Systems Security

• New Tools for Stopping E-commerce Fraud

  When it comes to selling products or services online, you don’t have to be a big company or have a big budget to keep transactions safe from credit-card scammers and other types of fraud.
  Michelle V. Rafter

• The Forgotten Security Hole: USB

  Some CIOs have started super-gluing shut the USB ports of employees. USB 'thumb' drives can be convenient but they are also a source of trouble -- both on the incoming side and the outgoing side.
  Bill Pfleging

• Virus Attack: What to Do on Zero Day

  Here's what you should have in place to maximize protection against zero day attacks and how to respond if you do fall victim.
  Minda Zetlin

• Instituting Security Metrics

  Tired of running your IT operation based on FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt)? Instituting security metrics can help provide a more logical approach to security.
  Lora Shinn

• Avoid Security Pitfalls with Subcontractors

  Increased reliance on outsourcing IT and data services has left businesses vulnerable if the subcontractor suffers a data breach. Ground rules can keep subcontractors to company standards -- and state and federal laws.
  Mary O. Foley

• Slouching? Measure Your Security Posture

  There is an optimal 'security posture' for a business -- the approach your business takes to security, from planning to implementation, from hardware to network security and more. Is your business slacking off on security?
  Lora Shinn

• New Ammo to Battle Online Fraud

  Whether buying books or trading stocks, customers want to feel safe online. For that reason, small businesses need to use the latest ammo in the battle against e-commerce fraud, including extended validation SSL for website security.
  Michelle V. Rafter

• 10 Steps to Database Security

  Most small and mid-sized businesses that build and administer databases focus on performance and availability. Security is usually an afterthought. Until you read the headlines about the well-publicized data breaches.
  Mary O. Foley

• Patch Magic: When to Download a Security Fix

  Is it in a business’ best interests to implement every security patch an operating system or software manufacturer sends out? And should you deploy patches manually or via an automated patch management system? Here’s how to decide.
  Joel Keller

• Outsourcing Security: Are You Ready?

  Outsourcing is an attractive option for businesses that would rather not deal with a 3 a.m. DNS attack or a hacker defacing the website during non-business hours. But what are the benefits and costs?
  Lora Shinn

• Protecting Data: The Old Fashioned Way

  Online backup isn’t for every business. And tape is a backup media of the past. Here are some options in traditional -- or file-based -- backup programs.
  Renee Oricchio

• Minimize Security Threats from IM

  Whether your business condones it or not, employees are probably going to use instant messaging products. IMing can be a productivity saver, but first address the potential security risks.
  Mary O. Foley