Cyber Security Primer XI

 

SOFTWARE AND APPLICATIONS

Understanding Patches

What are patches?

Similar to the way fabric patches are used to repair holes in clothing, software patches repair holes in software programs. Patches are updates that fix a particular problem or vulnerability within a program. Sometimes, instead of just releasing a patch, vendors will release an upgraded version of their software, although they may refer to the upgrade as a patch.

How do you find out what patches you need to install?

When patches are available, vendors usually put them on their websites for users to download. It is important to install a patch as soon as possible to protect your computer from attackers who would take advantage of the vulnerability. Attackers may target vulnerabilities for months or even years after patches are available. Some software will automatically check for updates, and many vendors offer users the option to receive automatic notification of updates through a mailing list. If these automatic options are available, we recommend that you take advantage of them. If they are not available, check your vendors' websites periodically for updates.

Make sure that you only download software or patches from websites that you trust. Do not trust a link in an email message—attackers have used email messages to direct users to malicious websites where users install viruses disguised as patches. Also, beware of email messages that claim that they have attached the patch to the message—these attachments are often viruses.

Understanding Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

What is voice over internet protocol (VoIP)?

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP), also known as IP telephony, allows you to use your internet connection to make telephone calls. Instead of relying on an analog line like traditional telephones, VoIP uses digital technology and requires a high-speed broadband connection such as DSL or cable. There are a variety of providers who offer VoIP, and they offer different services. The most common application of VoIP for personal or home use is internet-based phone services that rely on a telephone switch. With this application, you will still have a phone number, will still dial phone numbers, and will usually have an adapter that allows you to use a regular telephone. The person you are calling will not likely notice a difference from a traditional phone call. Some service providers also offer the ability to use your VoIP adapter any place you have a high-speed internet connection, allowing you to take it with you when you travel.

What are the security implications of VoIP?

Because VoIP relies on your internet connection, it may be vulnerable to any threats and problems that face your computer. The technology is still new, so there is some controversy about the potential for attack, but VoIP could make your telephone vulnerable to viruses and other malicious code. Attackers may be able to perform activities such as intercepting your communications, eavesdropping, conducting effective phishing attacks by manipulating your caller ID, and causing your service to crash. Activities that consume a large amount of network resources, like large file downloads, online gaming, and streaming multimedia, will also affect your VoIP service.

There are also inherent problems to routing your telephone over your broadband connection. Unlike traditional telephone lines, which operate despite an electrical outage, if you lose power, your VoIP may be unavailable. There are also concerns that home security systems or emergency numbers such as 911 may not work the way you expect.

How can you protect yourself?

•     Keep software up to date - If the vendor releases patches for the software operating your device, install them as soon as possible. These patches may be called firmware updates. Installing them will prevent attackers from being able to take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities.

•     Use and maintain anti-virus software - Anti-virus software recognizes and protects your computer against most known viruses. However, attackers are continually writing new viruses, so it is important to keep your anti-virus software current.

•     Take advantage of security options - Some service providers may offer encryption as one of their services. If you are concerned about privacy and confidentiality, you may want to consider this and other available options.

•     Install or enable a firewall - Firewalls may be able to prevent some types of infection by blocking malicious traffic before it can enter your computer. Some operating systems actually include a firewall, but you need to make sure it is enabled.

•     Evaluate your security settings - Both your computer and your VoIP equipment/software offer a variety of features that you can tailor to meet your needs and requirements. However, enabling certain features may leave you more vulnerable to being attacked, so disable any unnecessary features. Examine your settings, particularly the security settings, and select options that meet your needs without putting you at increased risk.

Risks of File-Sharing Technology

What is file sharing?

File sharing involves using technology that allows internet users to share files that are housed on their individual computers. Peer-to-peer (P2P) applications, such as those used to share music files, are some of the most common forms of file-sharing technology. However, P2P applications introduce security risks that may put your information or your computer in jeopardy.

What risks does file-sharing technology introduce?

•     Installation of malicious code - When you use P2P applications, it is difficult, if not impossible, to verify that the source of the files is trustworthy. These applications are often used by attackers to transmit malicious code. Attackers may incorporate spyware, viruses, Trojan horses, or worms into the files. When you download the files, your computer becomes infected.

•     Exposure of sensitive or personal information - By using P2P applications, you may be giving other users access to personal information. Whether it's because certain directories are accessible or because you provide personal information to what you believe to be a trusted person or organization, unauthorized people may be able to access your financial or medical data, personal documents, sensitive corporate information, or other personal information. Once information has been exposed to unauthorized people, it's difficult to know how many people have accessed it. The availability of this information may increase your risk of identity theft.

•     Susceptibility to attack - Some P2P applications may ask you to open certain ports on your firewall to transmit the files. However, opening some of these ports may give attackers access to your computer or enable them to attack your computer by taking advantage of any vulnerabilities that may exist in the P2P application. There are some P2P applications that can modify and penetrate firewalls themselves, without your knowledge.

•     Denial of service - Downloading files causes a significant amount of traffic over the network. This activity may reduce the availability of certain programs on your computer or may limit your access to the internet.

•     Prosecution - Files shared through P2P applications may include pirated software, copyrighted material, or pornography. If you download these, even unknowingly, you may be faced with fines or other legal action. If your computer is on a company network and exposes customer information, both you and your company may be liable.

How can you minimize these risks?

The best way to eliminate these risks is to avoid using P2P applications. However, if you choose to use this technology, you can follow some good security practices to minimize your risk:

•     use and maintain anti-virus software - Anti-virus software recognizes and protects your computer against most known viruses. However, attackers are continually writing new viruses, so it is important to keep your anti-virus software current.

•     install or enable a firewall - Firewalls may be able to prevent some types of infection by blocking malicious traffic before it can enter your computer. Some operating systems actually include a firewall, but you need to make sure it is enabled.

Reviewing End-User License Agreements

What is an end-user license agreement?

An end-user license agreement (EULA) is a contract between you and the software's vendor or developer. Some software packages state that by simply removing the shrink-wrap on the package, you agree to the contract. However, you may be more familiar with the type of EULA that is presented as a dialog box that appears the first time you open the software. It usually requires you to accept the conditions of the contract before you can proceed. Some EULAs only apply to certain features of the software, so you may only encounter them when you attempt to use those features.

Unfortunately, many users don't read EULAs before accepting them. The terms of each contract differ, and you may be agreeing to conditions that you later consider unfair or that expose you to security risks you didn't expect.

What terms may be included?

EULAs are legal contracts, and the vendor or developer may include almost any conditions. These conditions are often designed to protect the developer or vendor against liability, but they may also include additional terms that give the vendor some control over your computer. The following topics are often covered in EULAs:

•     Distribution - There are often limitations placed on the number of times you are allowed to install the software and restrictions about reproducing the software for distribution.

•     Warranty - Developers or vendors often include disclaimers that they are not liable for any problem that results from the software being used incorrectly. They may also protect themselves from liability for software flaws, software failure, or incompatibility with other programs on your computer.

The following topics, while not standard, are examples of other conditions that have been included in EULAs. They present security implications that you should consider before accepting the agreement.

•     Monitoring - Agreeing to the EULA may give the vendor permission to monitor your computer activity and communicate the information back to the vendor or to another third party. Depending on what information is being collected, this type of monitoring could have both security and privacy implications.

•     Software installation - Some agreements allow the vendor to install additional software on your computer. This may include updated versions of the software program you installed (the determination of which version you are running may be a result of the monitoring described above). Vendors may also incorporate statements that allow them or other third parties to install additional software programs on your computer. This software may be unnecessary, may affect the functionality of other programs on your computer, and may introduce security risks.

Understanding Your Computer: Operating Systems

What is an operating system?

An operating system (OS) is the main program on a computer. It performs a variety of functions, including

•     determining what types of software you can install

•     coordinating the applications running on the computer at any given time

•     making sure that individual pieces of hardware, such as printers, keyboards, and disk drives, all communicate properly

•     allowing applications such as word processors, email clients, and web browsers to perform tasks on the system (e.g., drawing windows on the screen, opening files, communicating on a network) and use other system resources (e.g., printers, disk drives)

•     reporting error messages

The OS also determines how you see information and perform tasks. Most operating systems use a graphical user interface (GUI), which presents information through pictures (icons, buttons, dialog boxes, etc.) as well as words. Some operating systems can rely more heavily on textual interfaces than others.

How do you choose an operating system?

In very simplistic terms, when you choose to buy a computer, you are usually also choosing an operating system. Although you may change it, vendors typically ship computers with a particular operating system. There are multiple operating systems, each with different features and benefits, but the following three are the most common:

•     Windows - Windows, with versions including Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, is the most common operating system for home users. It is produced by Microsoft and is typically included on machines purchased in electronics stores or from vendors such as Dell or Gateway. The Windows OS uses a GUI, which many users find more appealing and easier to use than text-based interfaces.

•     Mac OS X - Produced by Apple, Mac OS X is the operating system used on Macintosh computers. Although it uses a different GUI, it is conceptually similar to the Windows interface in the way it operates.

•     Linux and other UNIX-derived operating systems - Linux and other systems derived from the UNIX operating system are frequently used for specialized workstations and servers, such as web and email servers. Because they are often more difficult for general users or require specialized knowledge and skills to operate, they are less popular with home users than the other options. However, as they continue to develop and become easier to use, they may become more popular on typical home user systems.

Understanding Bluetooth Technology

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a technology that allows devices to communicate with each other without cables or wires. It is an electronics "standard," which means that manufacturers that want to include this feature have to incorporate specific requirements into their electronic devices. These specifications ensure that the devices can recognize and interact with other devices that use the Bluetooth technology.

Many popular manufacturers are making devices that use Bluetooth technology. These devices include mobile phones, computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The Bluetooth technology relies on short-range radio frequency, and any device that incorporates the technology can communicate as long as it is within the required distance. The technology is often used to allow two different types of devices to communicate with each other. For example, you may be able to operate your computer with a wireless keyboard, use a wireless headset to talk on your mobile phone, or add an appointment to your friend's PDA calendar from your own PDA.

What are some security concerns?

Depending upon how it is configured, Bluetooth technology can be fairly secure. You can take advantage of its use of key authentication and encryption. Unfortunately, many Bluetooth devices rely on short numeric PIN numbers instead of more secure passwords or passphrases.

If someone can "discover" your Bluetooth device, he or she may be able to send you unsolicited messages or abuse your Bluetooth service, which could cause you to be charged extra fees. Worse, an attacker may be able to find a way to access or corrupt your data. One example of this type of activity is "bluesnarfing," which refers to attackers using a Bluetooth connection to steal information off of your Bluetooth device. Also, viruses or other malicious code can take advantage of Bluetooth technology to infect other devices. If you are infected, your data may be corrupted, compromised, stolen, or lost. You should also be aware of attempts to convince you to send information to someone you do not trust over a Bluetooth connection.

How can you protect yourself?

•     Disable Bluetooth when you are not using it - Unless you are actively transferring information from one device to another, disable the technology to prevent unauthorized people from accessing it.

•     Use Bluetooth in "hidden" mode - When you do have Bluetooth enabled, make sure it is "hidden," not "discoverable." The hidden mode prevents other Bluetooth devices from recognizing your device. This does not prevent you from using your Bluetooth devices together. You can "pair" devices so that they can find each other even if they are in hidden mode. Although the devices (for example, a mobile phone and a headset) will need to be in discoverable mode to initially locate each other, once they are "paired" they will always recognize each other without needing to rediscover the connection.

•     Be careful where you use Bluetooth - Be aware of your environment when pairing devices or operating in discoverable mode. For example, if you are in a public wireless "hotspot," there is a greater risk that someone else may be able to intercept the connection than if you are in your home or your car.

•     Evaluate your security settings - Most devices offer a variety of features that you can tailor to meet your needs and requirements. However, enabling certain features may leave you more vulnerable to being attacked, so disable any unnecessary features or Bluetooth connections. Examine your settings, particularly the security settings, and select options that meet your needs without putting you at increased risk. Make sure that all of your Bluetooth connections are configured to require a secure connection.

•     Take advantage of security options - Learn what security options your Bluetooth device offers, and take advantage of features like authentication and encryption

Avoiding Copyright Infringement

How does copyright infringement apply to the internet?

Copyright infringement occurs when you use or distribute information without permission from the person or organization that owns the legal rights to the information. Including an image or cartoon on your web site or in a document, illegally downloading music, and pirating software are all common copyright violations. While these activities may seem harmless, they could have serious legal and security implications.

How do you know if you have permission to use something?

If you find something on a web site that you'd like to use (e.g., a document, a chart, an application), search for information about permissions to use, download, redistribute, or reproduce. Most web sites have a "terms of use" page that explains how you are allowed to use information from the site. You can often find a link to this page in the site's contact information or privacy policy, or at the bottom of the page that contains the information you are interested in using.

There may be restrictions based on the purpose, method, and audience. You may also have to adhere to specific conditions about how much information you are allowed to use or how the information is presented and attributed. If you can't locate the terms of use, or if it seems unclear, contact the individual or organization that holds the copyright to ask permission.

What consequences could you face?

•     Prosecution - When you illegally download, reproduce, or distribute information, you risk legal action. Penalties may range from warnings and mandatory removal of all references to costly fines. Depending on the severity of the crime, jail time may also be a possibility. To offset their own court costs and the money they feel they lose because of pirated software vendors may increase the prices of their products.

•     Infection - Attackers could take advantage of sites or networks that offer unauthorized downloads (music, movies, software, etc.) by including code into the files that would infect your computer once it was installed. Because you wouldn't know the source or identity of the infection (or maybe that it was even there), you might not be able to easily identify or remove it. Pirated software with hidden Trojan horses is often advertised as discounted software in spam email messages.