Abstract This paper examines computersecurity as a critical factor for the success of any corporation. The degree of crimes that can occur through computers and through the Internet are examined to prove just how serious the issue at hand is. Installing the appropriate security software on the network is costly, but the paper proves that considering the cost of having a hacker access the corporation's plans, financial records, and/or the credit card numbers of customers, it is well worth the price.
From the Paper "Cyberterorrism, information warfare, and economic espionage are looked into to prove the disasters that could be awaiting corporations and governemnts worldwide. Cyberspace is the latest arena for crime; and hacking is one of those crimes. Several examples are given, as well as "a group of hackers testified before Congress stating that better security is needed because a sophisticated hacker could disable the global network in less than 30 minutes and keep it that way for days. A Swedish hacker jammed the 911 emergency phone system in Florida. A Russian hacker transferred $3.7 million from Citibank in New York to numerous accounts around the world. Teenage hackers broke into the Pentagon's computer system and took software that is used to track military satellites. A hacker altered phone switches so that calls placed to a phone-sex line in New York were routed to a Florida county probation department""
Tags: technology, firewalls, hackers, cyberterrorism, security, crime, internet
Abstract This paper explains that the computersecurity software, which is a sector within the systems software industry, is relatively robust even in this economic downturn. The author analyzes the computersecurity industry by reviewing the external environment and the strategic groups, by using a six-segment analysis and a Porter's five forces analysis and by an extensive firm analysis comparing Symantec versus McAfee. The paper concludes that McAfee has been better able to build new products and to operate more efficiently than Symantec and therefore will win in future. The author includes 20 exhibits, which are integrated into the paper. The paper uses endnotes instead of a bibliography.
Table of Contents:
ComputerSecurity Industry
Industry Analysis - The External Environment
Six-segment Analysis
Porter's Five Forces Analysis
Strategic Groups
Firm analysis: Symantec vs. McAfee
Corporate-Level Strategy
Business-Level Strategy
Core Competences Analysis
Competitor Analysis: Symantec vs. McAfee
Strategy and Structure
Conclusion
Appendix
Exhibit 1: "Malware on the Rise"
Exhibit 2: Herfindahl Index for Security Software
Exhibit 3: Herfindahl Index for Security Suites in the U.S. Retail Market
Exhibit 4: Worldwide Security Software Revenue and Market Share Estimates (millions of U.S. Dollars)
Exhibit 5: Symantec's Financial Statements of Last 10 Years
Exhibit 6: McAfee, Inc. Financial Statements of Last 10 Years
Exhibit 7: Six Segment Analysis - Key Threats and Opportunities to Profits for the ComputerSecurity Industry
Exhibit 8: Porter's Five Forces Analysis (Attractiveness of the ComputerSecurity Industry)
Exhibit 9: Strategic Map of the Security Software Industry
Exhibit 10: History of Events at Symantec and McAfee
Exhibit 11: McAfee's and Symantec's Revenue, Net Income, and Net Profit Margins from 1998 - 2007
Exhibit 12: Locations of Symantec's (A - Cupertino, CA) and McAfee's (B - Santa Clara, CA) Headquarters, Eight Miles Apart from Each Other
Exhibit 13: Selection of Symantec's Offerings
Exhibit 14: Selection of McAfee's Product Offerings in the Home and Home Office and Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMB) Customer Segments
Exhibit 15: McAfee Products and Categories
Exhibit 16: Core Competence Analysis Using the VRI Framework for Symantec
Exhibit 17: Core Competence Analysis Using the VRI Framework for McAfee
Exhibit 18: Symantec's Organization (Author's Interpretation of Available Information)
Exhibit 19: McAfee's Organization
Exhibit 20: Relative Stock-Price Performance of SYMC and MFE, Compared with S&P 500 (December 8, 2003 to December 8, 2008)
From the Paper "In 2003, Microsoft made the tough strategic commitment of announcing the launch of a security suite. It took Microsoft three years when it finally launched its antivirus Live OneCare product in May 2006, a software suite that combined security features with PC utilities for $49.95 per year and designed to go heads on against Symantec and McAfee. This action by Microsoft was a strategic complement, as it caused McAfee to response in kind with the launch of Total Protection and Virus Scan Plus (both offered for $39.99), and Symantec with Norton 360 ($79.99) several months later."
Abstract The paper discusses how our society is dependent on information technology as it relates to the economy, our defenses and our government and it is these technologies that also make the country more vulnerable. The paper examines Department of Defense (DOD) Laws and discusses the ComputerSecurity Act, as well as the laws built upon this act. The paper looks at the Patriot Act, which many believe has played a role in making the nation more secure by allowing certain surveillance of electronic communications.
Outline:
Introduction
SecuringComputer Systems: ComputerSecurity Act of 1987
Federal Information Security Act of 2002
The Patriot Act
Conclusion
From the Paper "Computer Security has long been a concern for the society in which we live. Businesses, education systems, and governmental agencies all rely on computers for day-to-day operations (Bielski, 2005). Indeed as a society we are extremely dependent upon information technology as it relates to the economy, our defenses and our government. Although these technologies assist in ensuring that many functions in our nation run smoothly, these technologies also make the country more vulnerable. The technology that is available to us today through networks and the internet has made the economy and the society extremely global."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of computersecurity, the use of biometrics in general and iris technology in particular. The paper also includes illustrations.
From the Paper "Today organizations around the world depend on computers and other electronic devices to keep their operations running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Businesses provide employees with computers the size of notebooks that have more processing power than the room-sized computers that controlled the Apollo moon program and cellular phones ensure that no one ever needs to be truly unreachable."
Tags: iris technology, personal computers, biometrics, computersecurity
Abstract This paper considers the issue of computersecurity, the use of biometrics in general, and iris technology in particular.
From the Paper "Today organizations around the world depend on computers and other electronic devices to keep their operations running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Businesses provide employees with computers the size of notebooks that have more processing power than the room-sized computers that controlled the Apollo moon program and cellular phones ensure that noone ever needs to be truly unreachable. Unfortunately the same devices that enable this world also make businesses, governments and other institutions more vulnerable to sabotage and outright theft than at anytime ..."
Tags: iris technology, personal computers, biometrics, computersecurity
Abstract This paper examines common types of computer crime and how to guard against it. It looks at the threats facing society from in adequate computersecurity and defines computer crimes and motives behind those committing them.
From the Paper "Computers have moved from being used only in the largest government departments and multinational corporations to being ubiquitous in American business. The number of individuals who have access to the information on those computers has increased as the communications industry has undergone a revolution in recent years and uncontrolled access to information presents a very real threat in most business and some government information. Because of the highly significant role that computers play in modern life there is a need to keep information on machines secure ..."
Abstract This paper describes and analyzes various methods of computer encryption that are used to protect data as it traverses the Internet. The author describes how data and information packets going through cyberspace are susceptible to interception and compromise. Several programs that protect data are described, including DES, RSA, AES, Blowfish and ECC. The author reviews these packages, and concludes that despite the availability of several cryptosystems in the market, security should still be based on the needs of the situation
From the Paper "Aside from DES and RSA, other crypto solutions are Blowfish, ECC and AES. Blowfish is a block cipher using 32 to 448 bits long keys. The data blocks go through 16 rounds of cryptographic functions (Staron and Adams, 2001) and the technique was designed by Bruce Schneier "to be immune to linear and differential cryptanalysis (Staron and Adams, 2001)." Ellipse Curve Cryptosystems (ECC) is similar to RSA in terms of providing both digital signature and encryption. By using properties of elliptic curves, ECC "provide ways of constructing groups of elements and specific rules on how the elements within these groups combine. One differing factor of ECC is its efficiency since it could work with limited processing capacity, storage supply, and bandwidth (Harris, 2003)," which makes it a good solution for wireless and mobile technologies."
Tags:computersecurity encryption Internet DES, RSA, AES, Blowfish ECC
Abstract The paper presents the three Acts that provide information on the development of computersecurity from the internal federal perspective and also in the modern advent of the growing public sector of law pertaining to the World Wide Web. The paper explains that by protecting both private and government computers in modern times, one can realize the breadth and scope of law that controls information and technological advances in the constantly developing legal climate of the past, present and future.
From the Paper "This computer science study will examine the regulatory and legal apparatus of the American government enacts to enforce computer security. By analyzing such laws as the Computer Security Act of 1987, Government Information Security Reform Act of 2000 and the Information Technology Reform Act of 1996 in relation to computer security through government regulation. By analyzing these Acts, one can realize the protections that computer based information and documentation that is protected on the World Wide Web. The Computer Security Act, voted through Congress in 1987, reflects the growing and changing world of technology, which has been regulated through government interaction. The origins of the Act reflect the concern of intelligence information through internal computers, which was being processed through computer systems in the 1980s (Computer Security Act, Section 3 (6)b)."
Abstract Computersecurity is vitally important to the success of any 21st century firm. However the integrity of computersecurity has been greatly compromised in recent years and hackers have found creative ways to invade computer systems. This paper assesses the threats faced by internet vendors and the solutions available to them which enables them to better meet their overall business goals and strategies. It also discusses the security status of several vendors, including www.requisite.com, www.ariba.com and www.trade-ranger.com.
From the Paper "In addition, many organizations have adapted business strategies for which a secure wireless LAN is essential. Such organizations may endeavor to allow employees to telecommute (work from home). The possibility of being able to work from home is an attractive prospect for many employees. However, it creates an additional network security problem for most employers. If organizations want to offer this option to employees they must be certain that the network is secure and minimize the capabilities of hackers."
Abstract This paper explains that computer hackers are the criminals of today's technological world whose actions range from the placing of pornographic pictures on a website to cracking a code that puts the security of millions of Americans at risk. The paper points out that, according to the FBI's computersecurity report, 70% of computer crimes against organizations originate from the Internet, where hackers cover their tracks by "looping and weaving" in and out of dozens of computer systems around the world, masquerading as legitimate users on the co-opted systems and creating problems for law enforcement. This paper stresses that the laws and penalties for computer crimes are not stringent enough, but the main problem with hackers is their lack of respect for other people's property; therefore, they should be punished for the seriousness of their crimes.
Table of Contents
What Is a Hacker?
How "Hacking" Got Started
Media
How They Get In
Attacks
Law Enforcement and Hackers
Attacking the Problem
Conclusion
From the Paper "The word hacker was first originated from the term "hack writer" which refers to a writer that keeps "hacking" away at the typewriter until he considers his piece complete. Later, in the 60s and 70s, the word hacker came to mean someone that was very committed to perfecting their computer software. But during the 80s, the term hacker came to know an even different meaning when it referred to non-computer activities but meant the "manipulation of a complex system" instead."
Abstract This paper notes the need for security and a security plan for the MIS system to be implemented. The writer looks at concerns raised over computer crime, threats from hackers, and threats from employees who abuse the use of the computer. Further, the writer notes the need to protect data from intruders from any internal or external source, with recommendations for the use of a firewall, passwords, and other means.
From the Paper "The security of the computer system to be installed has to be part of the design from the start. The security system needs to take into account the threat of computer crime, hackers, and even employees who misuse the system. Key to the system has to be the protection of data from intruders from any internal or external source. Much computer crime today is an external threat. The types of fraud are numerous, in keeping with different types of business and with different degrees of vulnerability. Businesses suffer because of identity theft, hackers, computer viruses and worms, and employee abuse of the system."
Abstract This paper discusses computersecurity and its importance for organizations. The paper presents an information security strategic plan or "defense plan" as an overview of what needs to be done for any organization dependent on information technology as a business driver. The paper presents a case study of Commerce Bank and how they handled a breach in security.
Table of Contents:
The Hacking that was Thwarted
Managing the Risk
Defending the Network and the System
Information Security Policies
Assessment of Publicly Accessible Resources and Network Probing
Iinternal Security Assessment
Tools for Ongoing Defense
Third-party Audit and Assessment
Physical Security Assessment
Security Logs Analysis
Information Security Training and Awareness
IT Governance as Part of Executive Managment Responsibilities
Conclusion
From the Paper "Commerce Bank is indeed lucky because as a result of good corporate governance and an information security methodology in place, no great harm was done. By immediately informing customers of what went on, the level of awareness was promoted thereby any attempt by the hackers to use the data for other nefarious activities will not be fruitful because those are already flagged by the law enforcement agencies especially the FBI. Information security was proven in this case to be a matter not only for the affected organization but community and society as well. From beginning to the end, clear lines of reporting and controls were defined that mitigated the risk at its onset. The information security strategic plan or simply "defense plan" presented in this paper is an overview of what needs to be done not only for the bank but any organization dependent on information technology as a business driver."
Abstract The first part of the paper looks at the main threats to computersecurity, both at home and in larger networks. These include hackers and infected files. The next part then discusses the steps computer users need to take to protect themselves from such attacks, from simple steps such as periodically changing passwords to installing elaborate firewalls.
From the Paper "Breaches in computer security usually take the form of infected files. The most basic of these infected files is the "virus," a string of computer code programmed to replicate itself. Most viruses enter one's computer through e-mail attachments. However, viruses can also be spread through Web pages (Evarts). Similar to the virus, the "trojan" often appears an e-mail attachment with a misleading title. Users unwittingly launch the trojan when they click on the attachment (Evarts). Often, the trojan also launches the computer's e-mail program, sending itself as an attachment to all the e-mail addresses in a user's address book."
This paper tackles the issues of privacy and security with regards to computing technology, discussing such topics as passwords, identity theft and company abuse.
Abstract In today's technological world it is vital for everyone to be aware of the threats that we face. This paper provides an overview of two major fears that computer users have with regards to computing technology: Privacy and Security. Illustrations of how privacy and security are being abused and breached are provided throughout the paper. It also discuss ways of protecting ourselves from abuses in privacy and security.
I. Introduction
II. Fears over Security A. Data Security B. Passwords And Physical Security III. Fears over Privacy
A. Identity theft
B. Abuse by companies
IV. What needs to be done
V. Conclusion
VI. Works Cited
From the Paper "Visualize a world without cars, a world without telephones, and a world without television. Without these technologies we, as a society, would be almost paralyzed. We would have difficulty to move, difficulty to communicate, and difficulty to get information. It is thus apparent how fundamental technology is to the survival of our civilization. Technology is an integral part of our society. It is in the movies we watch. It is in the food we eat. It is all over the world that we live in. It encompasses everything that forms our lives. Technology is important because of the basic fact that it brings about tremendous benefits to mankind. Thus, with all these conveniences and advantages that technology brings to us it is difficult to imagine a world without it."
Abstract This paper explores the current mobile computing technologies related with network, hardware and software. In addition, the security and standard of mobile computing is considered as an important aspect of this field. Thie paper also analyzes the current issues in mobile computing worldwide that require further innovation.
Contents:
Introduction
Different types of Distributed Mobile Computing system
Traditional Distributed System
Nomadic Distributed System
Ad-Hoc Mobile distributed System
Mobile Computing Technologies and Hardwares
GSM
AMPS
CDPD
Circuit-switched network
Packet-switched network
Bluetooth
Common Mobile Computing Hardware
Mobile Computing Software
Operating System
Mobile Computing application software
Mobile ComputingSecurity Virus Attacks
Synchronisation
Network Security Current Issues of Mobile Computing Batteries related issues
Bandwidth
Reliability
Mobile Computing Standard
WAP
SWAP
The Future of Mobile Computing Summary and Conclusion
References
From the Paper "With the boom in laptop computer sales and the recent popularity of cellular telephone, PCS and paper technologies many experts are convinced that tomorrow?'s computers will all be mobile. This surge in popularity is followed by the desire for continuous Internet connectivity regardless of location; in other words, users desire Internet version of cellular telephone and mobile that can supply network function."
Tags: amps, cdpd, distributed, hoc, mobile, nomadic, system
