This week’s High Five is all about cyber security. There are a couple of stories about protecting yourself, and two very important stories about protecting critical infrastructure.
#5: EU Wants Consent for Every Web Cookie
This is a story about the nanny state run amok. Cookies are little chunks of text that web sites leave on your computer so that they can remember who you are when you return to their site, and store some information about your preferences and habits while on their site. Limiting their use will lead to a greatly reduced user experience, not mention tremendous expense to all web site providers who will need to rework their architecture.
Link: TechRadar.com
#4:Stop Paying for Windows Security; Microsoft’s Security Tools Are Good Enough
Lifehacker makes the case the the free suite of security tools from Microsoft have reached the point where they are at least as good as the paid versions like Norton Antivirus. The reality is understanding how to avoid scams and dangerous web sites is at least as important security software.
Link: Lifehacker
#3: Banned Xbox 360s Flooding Craigslist, Ebay
If you’re looking for used bargains this Christmas season, be particularly wary of purchasing used Xbox 360 consoles. Microsoft recently began “actively banning consoles from Xbox LIVE that have been modified to play pirated games.” These castrated units are now finding their way to the classified ads.
Link: PC World
#2: Cyber War: Sabotaging the System
60 Minutes broadcast an important story about vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the threats posed by hackers and nation states. While parts of the story are a bit sensationalized (I know, shocking) if not downright misleading. However, we still need an awakening with regard to cyber security and the crucial role every user plays in keeping our systems safe.
Link: CBS News
#1: Control system cyber events, 60 Minutes, disclosure, and FUD
The previously mentioned 60 Minutes story touched off a firestorm of discussion on a cyber security mailing list I subscribe to. This article is a response by Joe Weiss, who is one of the world’s foremost experts in cyber security of process control systems and has even testified before Congress.
Link: ControlGlobal
Feel free to provide your thoughts and/or contributions…