security risks

Appropriate RFID

Sun, 06 May 2007 20:01:39 -0400

Appropriate RFID
This week we have two stories on RFID and how its use is expanding. Now, I've said that I'm not a fan of RFID in identification documents because the security risks are too significant and the technology just isn't ready. That doesn't mean there aren't a lot of applications that are perfect for RFID. Adding RFID awareness to SAP's ERP suite should smooth the growth of inventory tagging for a lot of large and mid-sized companies. These companies will likely reach the same conclusions that Wal-Mart has: that RFID can help manage inventories and can make supply chains more efficient. With the right approach, using RFID doesn't just help control costs, it improves customer service and enables better relations with suppliers. RFID isn't bad technology--especially when it's used in appropriate applications. -Curtis

QUICKLINKS: Security risks come bundled with VoIP; Wireless connectivity arrives in remote Amazon city; and much more...

Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:01:35 -0400

> Security risks may be higher than you think with VoIP. Article

> Wireless connectivity arrives in remote Amazon city. Article

> Apple patches flaw in its AirPort wireless networking. Article

> The forces behind the push toward 1GHz processors for handhelds. Article

> Live search coming to a Nokia phone near you. Article

> A new phone that fits in your palm. Article

> Next-gen voice control making inroads in wireless services. Article

Auditing, risk assessment a mandate

Sun, 14 May 2006 20:01:38 -0400

If you've spent more than a few years toiling in the IT environment, you probably remember the days of 'hubs' and how excited everyone was to plug them into corporate networks. You also probably remember the horrible experience related to the security risks involved in making such a move. The same is true with today's wireless networks, which is why experts are pushing IT leaders to implement and establish strong audit processes and procedures. Risks come from several different segments of the network system and wireless LANs are much more insecure than internal network environments.

The continual quest to get users access everywhere and anywhere creates a substantial security element. Tech leaders need to assess this security threat and then formulate approaches to stop intruders and protect the information being shared. One of the easiest and most common strategies is using the hidden service set identifier, but that isn't foolproof since it also relies on the user's knowledge and responsibility. That's why auditing has become such a valuable tool. As enterprise use a variety of security tools to keep intruders out, the wireless review must become part of the annual IT risk assessment effort. It's the only way potential wireless problems can be treated, like the traditional network issues of authentication, access control, availability and encryption. Article

Smaller not always better when it comes to smartphones

Sun, 22 Jan 2006 19:01:37 -0500

In today's networked device world, smaller is always better: Thinner laptops, PDAs and phones are all hitting the market. But to get thin, something has to give. As one expert explains, that's especially true when it comes to smartphones and the actual productivity gained in use. While they offer phenomenal capability, often featuring every and any application a user needs while away from the office, the functionality comes at the price of potential security risks and greater computing management requirements. Article