Computer Safety & News

The following provides DOD guidelines for locking down the Framework 4 environment http://iase.disa.mil/stigs/app_security/app_services/app_serv.html QUOTE: The Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and the NSA Guides are the configuration standards for DOD IA and IA-enabled devices/systems. Since 1998, DISA Field Security Operations (FSO) has played a critical role enhancing the security posture of DoD’s security systems by […]

Germany has some of the strictest privacy laws in the world.  Below is a recent development concerning Facebook http://facecrooks.com/Internet-Safety-Privacy/german-consumer-group-gives-facebook-privacy-ultimatum.html QUOTE: The Federation of German Consumer Organizations, a German consumer lobbying group, said on Monday that Facebook is giving away users’ information in its new App Center centre without first notifying them. The Federation gave Facebook […]

Some good basic tips for protecting students entering college this fall: http://www.securitynewsdaily.com/2174-harden-college-laptop.html QUOTE: However, before a laptop heads to college, there are steps that parents and students can take to ensure its safety.  First, parents should make sure there is anti-virus software installed on the machine, whether it’s a PC or a Mac. Often a […]

Next month, a new preview version of Firefox should emerge which uses the new Windows 8 UI http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/firefox-metro-browser-september/ QUOTE: Mozilla will release a preview of Firefox for Windows 8 in September, complete with Modern UI styling and windowless Flash. Mozilla already announced plans earlier in the year to offer a Modern UI (formerly known as […]

Yesterday’s patch released was beneficial for active malicious threats that are circulating for the recent zero day attacks. However, not all issues are fully resolved and developments should be closely watched for any emerging threats that may materialize. http://news.softpedia.com/news/Java-Users-Still-Not-Safe-Experts-Report-New-Vulnerability-to-Oracle-Exclusive-289249.shtml QUOTE: Researchers from Polish firm Security Explorations – the ones who were the first to report […]

The new Zero Day JAVA exploits were patched yesterday by Oracle.  A new variant of the OSX Tsunami malware agent may be compromising security protection.  It is important to patch all platforms. http://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/osxtsunami-variant-found-dropped-by-java-0-day/ QUOTE: A variant of OSX/Tsunami has been found that is rumored to be dropped as a drive-by-download by the new Java 0-day […]

Security awareness is shared regarding password reset mechanisms that used by many websites.  It’s always best to select “Other” and compose a question that only you know the answer to. http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/web-services/301737-select-strong-secret-questions-to-protect-accounts http://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/your-secret-question-may-not-be-so-secret-easy-to-guess-password-retrieval-questions-you-should-avoid-and-why/ QUOTE: Attackers aren’t always brute-forcing passwords to compromise accounts. Sometimes, it just as simple as looking at the password reset questions. By now, […]