Security is Important

Headline: Cloud networks 'at risk' from cyber outlaws
Source: http://www.topix.com/business/accounting


I discovered this headline as I perusing current events in the world of accounting. Network security is very important. This unfettered access can cause billions of dollars in damage and untold heartache for thousands of network administrators and IT people. To protect networks from these attacks businesses have sprouted up to combat the influx of hackers.
I have a Master of Science degree in Network Security from AIU and I can tell you even an attempt can wreak havoc on connectivity and bandwidth coming in to an organization. Companies need to protect their entry points and make sure employees at every level are vigilant about shoulder surfers. Confidential documents need to be shredded. Certain banking organizations even go through security checks and have to maintain compliance with an organization within the federal government and if they lose their compliance credentials it can be very difficult to get back.
I was in the credit card and finance industry for 3 years as a call center customer service representative for one of the largest banks in the country. We handled calls for about 50 different local and regional banks and credit card companies. Our biggest call volume creator was handling security fraud calls for credit card issuers. Breaches in security can come at such a low level in the process that people do not realize it for several days. By that time the damage has been done. One of the ways we combat this in the industry is by asking for your zip code to process the transaction. Many times a thief is going to have your card but not necessarily everything else. A zip code insures that the transaction is most likely you. When I present my credit or debit card these days I present my driver's license with it as a courtesy to the merchant. In reality this should occur every time you use the card. If they do not have the proper ID then the card should not be allowed to process.
Another method certain crooks use is dumpster diving. That is why it is imperative to shred financial information when you are through with it. This includes tax forms,canceled checks, checks that cannot be used because of a name change or address change. Paycheck stubs and credit card receipts should be shredded as well.
My last topic is your login or system access. Every system you use is vulnerable to attack. Your Blackberry, Your Droid, Your Iphone, Your computer... all of these devices and access points need to be protected as if you are on the verge of attack.-Because you are! Hackers can manipulate software to travel just about anywhere these days. Blue-tooth devices are just one way they can sneak attack you ... Lock up you systems as if you life depends on it.