Tips

Tips

• Best practices for compliance during a merger

  Company mergers involve more than just aligning two different security infrastructures. When one vendor acquires another, it's the handling of compliance issues that can be an IT security staff's toughest task. In this tip, security expert Joel ...  Continue Reading

• Using VMware for malware analysis

  Virtualization software like VMware helps ease the challenges of malware analysis. Malware expert Lenny Zeltser explains the steps enterprises must take to ensure malicious software doesn't leak out of their VMware-based labs and endanger production...  Continue Reading

• ClamAV clamps down on e-mail security

  In this monthly Downloads column, contributing editor Scott Sidel examines Clam AntiVirus, an open source antivirus toolkit for Unix, specializing in email scanning on mail gateways.  Continue Reading

• CISSP certification can serve as introduction to regulatory compliance

  The CISSP is widely considered a valuable baseline certification for information security professionals, but its coursework can also be a valuable introduction to the complex world of regulatory compliance. As certification expert Peter H. Gregory ...  Continue Reading

• How to choose the right smart card

  The ISO 7816 form factor is the most commonly deployed smart card in the enterprise, but it's not always the best option. As Burton Group's Mark Diodati explains, those looking for desktop simplicity and lower costs may want to consider an ...  Continue Reading

• Employee profiling: A proactive defense against insider threats

  Employee profiling is one technique to combat malicious insiders, but organizations should tread carefully. As identity and access management expert Joel Dubin writes, protecting data and systems against insiders with criminal intentions requires a ...  Continue Reading

• Discovering e-discovery services: How information security pros should prepare

  Recent changes to the federal regulations governing the disclosure of electronic information during litigation have changed e-discovery rules and the role that information security professionals play in the e-discovery process. But there's no need ...  Continue Reading

• How to conduct a data classification assessment

  Before businesses safeguard mission-critical data, they must know how to conduct data classification processes. Even though it is time-consuming and involves many steps, as Tom Bowers writes, data classification makes it easier to figure out where ...  Continue Reading

• Digital forensics tool Helix 'does no harm'

  Forensics isn't just for the scientists. This month, contributor Scott Sidel recommends Helix, a digital forensics tool that can do some important detective work on your system.  Continue Reading

• Preparing for extrusion detection with a network traffic analysis

  Extrusion detection and prevention products can help companies proactively thwart internal data security breaches, but preparation is required before making a purchase. In this Data Protection Security School tip, Richard Bejtilch discusses the ...  Continue Reading

• Building application firewall rule bases

  Security professionals have worked hard in recent years to tighten up their security controls, but they often neglected one area: the application layer. In this tip, Mike Chapple explains how a carefully deployed application firewall can plug a ...  Continue Reading

• BackTrack is one forward-thinking penetration testing tool

  In this SearchSecurity.com expert commentary, security expert Scott Sidel discusses the mechanics behind BackTrack 2.0, an extensive collaboration of security and forensics tools designed to assist security professionals.  Continue Reading

• Embarking on the ISO 17799 certification trail

  ISO 17799 has proven to be a helpful set of guidelines for CISOs looking to improve their security strategies. The framework can't work by itself though, and security officers must actively prepare an organization for an ISO 17799 project. In this ...  Continue Reading

• Reputation systems gaining credibility in fight against spam

  Now that nearly all organizations are employing some sort of anti-spam technology, spammers know their only hope for success lies with outwitting spam-detection strategies. But as Mike Rothman writes, the emergence of reputation-based systems is ...  Continue Reading

• Scaling back Web browser security expectations

  Some say the state of Web browser security is in peril because browsers often fail to act as a first line of defense against malware. Does that mean there's a browser architecture crisis? Web security expert Michael Cobb says Web browser security ...  Continue Reading

• Polymorphic viruses call for new antimalware defenses

  Attackers are always looking for innovative ways to dodge antivirus software, and many of the bad guys are now creating polymorphic code to do just that. But it's not just the malware writers who are raising the bar. In this tip from our Ask the ...  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

• Combining NetFlow analysis with security information management systems

  NetFlow, Tom Bowers writes, when used in conjunction with SIMs and correlated with data from other devices and layers, can be an indispensable combination.  Continue Reading

• The cost of data breaches: Looking at the hard numbers

  In this tip, Khalid Kark explains the many different factors that should be part of the data breach cost calculation -- and it's more than just losing money.  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

• 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

• Public wireless networks present a raft of dangers

  A company's end-users don't always have the luxury of a protected network, as many often leave the comfort of their guarded corporate environment and access the Internet from coffee shops, hotels, airports and other public areas. In this tip, Mike ...  Continue Reading

• Forget ROI; Use Six Sigma to prove business value

  The classic ROI equation doesn't apply to information security, but that doesn't stop management from asking for metrics. Learn how Six Sigma can be used to prove the business value of security.  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

• Unlocking best practices for successful encryption key management

  The importance of encryption has long been obvious to security professionals, but the complexity of encryption key management can be almost as daunting as the cryptography algorithms themselves. In this tip, W. Curtis Preston examines today's ...  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

• 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

• The dangers of application logic attacks

  Do you know how to prevent an application logic attack? In this tip, Web application security expert Michael Cobb explains how application logic attacks occur and offers tactics for protecting your Web applications.  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

• Is the CAN-SPAM Act a help or a hindrance?

  Three years have passed since CAN-SPAM was enacted, but has this legislation truly contained unsolicited commercial email? In this tip, contributor Joel Dubin examines if the law has effectively cracked down on spamming activities and examines how ...  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

• Expanding antivirus to include the mobile enterprise

  If your organization has yet to add mobile devices to its antivirus management strategy, it may be overlooking a tempting attack vector. As Sandra Kay Miller explains, it's not only necessary that PDAs, smartphones and other mobile devices have ...  Continue Reading

• Mapping the path toward information security program maturity

  Amid tight information security budgets, it can be hard to recommend the best ways to invest new dollars or focus new resources. In this tip, Ed Moyle explains why creating a security program maturity map is a sensible way to not only track 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

• IT compliance success doesn't equal security success

  While compliance needs may help boost an information security department's budget, using the compliance card to receive more funding can cause more harm than good. In this tip, contributor Khalid Kark, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research explains ...  Continue Reading

• Comodo Firewall: An intelligent way to protect against application attacks

  Looking for a solid firewall replacement? Contributing editor, Scott Sidel, recommends Comodo Firewall, an open source tool that can prevent application attacks.  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

• Firefox 2.0 vs. Internet Explorer 7

  Tired of sifting through articles on IE7 and Firefox 2.0 in an attempt to determine which one best meets your Web browser security needs? In this tip, SearchSecurity.com Web security expert Michael Cobb highlights what has been added and updated to ...  Continue Reading

• Google Code Search -- Finding security flaws has never been easier

  While Google Code Search may offer a number of benefits that will help improve application security, hackers have learned how to use the search giant's code-finding engine to exploit security weaknesses. In this tip, Ed Skoudis examines how ...  Continue Reading

• KeePass -- Keeping passwords under lock and key

  Can't remember all of your passwords? Contributing Editor, Scott Sidel, recommends KeePass, an easy-to-use open source password manager.  Continue Reading

• Nessus can spot some monster security problems

  If given the choice of only one vulnerability scanner, Contributing Editor Scott Sidel would use Nessus. Find out why in this Guest Commentary Tip.  Continue Reading

• Hashing for fun and profit: Demystifying encryption for PCI DSS

  These days there's no excuse for failing to encrypt sensitive data like credit card information, but the numerous types of cryptography, such as hashing, available can make implementation confusing. Learn how merchants are affected by the encryption...  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

• Software security flaws begin and end with Web application security

  By now, developers are well aware that Web applications are vulnerable to an attack, though recent data indicates that the threat may be growing. In this tip, Michael Cobb offers insight as to why Web application vulnerabilities linger and provides ...  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

• Taking the bite out of Bluetooth

  Bluetooth has become a ubiquitous short-range wireless protocol embedded in many mobile devices, but it has been plagued by security threats. In this tip, Lisa Phifer details those threats and explains how any organization can stay safe by following...  Continue Reading

• Latest IM attacks still rely on social engineering

  In the age of email-borne superworms, email recipients would often become victims without any interaction or warning. However, as Michael Cobb explains, many of today's most dangerous instant messaging attacks require user interaction, meaning wary,...  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

• Defensive measures for evolving phishing tactics

  From image spam to cross-site scripting, hackers certainly have a large arsenal of weapons to choose from. But as AT&T recently learned, hackers are putting a new twist on ever-dependable phishing schemes to gain access to confidential and sensitive...  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

• Why Web services threats require application-level protection

  Now that more organizations are using application-layer firewalls to secure Web applications, what's an attacker to do? Find a more vulnerable victim, of course. In this tip, SearchSecurity.com expert Michael Cobb explains how and why hackers have ...  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

• Malware: The changing landscape

  Malware is arguably growing faster than ever before, but not in ways the industry has come to expect. Even though the days of the superworm might be numbered, contributor Mike Chapple says it's time for organizations to adapt their defense postures ...  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

• 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

• IT Infrastructure Library: Regulatory compliance benefits and training options

  The IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) can assist organizations in their regulatory compliance efforts. This article explains how and outlines training options for security practitioners interested in becoming ITIL certified.  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

• Establishing a practical routine for reviewing security logs

  In this tip, security expert Lenny Zeltzer shares the joy that comes with correlating seemingly unrelated events, and offers helpful hints to make your log-reviewing efforts a success every time.  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

• Does blogging pose enterprise information security risks?

  Blog popularity has continued to grow, now even reaching the corporate world as an effective communications and marketing tool. Blogs carry enterprise risks, however, and few companies are taking the proper precautions. Expert Mike Chapple raises ...  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

• Laptop crypto: Do it, but realize it's not a panacea

  Laptop encryption has its pros and cons. Find out how to use laptop crypto to keep your sensitive data secure -- even if it falls in the hands of the enemy.  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

• Battling image spam

  The threat environment is changing once again as spammers investigate new technologies in an effort to stay one step ahead of spam filters. Their latest technique: image spam. In this tip, Mike Chapple provides an example of image spam and explains ...  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

• 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

• Authentication in the real world: Moving from strategy to implementation

  It's a common headache for security administrators. Management wants to roll out a strong authentication system across a heterogeneous IT environment. The biggest challenge is often effectively weaving an authentication plan into diverse directories...  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

• Avoiding the scourge of DNS amplification attacks

  DNS amplification attacks can generate enough bogus traffic to blow almost anyone off the Internet. Learn how these packet flood attacks work and how to defend your organization.  Continue Reading

• Introduction to internal IT audits for regulatory compliance

  Internal IT audits can assist an organization in its regulatory compliance efforts by identifying information security weaknesses prior to an external audit. This article serves as an introduction to internal audits for the security practitioner ...  Continue Reading

• Archives and data protection: The important differences

  While the two are both equally important, it's vital that you don't confuse archiving with data protection. Marc Staimer explains their differences.  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

• Disaster recovery report card: Measuring your company's disaster recovery profile

  Disaster recovery planning is challenging because you don't know what you're planning for or how well your disaster recovery plan will hold up in the face of an emergency. Use this report card to measure your disaster recovery plan and identify ...  Continue Reading

• Nmap: Firewall configuration testing

  This tip, in our Nmap manual series, explains how Nmap can be used to test the effectiveness of a firewall configuration. Learn how to use the open source network mapper to better understand how your firewall handles uninvited traffic and to test ...  Continue Reading

• Email filtering tools and techniques

  Email filtering tools help organizations enforce acceptable use policies, filtering office email and blocking personal email traveling over the corporate network. This tip introduces the two classes of email filtering tools and how to choose the one...  Continue Reading

• Utilizing Active Directory to automate provisioning

  This article focuses on utilizing Active Directory and Group Policy to automate provisioning.  Continue Reading

• Keeping pace with emerging endpoint security technologies

  Vendors have responded to the de-perimeterization of corporate networks with products designed to perform "health checks" of connecting devices, permitting access based on the security status of the endpoint. This article provides an overview of ...  Continue Reading

• Five freeware tools for mitigating network vulnerabilities

  From Nmap to Snort, there are a variety of viable freeware tools available for information security professionals. In this tip, Michael Cobb reviews five freeware tools and explains why he believes they are the best tools in their space.  Continue Reading

• Application logging is critical in detecting hack attacks

  Now that networks are fairly well-protected, attackers are targeting application servers. In this tip, security expert Mike Chapple explains how implementing application layer logging is becoming a crucial addition to every organization's security ...  Continue Reading

• Nmap: More port scanning techniques

  In this fifth tip in our Nmap manual, SearchSecurity.com expert Michael Cobb looks at some of the Nmap port scanning techniques that exploit certain idiosyncrasies of specific platforms or protocols in order to better differentiate between open and ...  Continue Reading

• How to configure a server to prevent unauthorized network access

  Learn from other security practitioners as they share ways to configure a network so unauthorized users cannot access files, folders and other sensitive information.  Continue Reading

• PIX firewall configuration from scratch

  Learn how to configure passwords, IP addresses, network address translation (NAT) and basic firewall rules in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Nmap: How to scan ports and services

  Nmap is the ideal tool for performing a simple network inventory or vulnerability assessment. This article offers tips on how to use a Nmap  Continue Reading

• Keystroke dynamics makes BioPassword Internet Edition a viable authentication option

  BioPassword Internet Edition uses keystroke dynamics to authenticate users, eliminating the need for biometric hardware and token management.  Continue Reading

• FISMA essentials for information security practitioners

  This tip provides an overview of the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and what information security professionals need to do in order to comply.  Continue Reading

• Blocking Web anonymizers in the enterprise

  As Internet privacy concerns continue to proliferate, so does the use of Web anonymizers. While these tools can help you block employee access to certain Web sites, they are also beneficial in helping employees evade your efforts. In this tip, ...  Continue Reading

• Security concerns of extended schema in Active Directory

  The Active Directory default schema can be changed if needed. The presence of third-party products that do this can complicate the issue, especially when security is concerned.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Active Directory Federation Services

  Brien M. Posey discusses key features of Microsofts's Active Directory Federation Services and how it works.  Continue Reading

• How to install and configure Nmap on Linux

  Get tips on how to install and configure Nmap on Linux in an enterprise network environment.  Continue Reading

• Preventing blind SQL injection attacks

  Most security professionals know what SQL injection attacks are and how to protect their Web applications against them. But, they may not know that their preventative measures may be leaving their applications open to blind SQL injection attacks. ...  Continue Reading

• Out-of-office messages: A security hazard?

  Automatically generated out-of-office messages, like the kind created by Microsoft Outlook, have come under scrutiny as a possible security hazard for a number of reasons. Should organizations prohibit the use of out-of-office messages? Serdar ...  Continue Reading