Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the Internet's growth and adoption continues to completely transform business models and permanently change how both people and organizations communicate, transact, serve and collaborate with one another. The writer points out that as the Internet has now become a platform that enables electronic commerce, there has been an exponential rise in all forms of security breaches and theft of both data and funds over the Internet. The writer discusses that the continual ratcheting up in terms of sophistication and expertise on the criminal side of this equation demands greater and greater focus from many global government agencies globally and a concerted strategy of cooperation between the worlds' leading companies in software, Internet and electronics communications security.

Table of Contents:
A Brief History of Internet and E-mail Security
Vulnerability of Systems
Hackers: Who They Are and Why They Do It
Analysis of Security Concerns
Phishing
Viruses
Worms
Pop-ups
Drive-by Downloads
Malware
Trojan Viruses
Identify Theft
Credit Card Security
Dangerous Locations on the Internet
Origination of Security Problems
Protection Strategies
Ad-ware
Encryption
Firewalls
Passwords
Spyware Removers
Internet Company Strategies for Protection
Solutions to Internet Security Challenges
Summary and Conclusions

From the Paper:

"In addressing security concerns either on a system or network it's critical to realize that no security measures or products will completely secure a network and alleviate the risks of vulnerability. What both individuals and organizations must do is balance the need for security and minimizing vulnerabilities on the one hand while ensuring a high level of system performance on the other. Too much of a focus on security and alleviating vulnerabilities in systems leads to difficult-to-use interfaces, an over-abundance of passwords, and sluggish system and network performance due to the many security controls in place. At much higher levels of security there is an accompanying higher level of inconvenience for users, further reducing job satisfaction and productivity. When there are too many system security measures in place often users look to circumvent them, making both systems and networks even more vulnerable. What needs to specifically be accomplished is a balance between high levels of security on the one hand, and enough flexibility to allow users to complete tasks on their systems and the network on the other."

Sample of Sources Used:

• CERT, 2007 - Carnegie Mellon Certification Center for Security (CERT). Accessed June 6, 2007 from location: http://www.cert.org/
• Credit Card Security (2006) - Credit Card Security Rules Get An Update. May 15, 2006. Accessed June 6, 2007 from location: http://news.com.com/2100-1029_3-6072594.html
• MalWare (2007) - 2007 Security Threats on the Rise. Mike Paquette. E-Commerce Times website. NewsFactor Group. Accessed June 6, 2007 from location: http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/55073.html
• O'Rielly (2007) - Hardware versus Software Firewalls. O'Rielly.com Technical Publishing. Chris Swartz and Randy Rosel. Accessed June 6, 2007 from location: http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/sysadmin/2007/02/15/evaluating_firewalls.html
• Phishing (2007) - The Fight Against Phishing: 44 Ways to Protect Yourself.

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