Tag Archive for: fiction

Separating Wi-Fi Security Fact From Fiction

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It seems like with each passing year we depend more and more on Wi-Fi technology. The number of appliances, devices, and gadgets that connect via Wi-Fi continues to rapidly expand, while Wi-Fi networks and Wi-Fi connectivity has become essentially ubiquitous. Interestingly, while our use of Wi-Fi has grown exponentially and Wi-Fi technology has evolved significantly over the past couple decades, there are a number of myths and common misconceptions that are stubbornly persistent.

Today’s Wi-Fi is not invulnerable, but neither is any other networking technology. The problem is that the myths and misconceptions that drive much of the perception of Wi-Fi security are based on partial truths and outdated information. It’s like having a debate about vehicle safety but using arguments that rely on partial data from before seatbelt laws, or before antilock brakes and airbags became standard. Those arguments are meaningless today.

So, let’s examine and debunk the myths.

Wi-Fi Encryption Is Weak

Yes. The encryption standard in early Wi-Fi equipment was exceptionally weak. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption could be cracked in minutes. However, WEP was superseded by WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) in 2003, and current Wi-Fi technology includes WPA3, which uses advanced encryption methods to protect wireless communications from eavesdropping and other types of attacks.

Public Wi-Fi Is Insecure

Almost anywhere you go, you will find a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Every Starbucks and McDonald’s provides free Wi-Fi, and you can find one of those two (or both) roughly every half mile or so. I’m exaggerating—but not by much. Public networks are often unencrypted in order to make it easy for anyone to connect, but all of the devices on the unencrypted network can potentially intercept or view data to and from other devices on the network. WPA3 provides stronger data protection and password security, and establishments can use technologies like Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint and Wi-Fi…

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Fact or Fiction? The Truth About Cybersecurity for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

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There are many common perceptions about cybersecurity – but many are misperceptions. For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), misinformation about cybersecurity can be confusing – and sometimes risky. It’s time to set the record straight on which statements are fact and which are fiction.

Fiction: Cyber criminals don’t care about SMBs

Cybersecurity Live - Boston

Modern cyber criminals actually DO care about SMBs – and often use smaller third-party vendors to gain access to larger targets. With fewer budget dollars and expert resources dedicated to cybersecurity than their larger counterparts, small and mid-sized organizations often make easier targets, particularly in today’s increasingly complex and connected cloud environment. In fact, nearly one-third (28%) of data breaches in 2020 involved small businesses, according to the Verizon 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) – 70% of which were perpetrated by external actors.

Fiction: Outsourcing cybersecurity is not a realistic option for SMBs

Outsourcing cybersecurity is a great option for SMBs. Leveraging a managed service rather than buying a security point solution gives your SMB fixed-cost access to enterprise-grade technology and expertise you might otherwise not be able to afford. These seasoned security teams become an extension of your internal IT team, and can help with creating and enhancing your overall cybersecurity program and boosting your security posture.

Fact: Compliant doesn’t mean secure 

While it’s true that cybersecurity and compliance are often intertwined, they are not the same. An organization may meet minimum government or industry security requirements, but that doesn’t mean the organization is secure. Your IT/security team should be aware of the compliance mandates in your industry, but also be ready to play an active role in protecting your organization. Rather than trying to take on these responsibilities alone, a cybersecurity-as-a-service provider with demonstrated industry expertise can help you meet your compliance obligations – and will have the technology and expertise to keep you secure as well.

Fact: Cybersecurity fatigue is a problem 

Forty-one percent of respondents at both SMBs…

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“Science fiction cyber-war is here”: Alex Gibney on “Zero Days” and Stuxnet, the secret weapon that got away – Salon

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Salon

“Science fiction cyber–war is here”: Alex Gibney on “Zero Days” and Stuxnet, the secret weapon that got away
Salon
It was that second, Israeli-modified version that escaped from containment, infected computer networks all over the world, and introduced all of us to the idea that cyber–warfare was more than a metaphor or a science-fiction plot device. That was the …
How the Next World War Could StartAlterNet

all 2 news articles »

cyber warfare – read more

Our computers are not going to kill us all: Cyber-war is military fiction – Globe and Mail

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Our computers are not going to kill us all: Cyber–war is military fiction
Globe and Mail
A former U.S. director of national intelligence, Michael McConnell, warned in December of “the cyber equivalent of the collapse of the World Trade Centers.” Military organizations such as NATO want to devote considerable resources to cyberwarfare, and …

cyber warfare – read more