Ever so often, you see an article on a website or a news report on TV about someone from a distant country who figured out a way to hack into a major company�s computer system. Typically, people hack into computer systems to sabotage them or steal valuable data from their databases. President Barrack Obama announced during the beginning of his term that several breaches in to the federal computer systems. He spoke of the importance of cyber security, principally considering how we are technologically advancing and we continue to cultivate every single day. It has become a necessity to protect our valuable data from intruders searching for sharp ways to get in and achieve their goal. These are referred to as external threats. In addition, President Obama mentioned how we must begin to pay extra attention to internal threats as they can be more dangerous.
What are External Threats?
Obvious from the name, external threats are considered attempts to breach one�s system from the outside.
Hackers
The term hacker was more commonly used in the 90�s during the dot com boom. Most people weren�t as computer savvy as they are now which prevented them from finding solutions to stop hackers from striking. After many years of being at the mercy of hackers, firewalls were invented, and most hacker issues were put to a halt. Although hackers are still amongst us, their reign of terror has been and will continue to descend.
Viruses/Worms
Viruses are special programs which hackers create that spread like wildfire upon reaching your computer. A virus can be easily be sent through email or hidden in a file not visible to the user. These programs have the ability to damage or shutdown an entire system�s network. There are numerous programs out there that are able to catch and stop viruses, such as McAfee, AVG, and several others. Even though new viruses are created every day, virus protection programs have the ability to do daily updates providing you with the most up to date defense.
Malware/Spyware
Malware or malicious software can be subdivided into several types of software, its main function is to undetectably take control of a computer�s software or the whole computer and give access to an external controller. Spyware is software that secretly steals personal information from the user or company. Both Malware and Spyware became common after the year 2000. Fortunately, companies such as Microsoft or Systematic were able to quickly provide the necessary tools to protect us from this problem. Malware and Spyware are still around but have become a controlled fire; no destruction will come from it, yet it is still difficult to completely remove it.
Spam
Spam is a problem for anyone who has an email address. Almost every email client is equipped with spam filters that block most spam, but definitely not all of it. Avoid opening up or downloading anything from spam emails as they usually contain viruses, malware, or spyware.
External Threats are No longer a Big Deal
It�s impossible to prevent these external threats from arising, but we�ve been able to find solutions for almost every issue. Occasionally, there are incidents in which external threats occur usually do to the computer user�s ignorance. External threats are no longer a BIG issue unless they are highly targeted due to valuable data such as that of the US government.
What are Internal Threats?
Surfing the Web During or After Work Hours
With almost everyone being able to use the web as if it is second nature, it�s no surprise that employees will jump onto personal websites at the work place. For the employee, it�s great to misuse a few minutes and occasionally, spend a few hours on shopping, reading, or simply clicking through random sites. Unfortunately, for the employer this is dreadfully counterproductive and can cost you thousands of dollars. Citibank was sued over for over two million dollars after one of their employees downloaded pictures from an adult site to a work computer. In this economy, efficiency is what will allow your business to stay alive and strive.
USB Data Loss / Email Attachment/ Forum Posting
Almost every computer available today is equipped with a USB drive. It provides the most efficient way to transfer virtually any type of file. The drawback for companies is how effortless it is to obtain and transfer information which also creates vulnerability to data theft. External devices that allow you to take out data from the computer include USB thumb drives, mp3 players, digital cameras or even SD cards. Having a psychical device isn�t necessary to steal sensitive company data, your employees can also as effortlessly send confidential data via email. In addition, with the popularity of blogs and forums, employees have the ability to copy data and paste it directly into blogs or forums.
Laptop Theft
Because laptops are designed to be light and portable, laptop theft within companies becomes a major issue. Most company laptops contain imperative data that can expose them as a potential financial loss.
Sabotage
There was a man from a very well known financial institution who was in disagreement with his bonus check, so he began a dispute with his employers. The employers would not alter the check amount, so he became even more upset and decided to resign. Before he left the company, he decided to leave a program in the company�s computer system that multiplied itself through the network and resulted in substantial data loss and financial damage. Disgruntled employees usually have the type of access that can do a lot of harm. When in that type of mindset, they would unquestionably abuse privileges to make a useless point.
Internal Threats are No longer a Big Deal
As you begin to continuously think of the vast damages caused by internal threats, consider that there are proven solutions that eliminate all chances of internal breach. Don�t exert your energy by being paranoid and suspicious about what every single employee is doing. Internal threats are slowly beginning to be more problematic, but luckily programs like Intergaurd eliminate the stress and concern of what can happen. Intergaurd allows you to monitor everything your employee does, protect data from being emailed, obtained with a USB device, and pasted into forums. On top of that, you have the power to block certain websites, and record virtually everything your employee does.
Are you protected from internal threats?
