As enterprises worry more about how to prevent cyber crime, they are discovering that large programs like Java, Adobe Reader, Acrobat and Flash are all vulnerable to zero-day attacks. Because of the widespread use of these programs — Java runs on three billion devices — attackers who exploit these backdoors can affect a lot of users at once and even cripple large organizations. The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a three-pronged response to potential attacks that can enable organizations to defend themselves against vulnerabilities that they don’t even know they have.

Step One: Prevention

To prevent zero-day attacks from crippling an application or a network, NIST recommends preventing attacks by using two main approaches: creating an incident response lab and preparing a zero-day response.

Incident Response Lab

An incident response lab can consist of either physical or virtual machines designed to take on the roles of attacker, victim and monitoring tool. The victim machines should be comparable to the machines deployed throughout the organization, while the host should be a Unix/Linux system with both intrusion detection system (IDS) and sniffer capability. Having the latest available attack data means monitoring the “weather” on the Internet, including resources like blogs, Twitter accounts from vendors and the SANS Internet Storm Center. When information about a new attack is received, then the response lab should recreate the attack so that they can create a mitigation response.

Preparing a Zero-Day Response

Create a backup read-only disk that contains known, trusted binaries. The SANS Institute recommends using Helix or Deft-based distributions, although organizations can create their own custom disks. From there, set up a security information and event management (SIEM) solution to create a contextual understanding of the network. Create whitelists of applications so that only trusted applications will run. Monitor the network for activities like malware propagation, target proliferation and command and control communication. In addition to monitoring for malware, find a solution that will allow you to collect it for analysis.

Step Two: Detection and Analysis

Once you’ve prepared for an attack, the variable on the day of an actual zero-day attack will be how difficult the attack is to identify and detect. Some vendors are faster at getting the word out than others, so you’ll need to make sure that you’re carefully monitoring for events like strange network activity, odd logs and unusual help desk calls.

When you’re suspicious that something is occurring, grab a snapshot of the current running memory. This action will preserve passwords used, processes, network connections and other relevant information. Then conduct an analysis by trying to correlate these events to the unusual reports that you’ve noticed. Don’t forget to check the memory dump, and use tools that can dump a process without killing it. You’re looking for unique values that can be used for antivirus signatures. You want to be able to identify the executable(s) plus any child processes, DLLs, open files and associated user information.

Step Three: Containment

Once you’ve isolated the threat, contain it at both the network and host levels. Determine the network communication that was involved and stop it from propagating. If you haven’t received a solution from your vendor, then write custom signatures that your intrusion prevention systems (IPS) can use to block communication related to the threat.

At the host level, terminate any running processes that correlate with the threat. Update firewalls or host IPSs, and if your antivirus solution allows it, create custom antivirus signatures. If your vendor doesn’t allow it, communicate the problem to the vendor at once so that the vendor can quickly produce an antivirus signature. Then, use domain tools to detect malware at target workstations and delete them.

About the Author: Christopher Budd is a seasoned veteran in the areas of online security, privacy and communications. Combining a full career in technical engineering with PR and marketing, Christopher has worked to bridge the gap between “geekspeak” and plain English, to make awful news just bad and help people realistically understand threats so they can protect themselves online.
Christopher is a 10-year veteran of Microsoft’s Security Response Center, has worked as an independent consultant and now works for Trend Micro.

Home phones are going to continue to be a popular option in most households for some time. There are advantages to home phones that cell phones just can’t offer. Here are three of the top reasons home phones aren’t about to be replaced.

Better Signal

Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who is using a cell phone in an elevator or thick-walled building? Cell phone signals are notoriously finicky, and when you live in a building that isn’t friendly in terms of cell phone service, it’s impossible to rely on cell phones for all uses. What happens if there’s an emergency when your cell phone won’t pick up a signal except if you lean out the window? The ability to talk clearly and without straining to hear the other party is very important to most of us. If you’re in the middle of an important conversation with your mother-in-law, you don’t want the phone to suddenly cut out.

More Reliable

When you use your cell phone all day, the battery will probably be low by the time you get home. You have to remember to plug it in, and if you drop it or break it, you’re without mobile phone access for some time. This situation is much worse if you don’t have any alternatives. If you completely replace your home phone service with a mobile phone, what happens when your phone won’t start, the battery dies, or you lose it in a mountain of stuff in your room? While cordless phones can have battery problems or get lost, it’s typically easier to find them.

Less Expensive

Some people think cell phones are the less expensive option, but the cost of buying minutes or making long-distance calls can add up fast. In general, home phone service is less expensive because free local calls are included, and many phone plans include low long-distance rates. People doing a lot of international calling will appreciate the lower rates available on home phones. Whether you’re on a pay-as-you-go or postpaid plan, if you talk on the phone a lot, the cost of these calls will add up.

Home phones are not likely to be phased out any time soon or replaced with cell phones. Most of us still need home phone service to come home to after a day going out and about with our mobile phones. If you don’t have home phone service, you’re likely going to pay much more than you need to for minutes and long-distance charges, you may struggle with signal and reception problems, and if your cell phone breaks, you’re in trouble. This is why home phones are still an essential service today.

Tyler Root works as a cell phone salesman. He frequently writes about his observations in mobile technology on consumer blogs. Click Frontier.com to find out more information on home phones.

Construct an engaging site

Make sure that the copy on your site is strong and completely original. Your competitors sites may look great but do not be tempted to copy them – you need to find your own niche to build a successful site and climb up the search engine rankings. Entirely unique content will also help to build credibility with your users. If you can; differentiate yourself by using your own photography above those taken from the stock photography suppliers.

Take care when deciding your colours and fonts, remember the user experience and always think about your target market – let this lead your decision making. Also consider the layout of the site, try to break copy down into manageable chunks and think of some engaging headlines – users want to be able to find information quickly and easily – your job is to make sure they can.

Keep your site fresh with new content

Not only will this help you to establish a group of users who return, it will further your march up the search engine rankings. One of the best ways to achieve this is to keep updating your content via a blog, so, write a list of suitable topics or scour online for possible stories. Then get writing, updating your site on a weekly – or more regular if possible – basis will make sure you have return users and start to build an online community for your business.

Then take it a step further and search for a guest blog on another site that has relevance to you but is not a competitor. Once you have a folder of work, share it with others to further your reach. Block by block; step by step you are creating a group of connections with users with an interest in your product. If you are not sure you have the time or the skills to achieve this then it is worth looking online for professional assistance – creating and maintaining your potential customers’ interest is key.

 Build trust through accessibility

Always give priority to your SSL certificates along with listing any professional qualifications or associations that are relevant. Ensure that all your contact details and any purchasing policies are clear and easy to understand. Should your users have any issues they need to feel that you are easily accessible.

Growing your business by developing a feature rich, engaging site is the ultimate aim. Want to find out more about how you can maximise the returns from your web presence? Firms such as Brightstarr can deliver a high quality Sharepoint website, – a format which makes the very most of your branding and features, together with a range of supporting services.

Training systems that make the most of your budget

With training budgets tightening it is now more important than ever to get the best return on this resource. Using one of the new personnel training systems, HR professionals will be able to determine not only the individuals who need training but also in which areas. Using these online systems, training can be done through distance learning, the acquisition of NVQ qualifications, on-the-job, or outsourced entirely. Furthermore, the system will also follow up on individual progress and provide a valuable management analysis of the costs and benefits.

Sickness/absentee monitoring

Annually absenteeism and sickness costs millions of pounds to businesses in Britain. It is a key challenge for HR executives and business managers alike. Furthermore, the management of this issue can be especially time-consuming as it requires HR professionals to engage with other professionals for examination and assessment requirements.

New voice-based intelligent software systems allow employees access over the phone to advise their company about the nature and anticipated length of any illness. This information can then be accessed online by the organisation, allowing them to develop a management report that assesses all the data regarding absence and sickness. It pinpoints patterns and trends and enables issues to be identified and managed by HR teams.

Letting go and empowering your work force

With the role of HR diversifying and changing, HR teams need to be able to pass on some of the more functional administration to employees. This effectively relieves them of some of the workload whilst ensuring that vital tasks are still completed in an efficient way. Allowing the workforce to go online to update personal information, emergency contacts or request holiday leave is one such example.

How can you be sure of the security?

A key area of concern for HR teams transferring to online systems has been the security aspect. The new systems allow checks to be put in place so that only authorised individuals can access particular information or reports. These are completely flexible and can be programmed at any point. This allows organisations to choose where and when these security options are needed.

With all these elements, a case for online HR systems can be argued. What they do achieve is greater efficiencies in HR processes so that the HR team can concentrate on higher challenges. However, the one crucial point to remember is that these systems will always require human engagement and analysis in order for new ideas and strategies to develop from them.

Julie Bard is a freelance HR consultant with over 15 years’ experience in the corporate field. She works with computersinpersonnelhr.com and other organisations to find new ways of bringing efficiencies through online applications to HR teams.

EDC is closely related to another form of software known as Remote Data Entry which first appeared in the late 1980′s.  This program ran on a similar format, but required software installation on all participating computers.  The data would also have to be stored on individual hard drives.  This meant that the transfer of data was often slow, and the original start-up cost for the program was high.  The first example of an EDC system was in the 1970′s when a collaboration between Abbott Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Richard Nichol led to the creation of a computer network for a large research organisation.  The introduction of the internet has enabled developers to streamline the program and integrate it with other software programs to expand its use outside of the medical industry.

Manufacturers of EDC technology now offer a whole range of products and services which can completely replace the need for pen and paper.  Data can be entered directly into forms displayed on a tablet or laptop, or using a digital pen which records handwriting and then transmits the data using a mobile phone or PC.  Some companies even offer a complete service including hardware, installation, training, and electronic document management.  The NHS recently adopted EDC technology and according to Ubisys they were able to cut their administration costs by 35% and allow for 5000 extra patient visits per year. As well as saving precious time and money, switching over to EDC will also reduce the risk of human error during data entry, as the software can edit data to ensure it meets required formats and ranges.  It can even be monitored remotely by the trial coordinator, eliminating the need for onsite visits.

As EDC technology becomes more widespread, manufacturers will continue to integrate it with different types of software to effectively manage all aspects of data collection and analysis.  Modern software tools and data management techniques will make it easier than ever to organise and store information, and will reduce the cost of clinical research trials.  As more and more aspects of our lives become electronic, it is inevitable that organisations will eventually have to do away with the paper and pen in order to compete in an ever-changing world.  Repeatedly filling out documents and forms by hand will soon become a thing of the past, and real time, instant access to information will bring well needed changes to the current system.

Nicole Thomson loves everything to do with mobile technology. In her free time, she loves to share her insights by posting on various blog sites.

Switch provider

The first thing you could do would be to search for other mobile service providers as they may well offer a better rate than you are currently receiving. I’ve heard from friends in the past that they simply found a better rate elsewhere and told their current provider; this was then matched by them in order to keep them as a customer. Of course, this won’t always happen, but it is good to know that you can get a better deal for what you’re willing to spend. Have a look at free or cheap mobile phones that are coming out in the next few months if you are waiting for your current contract to end.

Make sure your contract is right

In line with this, you should calculate how many minutes of calls, how many texts, and how much data you actually need each month. You can do this by reviewing your previous mobile phone statements – on paper or online depending on how yours are issued – and coming up with an average. Of course you should make sure your limits are sufficient so you don’t get issued with a penalty, but if there is a massive difference between what you could use and what you actually do use, you’ll find yourself paying for an unnecessary service.

Avoid premium rate numbers

When you are sat with your mobile phone watching TV, it can be very tempting to enter the competitions that pop up on the screen before an ad break. However these can often be quite expensive when calling or texting from a mobile phone, and usually are cheaper when you use a landline or a free internet entry. These premium rates can quickly add up and gcan give you a bit of a shock when you get your phone bill. If you need to call an 0800 number from your mobile, look for a free app such as 0800 wizard that automatically reroutes your call through a local rate number instead.

Take care abroad

Another way that charges can quickly rack up is when you take your phone abroad with you on holiday or business. Make sure you deactivate roaming and data unless you have secured a temporary bolt-on for your contract. Seek free wi-fiinstead if you need to get on the internet.

About the author

Simon Wallis is a money-saving blogger from Swindon who covers everything from the best coupon sites to where to get the best deals for cheap mobile phones and SIM only contracts.

But in the past leaving the house meant that you would have to also miss out on the TV shows, news and sporting events that you would otherwise watch. You could, of course, attempt to set the VHS recorder to catch them, although most people were too puzzled by this complicated process to even bother.

The only thing to do was hope that something you wanted to watch would be repeated, or ask a friend to tape everything for you while you were away.

Thankfully, modern technology has evolved to the point that you no longer need to miss any programming while you are away on holiday. With satellite TV it is easy to catch up with your favourite shows without any hassle whatsoever.

There are a number of solutions available, so you can pick and choose the one that is most appropriate for your particular circumstances. Here are just a few of the most popular and convenient options.

Hard-Disk Recording

Most modern satellite TV services, such as those you will find on satellitetv.net, come with the option to get a set-top box that has a built-in hard disk. Depending on the capacity of the storage, you can use this to record hours and hours of standard or high-definition programming.

Using your provider’s programme guide, controlled via a remote, you can set shows to record individually or even set up a whole series to be stored automatically. That means you can arrange for programmes to record before you head off on your holidays and then watch them when you return home.

There are even services with set-top boxes that can be programmed remotely using a smartphone or tablet application. So if you suddenly remember that you did not set a particular show to record, you can actually initiate this while you are away from home.

On-Demand Video

Another excellent way to make sure that you do not miss a thing while you are on holiday is to use on on-demand video services to catch up once your trip has concluded.

Various satellite services come with on-demand video solutions that let you start watching shows that have aired in the past week or so whenever you wish.

That means you do not even need to remember to set a recording as the content will be available independently.

You should be aware that you may need a network connection to your satellite set-top box to watch on-demand content because it may be streamed from the internet.

Whichever satellite TV package you choose, make sure that you are able to use it to avoid missing anything when you are away on a holiday.

Guest Author: Christine Bachelor is a writer and blogger who has covered home entertainment and TV for many years. She uses satellitetv.net and other resources to stay on top of current industry issues.

1. Ensure that the password is secure: You might think that you have kept your password well guarded, but it might be the most commonly used password by other people as well. Or it might be the most guessable password. In such cases, your account might get hacked very easily and quickly. Hence, it is extremely important for you to use a strong password, which makes it difficult for anyone to guess. We recommend not using your birthday or other important dates in your passwords, as these can easily be guessed. Check your password today and change it to a strong one, before any mishap occurs.

2. Never select a password which is common one: Some passwords are very common since many users might be using it. For instance, 9876543, 1234567, abcdefg, password, iloveyou, etc are some of the most common passwords used by people. You need to make sure that your password is not on the list of such common and heavily used passwords.

3. Enable 2-Step Verification: If you are using Google services like Gmail, Google+, Google Talk, or all of them, you can enable 2 – step verification. This will increase the security of your emails and minimize the chances of someone hacking into your inbox. In this process, Google will send a text message containing a special code to your mobile phone, which has to be entered for logging into their services. By this procedure, only you will be getting the secret code (unless you lose your mobile phone) and hence only you can login to your email account.

4. Password Manager for additional security: You can make use of online tools like 1Password, LastPass, etc in order to create and use unhackable passwords. These online tools are also great for storing multiple passwords. If you make use of these services, you need not remember all the passwords you have set for each of the websites you have visited. You just have to remember the master password. This service has been gaining popularity as it provides a convenient way of remembering all of your passwords. But make sure that you are using the services of reliable password managers only.

5. Follow Google’s Password Information Site: Google offers a wide range of information about password management on their password information site. On which it advocates the use of one unique password for all major accounts, advises the use of long sized passwords, as they are harder to crack and the use of a password that is a mixture of numbers, letters & symbols.

Author: Guest Post by Bill Nixon who keeps abreast of the latest trends in technology and passes tips onto others. He works for Mimecast, visit their website if you are for more information on cloud email.

Symantec – Creating a Successful BYOD Policy

These are just a few of the questions that businesses, large and small, ask themselves — and their SEO experts. Most of the answers, including the answer to how many hours should you spend on SEO, depends on a number of factors.

 Your Competition

How much business competition exists within your niche is a major determining factor when it comes to SEO. Are you a small fish in a crowded field? Then you’ll need to focus lots of time and attention on figuring out and implementing strategic SEO strategies. On the other hand, if you’ve created your own niche, or in a business that has little competition, you have a little more leeway. Almost any amount of time spent on SEO will see your company appear at the top, or near the top, of the search engine results.

Your Keywords

Keywords are what SEO strategists use to entice the search engines to index their site in the way they want them to. If your company has a lot of keywords that fit your products, though, you’ll need to spend more hours doing SEO. Additionally, long gone are the days when you could just stuff a bunch of keywords in content and fool the search engines. Now they are looking for quality, relevant content, and if you have a lot of keywords it may be more difficult — and time consuming — to incorporate them naturally. But, it’s worth the time you take.

But what if you only focus on a few keywords, can you spend fewer hours doing SEO? Sometimes. If you have a niche product or business for which you only have a few keywords, you can take your time, if you wish. Spend an hour here and there making sure your keywords are included and glance at your search engine results infrequently. This can be a mistake, though; no matter how narrow your niche, some new business will always be on your tail. But at least one other factor should be considered when you are determining how many hours to spend on SEO.

 Your Goals

How fast do you want to reach the top? Part of a successful SEO and branding strategy, even for a small niche business, is getting the name out there. Before someone else gets their name out there as the face of that niche. A good, strategic focus on SEO, for as many hours as it takes, can bring huge returns in both page ranking and establishing your expertise in your niche. If you prefer a slower rate of growth, however, then plan a strategy that stretches out for a longer-term, yet still produces effective results.

Obviously, there is no definitive answer to how many hours you should spend on SEO. If you are optimizing your site and doing your own social media marketing, as opposed to hiring professionals, you may only have a limited time anyway. A good rule of thumb is to spend as many hours implementing strategic, effective SEO strategies as you possibly can.

Charles Dearing has extensive experience in Search engine marketing. He enjoys keeping up with the latest trends and reporting his findings on various marketing blogs. Visit the link to learn about available SEO Packages.