With each new generation of software, it seems that
designers introduce yet more challenges for IT security - usually
in the name of "usability" or "productivity".
Hackers are ready to target every new release, and suppliers are
working hard to batten down the hatches. The official launch of
Vista last week will offer a gauge of whether things are getting
better.
The operating system is more secure than its predecessors, says
Microsoft. But built-in picture, movie and music file-sharing may
be targeted by the bad guys. In many cases, the easier it becomes
to share information, the easier it may become to distribute
viruses, steal identities and copy confidential information.
This means that every user needs to devote time and energy to
ensuring that any e-mail they receive does not represent some kind
of threat.
Research from Yankee Group claims that anti-virus software is
getting less effective, which means that suppliers need to develop
ever more intricate ways to protect users. VeriSign, for instance,
has developed technology that highlights secure e-commerce sites to
combat phishing attacks. And PayPal is trialling two-factor
authentication.
Why, then, is it still so easy to register fake websites and
send out mass-mailings?
Another weakness lies in wireless. It seems obvious, but if
designers of wireless routers enforced the configuration of
password and encryption keys before the router was connected,
networks would be far more secure.
The trouble is, such configuration is a barrier to ease of use,
so plug-and-go is the preferred option.
This type of approach is widespread, but in this connected
world, usability and new functionality surely need to play second
fiddle to security.
Read
David Lacey’s
security blog
Link to
Microsoft Windows Vista
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