IIA Security Portal

This week is Cyber Security Awareness Week (30 May to 3 June 2011)

This is a Federal Government initiative designed to make people more Cyber Security aware. The Website for the week can be found at -:
http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/awareness_week

On this day, I’d like to give you a Cyber Security “Heads Up” that could make a real difference to you and your colleagues.
I’ve sent many warnings out over the years, usually at times of extreme danger. This week, I’m intending to lend our support by giving you a security tip for each day of the week.

Cyber Security Tip for Monday -:

Of the machines compromised in recent weeks, a security survey by one of the leaders in the industry has found that a high percentage of the infections are achieved through out of date software. Principally, the Java Engine and the Adobe Product range.

So check the versions of these important pieces of software.

For Java -: http://www.java.com/

For Adobe: http://www.adobe.com/

For Apple Products, use the Apple Update function to check for updates to Java.

Do NOT fall for the many scams constantly running around suggesting this site or that for an update. ALWAYS go to the Source. In fact, don’t click on those links above, type it into the address bar manually. And when you do, before you Click Go or press the Enter key, MAKE SURE YOU SPELT IT CORRECTLY!! There are many malicious sites sitting on common misspellings of popular websites.  Remember that there is, on average, 1 malicious site being made every 3 seconds, and you can very easily fall into their traps. Don’t automatically click on links in emails; when possible, enter the web address manually.

The Australian Protected Network would mitigate this situation in 2 important ways. Firstly, it would give the user the “choice” to be protected from these malicious sites, and secondly, if they did click on a malicious site, then it would also educate them on safer behaviour; possibly with information specific to what they did to put themselves in danger!

www.australianprotectednetwork.com.au – It could be our First Line of Defence...