Week 5 Project

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Information Systems Security and Control

IS in different locations can be interconnected using a communication network. Potential for abuse, fraud, or unauthorized access is not limited to one location but can occur at any access point on the network. Computerized IS are vulnerable to destruction, errors, fraud, misuse, and software and hardware failure. In addition many procedures are invisible due to automation and data concentrated into electronic form. Let us categorize these security issues.

Intruders can easily penetrate wireless networks using sniffer programs to obtain an address to access the resources of the network. The Wi-Fi network range can extend up to one-quarter of a mile using an external antenna.

The Internet poses a set of problems because it allows easy access by people on different computer systems.

The primary concern is that of hackers who use their skills and the latest technology to break into secure computers and disable them. A hacker is a person who gains unauthorized access to a computer network for criminal mischief, personal pleasure, or pro�t. In denial of service attacks, hackers �ood a Web or network server with thousands of requests for service or false communications to crash the network. Hackers propagating computer viruses and other malicious code have caused serious system disruptions. Computer viruses are rogue software programs that attach themselves to other data �les or software programs and replicate themselves repeatedly disrupting memory and processing systems or destroying data. Several thousands of viruses are known to exist today, and more than 5,000 new worms and viruses are being added each year. Worms are independent software programs that propagate themselves to destroy other programs and data or disrupt the operation of computer networks. Viruses and worms are often spread through the Internet from downloaded software �les attached to the e-mail messages or from within compromised e-mail. They can also come from infected diskettes or from other computer networks. Viruses are also spreading to wireless computing devices. Individuals and organizations can use screening procedures and antivirus software to reduce the chances of infection.