Survey: Cyber-attacks considered top global threat…

Tech and business leaders view cyber-attacks as the No. 1 threat, according to a Cyber Ark survey. Fifty-one percent of those polled said a potential cyber-attacker has been on their IT systems in the past year. "Businesses are realizing how important these threats are. Their concern reflects the government's concern about the threats," said Cyber Ark's John Worrall. Source: CompTIA SmartBrief, CSO(6/26)                             
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Don't use personal info as a password…

Students at a school in London exploited a teacher's poor password selection to access grades and other school records. The teacher had used his daughter's name as a password, but became suspicious when students made reference to an excursion, which had not yet been announced, so he changed his password to the registration number of his car, which was parked outside the school every day. When he received complaints from other teachers about grades being leaked, he changed it again, this time to his postcode. The students in question cracked this within days too. Be wise in your password selection!   Source: SANS Institute

Improvements to Windows 8….

Gartner Inc., a leading info tech research and advisory company, is giving the thumbs up to the soon-to-be released Windows 8.1, crediting the operating system refresh with overcoming the major downsides of Windows 8. Improvements include the ability to boot directly to the desktop rather than the Windows 8 Start screen & the restoration of a Start button on the desktop. Ready access to the desktop should make it easier for users to find a familiar interface, much like Windows 7. While Microsoft has been mum on many details, analysts expect little change to the Windows desktop, which would ensure high levels of compatibility with legacy Win32 desktop applications.   Source: Network World

Recent computer issues…

In the last couple of days some campus computer users have experienced an issue with their computer randomly rebooting without warning. TSS believes the problems are likely related to recently released Microsoft updates that are not properly installing. The impacted machines appear to work normal once the reboot has occurred and Windows is re-started or a tech administrator logs in and prompts the updates to install properly. 
If you experience any problems, please contact the TSS HelpLine at ext.5872 or tss@shoreline.edu

Apple reboots w/ iOS 7 & thought for the day…

Apple unveiled an overhauled iOS platform at its annual developers conference Monday with a sweeping upgrade designed to show that the company remains at the forefront of innovative technology. Among the new features: redesigned applications, photo-sharing software, a "control center" swipe menu, and an activation lock aimed at curbing phone thefts. Source: CompTIA SmartBrief

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."

-- William James, American psychologist & philosopher

When you log out, log out completely…

Closing or minimizing your browser or typing in a new web address when you're done using your online account may not be enough to prevent others from gaining access to your account information. Instead, click on the "log out" button to close your account and terminate your online session, and then close (X out of) your browser. In addition, don't permit your browser to "remember" your username and password information. If this browser feature is active, anyone using your computer will have access to your personal account information.   Source: SANS Institute & OnGuardOnline.gov

802.11n wireless (Wi-Fi) technology winding down…

Wireless (Wi-Fi) devices based on the new, so-called "Gigabit Wi-Fi" standard, IEEE 802.11ac, are set to hit the market soon. The new technology is being pushed by the desire for more wireless products and mobility and the pronounced bring-your-own-device (BYOD) movement. A variety of products that are equipped with early versions of 802.11ac technology are already being introduced - from wireless access points, digital TVs, & routers, to the new Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone.

Hackers targeting social networking sites more…

Computer security analysts are seeing a surge in malware designed to target social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, with incidences tied to a single bug -- known as "Koobface" -- up 200% in the first quarter of 2013. According to a report from McAfee, during this time frame the number of identified malware samples rose by more than 25% as hackers increasingly turn to social sites to intercept personal data for use in cyber espionage schemes.   Source: CompTIA SmartBrief, Computing (U.K.) (6/3), ComputerWeekly.com (U.K.) (6/3)