Motivation and Intent of Hackers

Just over a decade ago I began learning about web technologies and found myself learning basic HTML. I was excited when I managed to publish my first website, which was no more than a basic homepage with some external links. ...

March 22, 2013 · 3 min · 486 words · icarnaghan

Ethical vs Non-Ethical Hackers

In their paper on understanding risks associated with hackers/crackers, (Smith, & Rupp 2002) discuss the various types of classification hackers have been placed into by different authors over the years. ...

March 21, 2013 · 3 min · 605 words · icarnaghan

Will the Mandiant Report Raise Public Awareness?

The Mandiant report: APT1: Exposing One of China’s Cyber Espionage Units, has stirred up a lot of media attention over the past few weeks. The report was originally released to show evidence that a specific Chinese military unit has been behind many major Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) within the United States. ...

March 8, 2013 · 2 min · 356 words · icarnaghan

Mobile Security

Underlying vulnerabilities in mobile device software has also opened up the door to potential security breaches. In an article describing mobile application security flaws, (Westervelt, 2010) wrote that it was discovered that many mobile application security vulnerabilities were similar to those found in early web applications. ...

March 7, 2013 · 2 min · 391 words · icarnaghan

One audit standard fits all?

Computer applications are constantly evolving; while web based systems continue to grow in complexity. It is essential that these systems are properly secured both at the server level as well as at the code or application level, therefore Information Systems audit standards, more specifically focused on application and development measures provide some of the most useful valuable information at an organizations disposal. ...

March 6, 2013 · 2 min · 406 words · icarnaghan

Cultural Values and Moral Legitimacy

In a paper that discussed various cyber-crimes throughout the years carried out by juveniles, Radnofsky (2006) points us to the seriousness of these types of threats. The paper discusses the importance of changing cyber-culture through education and points to education through safety, security and ethics. ...

February 19, 2013 · 2 min · 384 words · icarnaghan

Cost and Challenges with E-Government

There is no doubt that E-Government provides conveniences today that many take for granted, however there is an underlying cost for these services. First of all, government sites are attractive targets for malicious activities, whether or not this involves deliberate disruption of service, or the stealing of sensitive information for profit. ...

February 18, 2013 · 3 min · 495 words · icarnaghan

Cybercrime: Law Enforcement and E-Government Transnational Issues

During his 2013 State of the Union address, President Obama highlighted the importance of defending our nation from the many cyber threats that are continuing to dominate the news cycles. Just days prior to the President’s speech, eighteen people were charged in a massive credit card fraud ring. The Associated Press (2013) described it as a “sprawling international scam that duped credit-rating agencies” by using stolen identities of individual victims to steal $200 million. ...

February 18, 2013 · 16 min · 3215 words · icarnaghan

Security Policies

Bosworth et al (2009) stress the importance of formality that should be adopted when creating an ethics policy. They emphasize that clear documentation, clear motivation, clear sanctions, and clear management support at every level, including the top, are all important pieces of an effective policy. ...

February 17, 2013 · 2 min · 321 words · icarnaghan

Risks, Threats and Vulnerabilities

According to SANS (2009) attacks against websites and web applications constitute more than 60% of total attacks observed on the internet. The risk of attack is generally based on the probability that a threat of some kind will exploit a vulnerability or weakness in a system or network. In recent years risks have been taken more seriously with many businesses that conduct online activities. ...

February 6, 2013 · 2 min · 398 words · icarnaghan