Vast Spy System Loots Computers in 103 Countries

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/technology/29spy.html

This story only serves to further illustrate the need to take information security seriously so that your personal and customer data is protected.

The following links will help you learn more about what you need to do today, the sooner, the better!

http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx

http://www.us-cert.gov/

http://www.ftc.gov/infosecurity/

http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/

If all this seems overwhelming, seek expert help, there are many folks out there who can help!

Internet Advertising Revenues Surpass $23 Billion in ’08, Reaching Record High

http://www.iab.net/about_the_iab/recent_press_releases/press_release_archive/press_release/pr-033009?o12499=

If you’re thinking about spending advertising money this year, it would be worth your time to take a look at this article.

One reason for the increase in spending for Internet advertising is the ability to reach a very highly targeted audience, and that audience is growing every day.

Gartner: A business guide to Twitter

http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/27/Gartner_A_business_guide_to_Twitter_1.html

When the folks at Gartner (the kings of IT related research and trend analysis) weigh in on something, it’s worth taking note.

This brief but good article from InfoWorld has some good information.

I use Twitter, but so far am still not totally convinced of it’s usefulness, other than to blast out my own narcisitic ramblings such as this one

More on Conficker from United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-088A.html

US-CERT (United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team) does a great job of notifying folks about security threats. I encouage anyone that is worried about information security (that should everyone that owns a business and/or is concered about identity theft) to join their mail list which will keep you well informed.

You can sign up for their alerts  via e-mail or RSS here. 

Remember, forwarned is forearmed!

Great Quote

The harder I work, the luckier I get. – Samuel Goldwyn

In my professional life, I have found this to be absolutely true!

Vexing computer worm to evolve on April Fool’s Day

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.9849350f816804a357829631f0fd7a21.51&show_article=1

This article discusses the Conficker worm (virus) which has gotten quite a bit of press recently, and which is set to cause new problems on April 1st.

From the article:

“Computer users are advised to stay current on anti-virus tools and Windows updates, and to protect computers and files with strong passwords.

Conficker is programmed to reach out to 250 websites daily to download commands from its masters.

On Wednesday, the worm will begin connecting with 50,000 websites daily to better hide where orders originate, according to Mikko Hypponen of F-Secure computer security firm. “

This article illustrates the need to ensure that you not only take security and privacy seriously on both the business and personal fronts, it illustrates that need for constant viligance as new threats are continuously introduced!

There are many vendors that make security software (called anti-virus software in the old days) including McAfee, Symantec, AVG, etc. You need to ensure that you have security software, and ensure that is is updated regularly to defend against new threats. In most cases, these applications can be configured to download updates automatically and I suggest that you check for updates everyday.

If  you are running newer versions of Windows, you can use Windows Live One Care Safety Scanner from Microsoft (a free security tool)  as supplement to traditional security software.  I use it weekly and recommend that you do the same.

Your identity and/or your business may depend on it!

Below are a few more articles about Conficker:

Beware Conficker worm come April 1

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/128643/beware-conficker-worm-come-april-1/

Protecting Against the Rampant Conficker Worm

http://www.pcworld.com/article/157876/protecting_against_the_rampant_conficker_worm.html

Some additional information from US-CERT (United States Computer Emergency Response Team)

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-088A.html

10 Suggestions to make Windows computers run better and faster

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/gary-flavin/10-suggestions/windows-machines

Some good advice from a friend of mine that will help make your Windows based PC run better and faster.

Advertising Age: What I Learned When Facebook Disabled My Account

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=60055649525&h=HSRYa&u=lW4Hi&ref=nf

Interesting.

Fleury: Insider threat is the ‘weakest link’ in Information Security

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9130294&source=NLT_SEC

Securing your business information, especially customer information, should be a priority.

This article points out the one of the greatest challenges to Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is your own people.

If you own or run a business, this article is worth your time!

Douglas Schweitzer: Security is relative!

http://cwflyris.computerworld.com/t/4644344/398581790/178144/0/

 

Good article on security.