Access "Opinion: Firms can’t or won’t address social networking security risks"
This article is part of the December 2011 issue of Breaking the code: Are passwords destined for obscurity?
Despite all the progress organisations may make in security, users remain the weakest link, and there’s no patch for stupidity, dishonesty or vindictiveness. A recent survey report, The Risk of Social Engineering on Information Security (.pdf), painted a worrying picture of global office workers, who are apparently more than happy to hand over sensitive information to people who send them emails or who befriend them on social networking sites. The survey, commissioned by Check Point Software Technologies, found 42% of UK enterprises (the global figure was 48%), have experienced more than 25 social engineering attacks in the last two years. More than a third of the UK respondents who admitted to being victims said the average cost per incident was more than £15,000. It turns out new employees and contractors are the most vulnerable to the attacks, which can include phishing emails and approaches via social networking sites. Once the attackers gain information about employees, they can then mount targeted spear phishing attacks to get to the more valuable data... Access >>>
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Features
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Alternatives to passwords: Replacing the ubiquitous authenticator
by Ron Condon, UK Bureau Chief
As the relative security of passwords falters, are they destined for obscurity?
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Alternatives to passwords: Replacing the ubiquitous authenticator
by Ron Condon, UK Bureau Chief
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A pen tester’s perspective on creating a secure password
by Mike McLaughlin, Contributor
A pen tester explains the importance of creating a secure password
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A pen tester’s perspective on creating a secure password
by Mike McLaughlin, Contributor
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News
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Is it the end of the line for antivirus signatures?
by Ron Condon, UK Bureau Chief
Traditional antimalware can't keep up with the threat landscape. Are antivirus signatures destined for the rubbish bin?
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Is it the end of the line for antivirus signatures?
by Ron Condon, UK Bureau Chief
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Columns
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Opinion: Firms can’t or won’t address social networking security risks
by Ron Condon, UK Bureau Chief
It's a common refrain: Even companies that are aware of social networking security risks don't do anything about them.
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Opinion: Firms can’t or won’t address social networking security risks
by Ron Condon, UK Bureau Chief
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