Problem solve

Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• How to find a real IP address using proxy server logs

  While using proxy server logs to identify the real IP address of an attacker using a proxy server is technically easy, there are other difficulties along the way. Expert Mike Chapple explains. Continue Reading

• Choosing the best security certifications for your career

  Whether starting your career or planning your next step as an IT security professional, this tip will guide you toward the best certifications for your interests and experience. Continue Reading

• Using an IAM maturity model to hone identity and access management strategy

  Forrester Research’s Andras Cser discusses how to use an IAM maturity model to assess your identity and access management strategy. Continue Reading

• Is private browsing really private? Identifying Web browser risk

  Private browsing may offer users a false sense of security when surfing the Web. In this expert tip, learn how private browsing really works, and how to mitigate its risks. Continue Reading

• IPv6 myths: Debunking misconceptions regarding IPv6 security features

  Aggressive marketing has helped perpetuate a number of security-related IPv6 myths. Expert Fernando Gont helps separate myth from fact to ensure a secure IPv6 deployment. Continue Reading

• How to detect content-type attacks in information security

  Malicious attackers have increasingly turned to exploiting vulnerabilities in client-side software. Learn how to detect and prevent these types of attacks in your environment.Continue Reading

• Auditing virtualization: Security training for infosec pros

  This chapter discusses auditing virtualized environments, and begins with an overview of common virtualization technologies and key controls.Continue Reading

• IPv6 security issues: IPv6 transition mechanisms

  Several IPv6 transition mechanisms have been created to ease the transition from IPv4, but Fernando Gont explains why they present IPv6 security concerns for enterprises.Continue Reading

• Cybersecurity insurance: Choosing a cyber insurance policy

  A cybersecurity insurance policy can help defray the costs of a data breach, should one occur, but is it worth the cost? Expert Ernie Hayden weighs in.Continue Reading

• Top 5 mobile data protection best practices

  In this tip, we highlight five essential best practices for protecting business data stored on mobile devices and tablets, and identify readily available technologies that can be used to implement them.Continue Reading

• Internal controls checklist for corporate data protection, compliance

  Expert Eric Holmquist details four key governance items that should be on every enterprise’s internal controls checklist to ensure corporate data protection.Continue Reading

• How to use the free eEye Retina scanner community edition

  In this screencast, learn how to use the free community edition of the eEye Retina scanner.Continue Reading

• Botnet removal: Detect botnet infection and prevent re-infiltration

  Though botnet mitigation tactics continue to mature, so do the botnets themselves. In this tip, expert Nick Lewis gives best practices for detecting and removing cutting edge botnets.Continue Reading

• Firewall deployment scenarios for new types of security threats

  Is the firewall still an effective defense against new types of security threats? Network security expert Anand Sastry offers up contemporary firewall deployment scenarios for improving security.Continue Reading

• How to defend against pivot attacks in the enterprise

  Nick Lewis explains what a pivot attack is and tells how to go about defending your organization against this threat.Continue Reading

• PCI DSS questions answered: Solutions to tough PCI problems

  Experts Diana Kelley and Ed Moyle answer your PCI DSS questions and give advice on how to solve your enterprise's toughest PCI problems.Continue Reading

• Security sandbox program: Defense-in-depth or layered vulnerabilities?

  Recently, companies like Adobe and Google have been using sandboxes to aid measures in their applications, but how can sandboxes be useful in the enterprise, and do they just add more vulnerabilities than they're worth?Continue Reading

• Database monitoring best practices: Using DAM tools

  To effectively use DAM tools, admins must prioritize which transactions are important, learn how to collect events, and write and implement database security policies.Continue Reading

• Identity and access management concepts and predictions to watch in 2011

  Forrester's Andras Cser discusses the emerging identity and access management concepts and market predictions enterprises should be prepared for in 2011.Continue Reading

• Log Parser examples: Using the free log analysis tool

  Log analysis is an essential security function for almost all enterprises, and, with Log Parser, much of it can be done for free. Learn how to use Microsoft's free Log Parser in this expert tip.Continue Reading

• Security in virtualization: IDS/IPS implementation strategy

  Considering virtualization? Take into account that your IDS or IPS may not work the same way in a virtualized environment as it does in a physical one. Expert Dave Shackleford explains how to address this potential problem.Continue Reading

• PCI requirement 7: PCI compliance policy for access control procedures

  Though PCI DSS is generally prescriptive, when it comes to requirement 7, organizations have more leeway -- and, thus, more potential for error -- than other sections of the standard. Learn how to handle PCI DSS requirement 7 in this expert tip.Continue Reading

• Social networking best practices for preventing social network malware

  Get advice on social networking security best practices that can help prevent data leaks and other social network malware that could harm to your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Valuable third-party patch deployment software, tools

  Do you know some of the best third-party patch deployment tools? See expert Michael Cobb's recommendations on which tools would work best for your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Guidance on dual-homed server security

  Learn more about how a dual-homed server operates, and what security restrictions it entails in this expert response from Anand Sastry.Continue Reading

• How to monitor network traffic: Appliance placement and choke points

  Monitoring network traffic is crucial, but where's the best place to put network monitoring tools? Expert Anand Sastry gives advice.Continue Reading

• A step-by-step SMB IT security risk assessment process

  Assessing your organization's security threats and risks takes just five steps, says Robbie Higgins. Check out his quick guide to the SMB security risk assessment process.Continue Reading

• Netcat tutorial: How to use the free Netcat command-line tool

  Helpful for penetration testers and network admins who need to debug infected systems, the netcat command-line tool boasts many free features for enterprise use.Continue Reading

• Best practices for information security reward incentive programs

  While employee termination may be necessary in cases of insecure conduct, most employees are more encouraged by the carrot than the stick when it comes to security and compliance.Continue Reading

• Understanding the value of an enterprise application-aware firewall

  Today's enterprise application-aware firewall technology offers a host of features to manage application and Web 2.0 traffic. Expert Michael Cobb takes a look at the features and how to make the most of them.Continue Reading

• Data sanitization policy: How to ensure thorough data scrubbing

  Could you be inadvertently leaking sensitive data via poorly sanitized devices? Learn techniques for thorough data scrubbing in this tip.Continue Reading

• ngrep: Learn how to find new malware with ngrep examples

  In this video, Peter Giannoulis of the AcademyPro.com uses several ngrep examples to show how to find new malware that antivirus or IPS might not pick up on with this free tool.Continue Reading

• Three pen test tools for free penetration testing

  Nmap, Nessus and Nikto are penetration testing tools that security operators can use to conduct pentests on their networks and applications.Continue Reading

• Why attackers exploit multiple zero-day attacks and how to respond

  A recent and disturbing malware trend involves attacks that attempt to compromise multiple zero-day flaws at once. Threats expert Nick Lewis explains what you can do to protect your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Using a Web application honeypot to boost security for Web applications

  Honeypots can be a valuable tool for logging and analyzing intrusions, but do you know the disadvantages to setting up a honeypot? Expert Michael Cobb explains some honeypot best practices.Continue Reading

• IDS vs. IPS: How to know when you need the technology

  IDS and IPS are useful security technologies, but how do you know whether your enterprise can benefit from one? In this tip, infosec pro Jennifer Jabbusch offers a few specific use cases to help you know when to consider IDS/IPS.Continue Reading

• Insider fraud detection and prevention

  Financial institutions need to monitor and recognize changes in employee behavior in order to detect potential insider fraud.Continue Reading

• Honeypots for network security: How to track attackers' activity

  Honeypots have long been used to track attackers' activity and defend against coming threats. In this tip, network security expert Anand Sastry describes the different types of honeypots and which is best for your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Smartphone security implications of Microsoft Exchange Activesync

  How can employees securely sync their smartphones to your company's Exchange email system? Greg Braunton details the features and products you need to keep data secure.Continue Reading

• Security management plan reveals essential business security upgrades

  As companies create their security management plan for the coming year, they should look to upgrades in Linux and Windows operating systems, Adobe applications and Internet browsers to improve their overall security position.Continue Reading

• User provisioning best practices: Access recertification

  User access recertification is the process of continually auditing users' permissions to make sure they have access only to what they need. Implementing recertification, however, can be challenging. Get best practices on creating a recertification ...Continue Reading

• Android enterprise security: Mobile phone data protection advice

  Android devices are increasingly popular among enterprise users, but is Android enterprise security where it needs to be to ensure the safety of important enterprise documents? Expert Michael Cobb offers his take.Continue Reading

• WPA security: Enabling the best Wi-Fi security for SMBs

  To choose the best Wi-Fi security for the small or midsized business, consider using WPA Enterprise or wireless access points with WPA-E authentication, or use a Windows hosted RADIUS service. Network security expert Mike Chapple explains how to ...Continue Reading

• SSL vulnerabilities: Trusted SSL certificate generation for enterprises

  Presentations at both Black Hat and Defcon 2010 demonstrated serious vulnerabilities in the SSL protocol, which, considering how widely used SSL is, could mean security problems for many enterprises. In this tip, Nick Lewis examines the researchers'...Continue Reading

• Firewall logging: Telling valid traffic from network 'allows' threats

  While tracking firewall "deny" actions is a good way to identify threats, logging the "allow" actions can give greater insight into malicious traffic that could be both more subtle and more dangerous.Continue Reading

• Value and limitations of Windows Data Execution Prevention

  When attackers inject malicious code into an application, Microsoft's Data Execution Prevention (DEP) technique can thwart the attack and save the day. But expert Tom Chmielarski says DEP does have some limitations.Continue Reading

• Holistic fraud reduction through customer security management

  Monitoring customer behavior across multiple channels would help banks fight fraud, but today's fraud detection technology isn't there yet. In this tip, financial services expert Jerry Silva explains how banks could benefit from the concept of "...Continue Reading

• Merger management: How to handle potential merger threats to security

  During a merger, management of information security becomes even more crucial in order to mitigate threats, including the many new insiders and attentive attackers that want to take advantage of holes in the companies' infosec integration.Continue Reading

• PDF document security: A look inside Google Chrome PDF viewer

  You don't have to rely on Adobe's Acrobat Reader as your only PDF viewer; Google Chrome provides a secure PDF viewer that cuts down on your chances of falling victim to a PDF exploit.Continue Reading

• How to install an OSSEC server on Linux and an OSSEC Windows agent

  Learn how to install the free, host-based intrusion detection system OSSEC, with step-by-step instructions on setting up an OSSEC Linux server with an OSSEC Windows agent.Continue Reading

• Resist credit card data compromise threats due to memory-scraping malware

  PCI DSS does a good job of making sure credit card data in persistent storage is secure, however, such data in non-persistent storage -- such as files stored temporarily in memory -- can still be vulnerable to compromise, particularly via ...Continue Reading

• Database security best practices: Tuning database audit tools

  Database auditing requires more than just the right tools: Those tools also have to be properly configured to offer the information that's needed and database performance that's required. Learn more about tuning database audit tools in this tip.Continue Reading

• Virtualization security concerns: The threat of hypervisor malware

  What is hypervisor malware, and how worried should enterprises employing virtualization be about it? Threats expert Nick Lewis explains.Continue Reading

• Microsoft IIS 7 security best practices

  Are you up to date with Microsoft IIS security best practices? Don't allow your enterprise to become vulnerable.Continue Reading

• Data classification best practices in financial services

  Data classification is critical in the highly regulated financial industry. Learn key steps for data classification.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of deploying OpenLDAP: Windows and Unix

  Randall Gamby discusses how OpenLDAP should (or shouldn't) be used in conjunction with enterprise directory implementations.Continue Reading

• Cisco MARS: What third-party lockout means for SIEM products

  Now that Cisco's MARS SIEM product no longer supports third-party product integration, should enterprises migrate away from the product? In this tip, network security expert Anand Sastry discusses how MARS works and whether the technology is still ...Continue Reading

• Validating ERP system security and ERP best practices

  Is your ERP system security effective? How can you be sure? Expert Mike Cobb offers up some ERP security best practices.Continue Reading

• XSSer demo: How to use open source penetration testing tools

  In this video demo, learn how to use XSSer, open source penetration testing tools for detecting various Web application flaws and exploiting cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities against applications.Continue Reading

• How to refine an enterprise database security policy

  Noel Yuhanna of Forrester Research outlines what should be covered in a successful enterprise database security policy, including foundational security, preventative measures and intrusion detection.Continue Reading

• Adobe Flash alternatives: The best way to avoid Adobe Flash malware?

  It's no secret that Adobe Flash is plagued with malware, so, do enterprises really need it? In this expert response, Nick Lewis discusses how you can weigh the importance of functionality and security when it comes to Flash.Continue Reading

• Web 2.0 security threats and how to defend against them

  The collaborative nature of Web 2.0 introduces myriad threats to data that must be proactively countered.Continue Reading

• Self-service user identity management: Pitfalls and processes

  While it might seem that self-service user identity management can save time and money, as well as keep information more current, there are a number of potential pitfalls. In this expert tip, Randall Gamby explains how to avoid these issues.Continue Reading

• A PCI compliance network testing checklist to limit PCI DSS scope

  Network security pros may not realize it, but they may inadvertently be on the hook regarding PCI DSS compliance if card data is inadvertently spread across the network. Ed Moyle discusses how this happens and how to make sure the network falls out ...Continue Reading

• Identity management federation best practices

  Outsourcing is necessary in the financial industry, but establishing secure partner communications can be difficult. Learn some best practices for implementing identity management federation.Continue Reading

• How to use NeXpose: Free enterprise vulnerability management tools

  Learn how to use NeXpose Community Edition, a free collection of vulnerability management tools that offers pre-defined scan templates, and the ability to scan networks, OSes, desktops and databases.Continue Reading

• What does the Stuxnet worm mean for SCADA systems security?

  SCADA systems have been highlighted in recent months for their insecurities, perhaps most notably with the release of the Stuxnet worm targeting them directly. But is the Stuxnet worm unique, or simply a sign of SCADA insecurity? Learn more in this ...Continue Reading

• Unmasking data masking techniques in the enterprise

  Patch-testing and development environments can't use live data and keep it secure. That's where data masking comes in. Michael Cobb examines the principles behind data masking and why security pros should endorse its use in order to keep production ...Continue Reading

• Creating a third-party security policy to prevent a software exploit

  Third-party software vulnerabilities are one of the most likely attack vectors in the information security landscape today. In this expert response, Nick Lewis discusses how to prevent these vulnerabilities from becoming exploits.Continue Reading

• How to find a keylogger on your computers

  If a hardware or software keylogger made it on to one of your organization's machines, it would be a security pro's worst nightmare. Learn how to detect and defend against the malware.Continue Reading

• Prevent a privilege escalation attack with database security policy

  Privilege escalation attacks are dangerous wherever they occur, but can be particularly harmful if run in a database. Learn more from threats expert Nick Lewis.Continue Reading

• Monitoring strategies for insider threat detection

  Insider threat detection is a vital part of the security of any enterprise organization. In this tip, part of the SearchSecurity.com Insider Threats Security School lesson, learn about the best insider threat detection strategies.Continue Reading

• Mobile banking risks and mitigation measures

  Mobile banking is taking off, but can financial firms keep up with the risks? Learn about steps Wells Fargo and Bank of America are taking to ensure mobile banking security.Continue Reading

• Fake antivirus pop-up scams: Forming a security awareness training plan

  Rogue antimalware programs have been around for a while, and, according to a recent Google report, are more prominent and more difficult to detect than ever before. In this expert tip, Michael Cobb explains how to train employees to deal with these ...Continue Reading

• Role-based access control: Pros of an open source RBAC implementation

  There are many advantages to an open source RBAC implementation. However, it's important to know the context in which such a product will work best. In this tip, expert Randall Gamby discusses how to determine if open source RBAC is right for you.Continue Reading

• Email, website and IP spoofing: How to prevent a spoofing attack

  Find out how to prevent spoofing attacks, including IP spoofing, email and website spoofing.Continue Reading

• Operating system comparison: The Windows OS security debate

  The security debate between Linux, Mac OS X and Windows got even more heated when Google ended its internal use of Windows. Tom Chmielarski explains when an organization may (or may not) be ready for a change in operating systems.Continue Reading

• Data masking best practices for protecting sensitive information

  Protection of customer data is critical for financial services firms but encryption isn't the only option. Learn key considerations for data masking.Continue Reading

• FTP security best practices for the enterprise

  FTP is easy and commonly used in the enterprise, but is it secure? Anand Sastry discusses its security shortcomings, best practices for securing FTP in the enterprise and FTP alternatives that may be even more secure.Continue Reading

• Database application security: Balancing encryption, access control

  Database applications are often the epicenter of a company's sensitive data, so security is paramount, but maintaining a balance between security and business use can be tricky. In this tip, Andreas Antonopoulos discusses encryption strategies for ...Continue Reading

• How to avoid attacks that exploit a Web browser vulnerability

  Beyond patching, Tom Chmielarski explains what you'll need to do to avoid application exploits caused by Web browser vulnerabilities.Continue Reading

• How to use Wget commands and PHP cURL options for URL retrieval

  When TCP or HTTP connections aren't behaving as expected, free tools like Wget and cURL can help with URL retrieval. Learn more in this expert response from Anand Sastry.Continue Reading

• How to use Windows Group Policy to secure and restrict USB devices

  Learn how to use Windows GPOs take control of USB devices in your organization.Continue Reading

• How to use a PDF redaction tool with a redacted document policy

  It may seem rudimentary, but sensitive data commonly leaks out of corporate networks in plain sight in the form of un-redacted documents. Such files -- those still containing hidden data or Microsoft "Track Changes" data -- can potentially lead to ...Continue Reading

• Alternatives to password-reset questions tackle social networking cons

  With so much personal information available on the Internet, finding the answers to someone's password-reset questions can be quite easy. In this tip, learn about alternatives to the password-reset question option that can lead to more secure ...Continue Reading

• Utilizing a hash function algorithm to help secure data

  Learn how a hash function algorithm -- specifically a one-way hash function of the Dynamic SHA-2 algorithm -- can help protect important documents using a variety of hashes to confuse malicious code.Continue Reading

• Why it's important to turn on DEP and ASLR Windows security features

  In the quest for application security, many developers are disabling or incorrectly implementing two important Windows security features. In this expert response, Michael Cobb explains why ASLR and DEP should always be turned on.Continue Reading

• What to include in a remote access audit

  When conducting a remote access audit, there are specific questions you should be sure to ask to make sure everything is secure. In this expert response, Randall Gamby describes what to look for.Continue Reading

• Will biometric authentication devices integrate with in-house software?

  Biometric devices may provide an added level of security, but how much effort is required to integrate them with existing software and systems, particularly those systems custom made for an organization? Learn more in this expert response from ...Continue Reading

• Web 2.0 widgets: Enterprise protection for Web add-ons

  Web 2.0 widgets represent a threat vector that should not be overlooked at any enterprise organization. In this tip, Nick Lewis explains what a Web 2.0 widget is, and how companies can protect against them.Continue Reading

• Free port scan: How to use Angry IP scanner

  Scanning IP ports is a critical part of maintaining enterprise information security. In this screencast, Peter Giannoulis explains how to use the free tool Angry IP scanner for these port scans.Continue Reading

• Buying an IPS: Decide which applications and protocols your IPS will protect

  Application and protocol coverage varies in signature-, rate- and behavior-based intrusion prevention systems. Understanding the differences is crucial to your IPS investments. This is the third in a seven-part series.Continue Reading

• How to test Windows operating system patches

  Windows patch testing may be easy when it comes to applications like Outlook. Tom Chmielarski reviews how to test more difficult updates to the operating system.Continue Reading

• How to set up Apache Web server access control

  If you're hoping to allow or deny Apache Web server access based on IP address, check out this expert response from Randall Gamby.Continue Reading

• Evaluating tools for online bank security

  Criminals are hijacking online bank accounts with sophisticated bank Trojans but a variety of technologies promise online bank security. In this tip, Dave Shackleford examines the pros and cons of tools designed to thwart online banking fraud.Continue Reading

• How to block port scan attempts on a public wireless network

  Network security expert Anand Sastry explains how to block port scan attempts on a public wireless network at the host level.Continue Reading

• Zeus botnet analysis: Past, present and future threats

  The Zeus botnet isn't showing signs of fading. In fact, it now threatens a wider scope of organizations beyond the banking industry. Expert Nick Lewis offers a Zeus botnet analysis, looking at why it's been so effective, what it's doing now and how ...Continue Reading

• Choosing smartphone encryption software for mobile smartphone security

  If your enterprise users have smartphones, then your enterprise may need smartphone encryption. In this tip, expert Dave Shackleford describes what to look for in smartphone encryption software, from cost to management capabilities.Continue Reading

• Endpoint fingerprinting: How to improve NAC security for 'dumb devices'

  Many enterprises underestimate the potential security problems posed by "dumb devices" like network printers or IP phones. Forrester Research analyst Usman Sindhu explains how endpoint fingerprinting can be used as a NAC add-on to identify and ...Continue Reading

• Your USB port management options

  When it comes to managing USB ports, the choice is yours. Mike Chapple reviews your three best options.Continue Reading