Cyber Security Software needs some help!
Posted by Monte Robertson on Fri, Mar 26, 2010 @ 08:13 PM
It appears that the US is in serious trouble when it comes to Cyber security.
Experience has shown us here at Software Security Solutions that most consumers (home computer users) feel that Antivirus software is all they need and that the Internet is a safe place (surprise, it is not). Businesses focus on keeping their business going, and not so much on computer security. Being part of a small business I certainly understand that focus.
Not much effort is required to find hard evidence showing that security software and security appliance hardware is not holding up to the latest threats. See an example despite all the efforts of the Antivirus and Internet Security Industry here.>Cyber threats to the US<
Cyber security requires much more than security software and hardware appliances can provide both at home and at work. It requires understanding, work, process and much more. The bottom line is; if we choose to connect critical information (making us a target) to the internet, then prepare to get the just desserts.
So what can we do? Right now the answer is Layered Security. The answer is complex, for now, but first we need to rewind a bit.
Job one could be to standardize. Job two could be to simplify.
Security Standards: (for Antivirus Software Manufactures)
Standards make it easier to manage and support whatever it is we are trying to do, if the standards are not written by a crack-pot. Why can't we start by standardizing the names of the threats we do know about? It is no secret that most the Antivirus software companies' detections are pretty much the same when we factor in the exposure risk. So why all the smoke and mirrors of every Antivirus company calling the same threat something different? What good does it do, and how does that help protect the end users?
Simplify - (for Antivirus Software Manufactures and end users alike)
Do we really need every widget, bell and whistle? Do we really need all those different programs doing the same thing differently? How are we at making sure every one of those programs on each computer is secure and up to date? What can we do to simplify, thus reducing the threat surface area? Is there opportunity in standardizing and simplifying our computer security?
When life is simple, life is good. Just ask someone that doesn't own a computer. They seem to get along just fine.
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