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Problem solve

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

• Can ADFS technology manage multiple-user authentication?

  In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, Joel Dubin, expert in identity management and access control, addresses multiple aspects of ADFS systems, including the technology's ability to authenticate multiple users to a Web application. Continue Reading

• What's the difference between CompTIA and CISSP certifications?

  In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, security management expert Mike Rothman discusses the difference between security certifications, and how much influence, if any, these credentials hold in the field. Continue Reading

• Why can't antimalware tools scan inside virtual machines?

  You'd think that it would be easy for an antimalware tool to see what's going on inside a virtual workstation. Unfortunately, it's not. In this expert Q&A, Ed Skoudis explains the difficulty of scanning a guest virtual machine. Continue Reading

• How can attackers exploit RSS software flaws?

  RSS syndication feeds are a convenient way to get your news, blogs or other favorite content, but these popular tools are often left exposed. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, Ed Skoudis explains how malicious hackers can attack RSS software and ... Continue Reading

• How can hackers bypass proxy servers?

  Hackers are bypassing proxy servers all the time and doing so for a variety of reasons. In this SearchSecurity.com expert Q&A, Ed Skoudis points out the holes in your protective filtering tools. Continue Reading

• Network isolation as a PCI Data Security Standard compliance strategy

  One way to minimize your exposure to the 12 PCI Data Security Standard requirements is to use a stand-alone network to isolate payment card data. As Mike Chapple explains, while the approach is not without its drawbacks, it can not only eliminate a ...Continue Reading

• What are the best ways to block proxy server sites?

  Proxy services allow employees to view unauthorized content, but the proxies themselves and the sites that list them are tricky to detect. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, learn how some content monitoring tools can help block proxy server sites.Continue Reading

• What's the harm in removing the RFID chip in credit cards?

  If you're concerned that a credit card's RFID chip is putting your personal data at risk, why not just drill the darn thing out? Not so fast, says Joel Dubin. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, the identity management and access control expert ...Continue Reading

• How to ensure that an SSL connection protects sensitive Web data

  In this expert Q&A, application security pro Michael Cobb explains how to secure sensitive Web site data that is sent across the Internet.Continue Reading

• Are USB storage devices a serious enterprise risk?

  USB drives are common gifts at conferences and trade shows, but how much of a danger are they to your enterprise's network security? In this expert Q&A, Michael Cobb explains the risks of these storage devices and how to control their use.Continue Reading

• Essential elements of a network access control (NAC) endpoint security strategy

  Don't make the mistake in believing that network access control is simply about endpoint security. In fact, it's about much more. As contributor Joel Snyder writes, understanding the NAC security lifecycle is the first step toward a successful NAC ...Continue Reading

• Defending layer 7: A look inside application-layer firewalls

  Run-of-the-mill network firewalls can't properly defend applications. As Michael Cobb explains, application-layer firewalls offer Layer 7 security on a more granular level, and may even help organizations to get more out of existing network devices.Continue Reading

• What are the risks of placing enterprise users in a DMZ?

  A demilitarized zone protects systems from an affected server, but enterprise users themselves should have no place in the DMZ. In this expert Q&A, Mike Chapple explains where they belong.Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of a tunnelless VPN?

  In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, network security expert Mike Chapple reviews two common tunnelless VPNs: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Group Encrypted Transport (GET).Continue Reading

• What are common kinds of mobile spyware?

  When it comes to mobile spyware, there are almost too many types. Luckily, in this expert Q&A, Ed Skoudis narrows down the field and reveals how to defend against browser exploits, file droppers and keystroke loggers.Continue Reading

• Wireshark: Taking a bite out of packet analysis

  If you need to sniff out problem packets, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars on network data analysis. Scott sidel recommends a free tool that's right under your nose: Wireshark.Continue Reading

• Dynamic code obfuscation: New threat requires innovative defenses

  Dynamic code obfuscation used to be a taxing effort, but now even the most junior-level malicious hackers have learned how to effectively hide their code. In this tip, Michael Cobb examines how dynamic code obfuscation works, why it's on the rise ...Continue Reading

• Windows Vista: Security issues to consider

  Windows Vista is now in the wild. With its myriad new security features, are enterprises foolish not to adopt right away? In this tip, contributor Michael Cobb examines the security-related pros and cons of Microsoft's latest operating system and ...Continue Reading

• What causes buffer overflows and memory leaks in a Web application?

  Buffer overflows and memory leaks can cause serious harm to Web applications. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, application security expert Michael Cobb reveals how both can lead to security breaches and system compromises.Continue Reading

• Should full disk encryption be used to prevent data loss?

  According to a Ponemon Institute survey done in August 2006, eighty-one percent of companies reported the loss of one or more laptops during a 12 month period. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, platform security Michael Cobb explains whether that ...Continue Reading

• How compliance control frameworks ease risk assessment burdens

  Control and governance frameworks like COBIT and ISO17799 can make compliance goals easier to achieve. In this tip, part of SearchSecurity.com's Compliance School, expert Richard E. Mackey explains how to approach these frameworks and why they're ...Continue Reading

• Can a TCP connection be made without an open port?

  A company may claim it has an "application" that allows computers to communicate without opening any ports, but network security expert Mike Chapple reveals whether you should believe the hype or not. Read more in this SearchSecurity.com Q&A.Continue Reading

• Interpretting firewall security alert messages

  If you can't decipher the security alert messages from your firewall, information security threats expert Ed Skoudis can help with some of the interpretation. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, Ed Skoudis uses a sample alert message to explain whether ...Continue Reading

• How does a mail server respond to fake email addresses?

  In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, Ed Skoudis reviews the actions of a mail server when it is presented with a bogus email address.Continue Reading

• Cross-site tracing vs. Cross-site scripting

  Cross-site tracing, slightly different from cross-site scripting, can still do some significant damage to your Web applications. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, information security threats expert Ed Skoudis reveals how each attack is carried out.Continue Reading

• Snort: A capable network intrusion prevention tool

  Most security practitioners have heard of the open source network intrusion detection system, Snort. For those who haven't, however, contributor Scott Sidel highlights the tool's ability to monitor traffic, log packets and analyze protocols. See how...Continue Reading

• Will biometric authentication replace the password?

  Some security observers say user IDs and passwords are obsolete and can be easily cracked, but that doesn't mean you should fire up biometric authentication projects just yet. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, identity management and access control ...Continue Reading

• Can single sign-on (SSO) provide authentication for remote logons?

  If you're accessing multiple applications through a remote Citrix server, you have two options. Identity management and access control expert Joel Dubin explains both in this SearchSecurity.com Q&A.Continue Reading

• Cyberwar: A threat to business

  In the dark crevices of the virtual world, malicious individuals and groups are at the ready, waiting for the perfect opportunity to target U.S. businesses where and when they least expect it. In this tip, contributor Gideon T. Rasmussen profiles ...Continue Reading

• Using role management in provisioning and compliance

  Role management provides the necessary framework for enterprises to efficiently govern access to sensitive data based on workers' jobs. However, many organizations fail to rescind unnecessary access privileges when employees change roles. In this ...Continue Reading

• Is Sender ID an effective email authentication tool?

  Sender ID, used by five million domains, can significantly counter spammers and phishers, but is it the best antispam technology? In this expert Q&A, Michael Cobb reveals the pros and cons of the email authentication framework.Continue Reading

• Do XPath injection attacks require the same response as SQL injections?

  XPath injection attacks are slightly different (and more dangerous) than SQL injections. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, application expert Michael Cobb reveals the preventative steps that can protect your systems from either type of assault.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Defending mobile devices from viruses, spyware and malware

  Test your understanding of the content presented in Defending mobile devices from viruses and malware lesson of SearchSecurity.com's Messaging Security School.Continue Reading

• What are application logic attacks?

  In 2005, application logic flaws allowed alert, Web-savvy gamblers the chance to win a lot of money. In this SearchSecurity.com tip, application security expert Michael Cobb examines these types of vulnerabilities and how they can lead to ...Continue Reading

• Will two different operating systems cause administrative problems?

  Using two different operating systems can often boost a company's security, but there are practical limitations to the enterprise practice. In this expert Q&A, Michael Cobb reveals how separate platforms can lead to deployment issues and higher ...Continue Reading

• How can rootkit hypervisors affect operating system security?

  What can rookit hypervisors do to your operating system? "Whatever their creators want!" says application security expert Michael Cobb. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, Cobb explains how rootkit hypervisors could defeat the security defenses of a ...Continue Reading

• Reasons why enterprise networking and security roles must stay separate

  Enterprise network managers are responsible for configuring and managing network devices, but should they be accountable for tasks that are typically handled by the information security team? Contributor Shon Harris examines why networking and ...Continue Reading

• How Juniper and F5 SSL VPNs can handle endpoint security

  It's not easy setting up an endpoint security system, especially when using an existing SSL VPN architecture. In this tip, expert David Strom uses words and pictures to illustrate the steps needed to enable endpoint security using the SSL VPNs from ...Continue Reading

• How can a call center achieve compliance with ISO 27001?

  Before you begin putting the pieces of your security program together, you may want to have a look at ISO 27001. In this expert Q&A, Shon Harris explains the framework and how it can identify and address an organization's security risks.Continue Reading

• What enterprise tools can scan files for sensitive data?

  Given the many recent high-profile data breaches, organizations seem keen on securing their sensitive data, including credit card and social security numbers. In this expert Q&A, SearchSecurity.com's Mike Chapple reviews tools that can scan ...Continue Reading

• Should log traffic be encrypted?

  Should you be encrypting your security log transmissions? "It depends!" explains Mike Chapple in this SearchSecurity.com expert Q&A.Continue Reading

• Using steganography for securing data, not concealing it

  Steganography is a useful technique for securely storing sensitive data, but the difficulty in detecting its usage can create an opportunity for digital miscreants. Michael Cobb explains how to ensure the practice isn't used maliciously.Continue Reading

• Who should manage the firewall?

  Maintaining a firewall is not an easy task, especially when business rules narrowly define which tasks should be performed by network administrators and which should be handled by information security practitioners. To make life easier, some ...Continue Reading

• Database compliance demystified

  As security professionals grapple with both federal mandates and industry-specific guidance, many wonder how best to approach these issues in terms of data protection and security. In this tip, James C. Foster looks at specific regulations such as ...Continue Reading

• What are a call center's authentication options when seeking FFIEC compliance?

  There are many ways for a call center to employ two-factor authentication and meet FFIEC standards. In this expert Q&A, Joel Dubin reviews SSL VPNs and other options for compliance-seeking call centers.Continue Reading

• What is WiPhishing?

  In this expert Q&A, information security threats expert Ed Skoudis addresses WiPhishing and the reasons you shouldn't trust every wireless access point.Continue Reading

• If a virtual machine is hacked, what are the consequences?

  In our expert Q&A, information security threats expert Ed Skoudis explains how attackers can compromise a virtual machine.Continue Reading

• Access control management strategy essentials

  In our expert Q&A, Joel Dubin reviews essential components of an access management strategy and reveals how to deliver the plan to executives.Continue Reading

• What are the criteria for a strong authentication system?

  In this Q&A, identity management and access control expert, Joel Dubin examines what components are necessary to create any secure authentication system.Continue Reading

• How do local identity, SSO and federated identity management models differ?

  In many organizations, users have several applications that they need to log on to, each requiring distinct user IDs and passwords. In our expert Q&A, Joel Dubin explains how federated identity management and single sign-on can provide convenient ...Continue Reading

• When choosing a digital certificate, how important is the expiration period?

  In this expert Q&A, application security pro Michael Cobb helps you plan your digital certificate policy. Cobb emphasizes the importance of keeping your Web server certificates up-to-date.Continue Reading

• For asset management systems, is there a tool more comprehensive than Nmap?

  If you're looking for a network discovery tool, consider Nmap. There are other options for your asset management system, however, and Michael Cobb reviews them in this expert Q&A.Continue Reading

• Which Internet protocol is more secure: FTPS or SCP?

  In this expert Q&A, Michael Cobb reviews the strengths and weaknesses of various Internet protocols. Learn the pros and cons of FTPS, SCP and SFTP.Continue Reading

• RFID security issues endanger companies and consumers

  As the holiday season approaches, credit card purchases will undoubtedly increase. However, before waving your RFID-enabled credit card at the checkout of your favorite store, research suggests you may want to think twice. In this tip, Joel Dubin ...Continue Reading

• Developing an information security program using SABSA, ISO 17799

  In this final article of our information security governance series, Shon Harris explains how to develop an information security program with SABSA and ISO 17799.Continue Reading

• How simple steps ensure database security

  An enterprise database stores an organization's most valuable assets, and just one small mistake can lead to a data security disaster. In this tip, Michael Cobb looks at five common database vulnerabilities and the simple steps that can eradicate ...Continue Reading

• VPN or RPC/HTTPS? Both have their place

  Some security practitioners may debate which access method is best for ensuring secure, remote access to Exchange, but as Lee Benjamin explains, both VPNs and RPC over HTTPS can be effective strategies, depending on an organization's needs.Continue Reading

• Should an organization centralize its information security division?

  Is your organization capable of having true information security governance? In our expert Q&A, Shon Harris reveals the ideal components of a centralized security team.Continue Reading

• What are the best options for handling segregation of duties?

  In this expert Q&A, security management expert Shon Harris explains the benefits to a separation of duties and reveals the best ways to implement tight access control within your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Steps in the information security program life cycle

  This article from our series on information security governance describes the essential steps to take when developing a security program life cycle.Continue Reading

• What is the risk estimation model for SSL VPN implementation?

  Risk assessment is a common way to evaluate new technologies. In our SearchSecurity.com Q&A, network security expert, Mike Chapple, explains how to determine if SSL VPN implementation is right for your organization.Continue Reading

• What tools are available to verify a patch's validity?

  Ever wonder about the source and integrity of a downloaded patch? In our expert Q&A, platform security expert, Michael Cobb, tells users about various management programs that can verify your patches.Continue Reading

• How to secure an e-commerce Web site

  If you need to secure an e-commerce Web site, application security expert, Michael Cobb, has a place to start. In this expert Q&A, Cobb recommends the equipment that will secure your online business.Continue Reading

• Privacy and your offshore operations

  Most companies are used to considering the implications of Sarbanes-Oxley and Gramm-Leach-Bliley on their domestic operations, but thinking about security and privacy offshore is just as important. Contributor Joel Dubin explains how to ensure ...Continue Reading

• What is the cause of a wireless LAN's unsecured connection?

  In our expert Q & A, network security expert, Mike Chapple, reveals the reason behind your wireless LAN's "unsecured connection."Continue Reading

• If email attachments are sent via SSL will they be encrypted?

  This application security Ask the Expert Q&A explains what happens to traffic that travels over an SSL connection and details how to keep email messages and attachments secure as they travel to and from email clients and SMTP servers.Continue Reading

• What is the average cost of an MSSP?

  Looking to find the startup and maintenance costs of an MSSP? In this Ask the Expert Q&A, application security expert, Michael Cobb outlines the key issues for businesses to consider when examining managed security arrangements.Continue Reading

• Nmap and the open source debate

  Upper management may be hesitant to approve the use of an open source tool, but Nmap has many benefits. This tip offers selling points to present to upper management when proposing the use of Nmap.Continue Reading

• What components should an application security management system (ASMS) have?

  Is there one product that will solve all of your ASMS needs? Maybe not, but Identity Management and Access Control expert Joel Dubin reviews the three components that should be included in any application security management system, in this Ask the...Continue Reading

• What is the best authentication method for protecting an online banking site?

  Two-factor authentication isn't bulletproof. SearchSecurity.com's Identity Management and Access Control expert Joel Dubin, reviews authentication possibilities for an e-commerce site and examines the risks involved with one time password tokens, ...Continue Reading

• How to safely issue passwords to new users

  In this Ask the Expert Q&A, our identity management and access control expert Joel Dubin offers tips on safe password distribution, and reviews the common mistakes that help desks and system administrators make when issuing new passwords.Continue Reading

• What are the best authentication tools for locking down a laptop?

  Stolen laptops continue to be a troublesome issue for businesses. In this Identity Management and Access Control Ask the Expert Q&A, Joel Dubin reviews the best available authentication and encryption tools for securing company laptops.Continue Reading

• Key elements when building an information security program

  Discover how to achieve information security governance by learning the essential elements behind a sucessful security program.Continue Reading

• How do L2TP and PPTP differ from IPsec?

  There are different protocol options when setting up a VPN tunnel. SearchSecurity.com expert Mike Chapple reviews the choices and reveals the one that is most secure.Continue Reading

• How can I prevent spammers from populating my mailing list?

  SearchSecurity.com's information security threats expert, Ed Skoudis, explains the workings of a spambot and teaches the strategies you need to counter spammers and clean up your mailing lists.Continue Reading

• Nmap parsers and interfaces

  SearchSecurity expert contributor Michael Cobb continues his series on Nmap with a detailed look at Nmap parsers and interfaces.Continue Reading

• Can email header information be used to track down spoofers?

  Expert Mike Cobb explains how to use your received headers to trace unwanted emails.Continue Reading

• What types of Web services can compromise Web server security?

  SearchSecurity.com expert Michael Chapple reveals how a service overload can leave your system open to attacks.Continue Reading

• How to selectively block instant messages

  Monitoring instant messaging traffic isn't easy, especially when constantly evolving IM applications are designed to exploit firewall vulnerabilities. SearchSecurity.com's application security expert Michael Cobb reviews the best methods for taking ...Continue Reading

• Can laptop users' offline activities be monitored?

  There is a direct solution for enterprises looking to enforce a "no USB devices" policy. SearchSecurity.com's network security expert Michael Chapple provides the answer and explains how an enterprise can monitor laptop users' offline activities.Continue Reading

• The strengths and weaknesses of PKI and PGP systems

  PKI and OpenPGP can enhance the security of your data, but these services differ in how they manage digital certificates. SearchSecurity.com expert Michael Cobb explains the distinct strengths and weaknesses of each program.Continue Reading

• Logwatch: Taking the pain out of log analysis

  This column reviews the benefits of Logwatch, an open source security log analysis tool.Continue Reading

• One-time password tokens: Best practices for two-factor authentication

  In this tip, Joel Dubin examines how to physically secure one-time password tokens and how to properly implement them to provide effective two-factor authentication.Continue Reading

• Ajax security: How to prevent exploits in five steps

  While Ajax can make your Web pages feel faster and more responsive, this Internet-based service, like many Web development tools, has its security concerns. In this tip, SearchSecurity.com expert Michael Cobb examines how Ajax works, how hackers can...Continue Reading

• Interpreting and acting on Nmap scan results

  As we continue our series on Nmap in the enterprise, SearchSecurity expert contributor Michael Cobb explains how to run some of the more regular Nmap scans.Continue Reading

• Which public key algorithm is used for encrypting emails?

  Although PGP and S/MME both use public key encryption, Expert Joel Dubin explains PGP and S/MME's distinct approaches to e-mail coding.Continue Reading

• What are the top five high risk areas in a network operations environment?

  Although continuity plans, encryptions, and change controls are important security concerns within an organization, they are only some of the components that make up a successful security-integrated business program. Expert Shon Harris explains.Continue Reading

• How can I protect the sensitive information that resides on my laptop?

  Learn how to safeguard data that resides in your laptop in this Network Security Ask the Expert Q&A.Continue Reading

• Mitigate botnets in five steps

  Don't let bots provide back door access to your computing environment. In this tip, Tony Bradley reveals the evolution of bot code, and strategies to mitigate the botnet threat.Continue Reading

• What are the security risks associated with virtual PCs?

  Since Virtual PCs enable you to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single piece of hardware, they can introduce risks into your networking environment. In this information security threats Q&A, Ed Skoudis examines what these risks ...Continue Reading

• How to prevent input validation attacks

  Learn what canonicalization is and what Web developers can do to prevent input validation attacks.Continue Reading

• Four ways to isolate sensitive servers

  When the security issue arises, a discussion of isolating a sensitive server usually follows. While often impractical, learn four ways to isolate sensitive servers if the need becomes a necessity.Continue Reading

• How to create shared services that two different parties can use

  To mitigate a problem common to educational facilities, the student hacker, network security expert Mike Chapple suggests isolating student and administrative networks or creating shared services that both parties can use. Learn how to accomplish ...Continue Reading

• How does single sign-on affect compliance efforts?

  In this Identity Management and Access Control Ask the Expert Q&A, resident Joel Dubin examines how using single sign-on influences enterrprise-wide compliance efforts.Continue Reading

• Network access control: Compliance enabler or detractor?

  No one technology is a regulatory compliance cure-all, but network access control (NAC) does have its benefits. In this article from Identity and Access Management Security School, guest instructor Mike Rothman outlines the pros and cons of ...Continue Reading

• Techniques for improving Nmap port scan times

  As we continue our series on using Nmap in the enterprise, SearchSecurity expert Michael Cobb provides commands that will help you adjust your Nmap scan times appropriately -- whether you want Nmap to run slow and quietly, fast and furious, or ...Continue Reading

• Telecommuting security: Protecting sensitive data inside and out

  The rash of laptop thefts in recent months has brought telecommuting and remote access security to the forefront of many information security professionals' minds. In this tip, Joel Dubin examines the mistakes made in the VA data theft case and ...Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of data wiping

  Weigh the pros and cons of software disk-wiping and determine if it can protect against data compromise in this Platform Security Ask the Expert Q&AContinue Reading

• How to create an optional login for the same application

  In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, application security expert Michael Cobb explains how to create optional logins for your applications.Continue Reading

• CRLF injection attacks: How they work and what to do about them

  CRLF injection attacks may not be as popular as other application attacks, but they can be just as devastating. Learn how CRLF injection attacks are executed and how to defend your organization against these attacks.Continue Reading