Day: August 8, 2018

And the cleaning out of the accumulated news chum links continue. Here’s a collection of links related to cybersecurity, but the concern here is not where you think it might be:

• When Identity Thieves Hack Your Accountant. We are all concerned about the online services that we used, and what might happen when they are attacked. But have you thought about the human service providers you use? Your accountant. Your auto repair shop. Your financial advisor. They use services too, and these services have your information. Hint: The adversaries have thought about it.
• Why Cities Are So Bad at Cybersecurity. Many folks are aware of the US government’s efforts in cybersecurity, and at least the awareness is growing. But what about your state and local governments? How cyberaware are they? The answer, unfortunately, may not be as good as you might like. Now think about this: most of our critical systems are at the local level: power, elections, traffic control, ….
• Transportation is now the third most vulnerable sector exposed to cyberattacks. The previous item connects directly to this. When we think about cybersecurity, we think about our banks, our national security systems. But one of our most vulnerable sectors is transportation — from automated traffic systems to air traffic control to automated trains to the computers in our cars. Just imagine attacks on all those black Ford SUVs carrying government officials. There’s a lot of risk there.
• 4 Mistakes Security Pros Make and how a Wellness Model can Help. When we think security, we think certification and border protection. But a holistic wellness model is a great way to think about the subject. According to the National Wellness Institute, “wellness is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment.” The model surrounding wellness is essentially a conscious effort to help an individual become self-directed to achieve their healthiest state, based on awareness and choice.   Wellness also understand that you don’t get well at once; it is incremental improvement.
• Don’t Give Away Historic Details About Yourself. One way to start getting well is to stop answering those quizzes about yourself. Giving away historical data helps adversaries in so many ways: from giving hints on passwords (if you’re not using a random password generator) to giving answers to security questions for password recovery. Think before you answer a quiz.