my IT security thoughts, suggestions, and miscellaneous info
After deploying a new Ubuntu Linux server on Digital Ocean or Linode, there are a few customization steps I take to improve usability and security of the server. These instructions are assuming you’ve install Ubuntu Linux 20.04 LTS.
As a security engineer that manages multiple firewalls, I often negotiate the setup of VPNs with other organizations. It is a challenge, at times, to negotiate keying intervals and secure cipher settings between not so compatible firewall/VPN vendors; but the most difficult challenge has to do with the people factor: the Pre-Shared Key (PSK), also
Keeping your Windows PC running at its best can be accomplished in three simple steps once a month: Keep Windows and all your software updated Clean the system of unused files and settings Scan for malware that may have slipped by your antivirus. This article will focus on step 3, using a program called Malwarebytes. Similar to
Keeping your Windows PC running at its best can be accomplished in three simple steps once a month: Keep Windows and all your software updated Clean the system of unused files and settings Scan for malware that may have slipped by your antivirus. This article will focus on step 2, using a program called CCleaner. Piriform’s CCleaner
One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself online is to use a unique, strong password for every one of your accounts and apps. Unfortunately, it is most likely impossible for you to remember all your different passwords for all your different accounts. This is why so many people reuse the
With all the news over the last year about secure websites falling victim to serious encryption vulnerabilities, I sit here in disbelief that one very critical vulnerability has seemingly slipped through the cracks. I’m speaking of the RC4 encryption cipher. ATTENTION WEB SERVER ADMINISTRATORS: I’M TALKING TO YOU!!
Now that we are almost one-sixth of the way through the year, many of us have probably abandoned some the many great ideas to better ourselves. So, I encourage you to make just one more resolution that you cannot afford to put on the back burner. If you neglect your security, it could lead you
Email has become one of the primary ways we communicate in our personal and professional lives. However, we can often be our own worst enemy when using it. In this newsletter from the SANS Institute, we will learn the most common mistakes people make and how you can avoid them in our day-to-day lives. SANS Ouch!
Many people mistakenly believe they are not a target for cyber attackers: that they, their systems, or accounts do not have any value. This could not be further from the truth. If you use technology in anyway, at work or at home, trust us – you have value to the bad guys. But, you are
Password hacks are becoming more common as people’s online accounts contain more sensitive personal data. Even big, trusted sites are suffering password breaches in the recently. And because most people reuse their passwords, it becomes more likely that a password hacked on one site can open accounts on other sites. Here are some tips to