloud computing enter their personal information and tend to open up links and download applications that they are unfamiliar with.  Often times, we are so curious and/ or intrigued by the unknown, that we click on a link so fast without even knowing or realizing that we’re about to be hacked.  At my job, our IT department has so many anti-spyware programs that protect both the customer and employees’ information.   “Humans are easily hacked, making them and their social media posts high-risk attack vectors. For instance, it is often easy to get users to infect their corporate network or mobile devices by tricking them into downloading and installing malicious applications or backdoors” (Turban, E., Pollard, C., & Wood, G. 2018).

Patches and service packs are needed, in order to ensure that your computer is secure and has the most current security patches (keeping all data safe and secure from hackers).  “Patch Management is the process by which businesses/IT procure, test, and install patches (changes in code or data) intended to upgrade, optimize, or secure existing software” (Itsupportguys.com).

The motives of hactivists and APTs different from each other.  Hactivists have a high profile, with an agenda that is usually personal, and they’re seeking attention.  APTs are “profit motivated cybercriminals who often operate in stealth mode” (Turban, E., Pollard, C., & Wood, G. 2018). 

Data on laptops and computers need to be encrypted because savvy hackers continue to steal people’s information, when data is not encrypted. Without encryption, each of us run the risk of compromising our information which could ultimately result in identity theft, hackers stealing your life savings, credit cards, and so much more. 

Identity theft can occur in so many ways.  It can occur when a hacker breaks into a company’s systems and steals all of its employees and customers’ data. 

Resources

Turban, E., Pollard, C., & Wood, G. (2018). Information Technology for Management (11th Edition). Wiley Global Education US. https://ecampus.vitalsource.com/books/9781118890868

Patch Management Definition. (n.d.). Itsupportguys.Com. https://itsupportguys.com/it-blog/importance-of-patch-management-to-avoid-business-vulnerabilities/?nowprocket=1

Response:

Student 2 Post:

Class,

Social networks and cloud computing increases vulnerability by being an avenue for threats to gain unauthorized access. Most social media platforms lack controls such as (user training, inadequate policies, and processes. In some cases, because they are public domains that are open to everyone, the risk level increase as data breaches are more common with these platforms due to simply being considered a way to connect without proper security measures. This makes laptops single points of failure and easy to access for hackers or criminals. Another factor is time-to exploitation which is the elapsed time between when a vulnerability is discovered and when it is exploited (Turban 2018).

Patches are how companies/organizations are able to combat vulnerability. Patches and service packs are used to update and fix vulnerabilities to operating systems and applications.  Without these ongoing updates, organizations are open to IT attacks, this makes the use of real-time patches and service packs necessary. The user is at the center of these attacks although IT has pushed updates and packs the user and their computing practices and procedures are what continues to lead to information security incidents.

Hacktivists. “Believe it or not my first time ever hearing this term”.  Hacker activists are promoting awareness in support of social, political, economic causes.  An APT operate under the radar with the intent to gain profits. Hacktivists are high profile, need exposure in an effort to support an agenda. APT I deem high-speed low drag!  

Simplest terms data on computers and laptops need encryption due to data security.     Encryption scrambles the data so potential threats( hackers) are unable to understand the data. Simply having a password is not enough to protect the data on the computer. Hardrives can be removed and passwords can be reset.

With the increase of electronic sharing and databases, an increase in identity theft has occurred. The basis of identity theft lies in acquiring the social security numbers and credit card information to be used by thieves. Identity theft can occur through technology by taking personal information that you share or post on the Internet. Breach of firewall programs and lack of security of online transactions through weak browser security.

Turban, E., Pollard, C., & Wood, G. (2018). Information technology for management, 11th edition. Hoboken: Wiley.

Microsoft Word - ID theft.doc (nsf.gov)

 (Links to an external site.)

Response: