Security tips of the Day

The international SANS organization offers excellent "Security Awareness Tip of the Day" posts. You can subscribe to them (an RSS feed) if you like. Some have links to more information. A few recent topics:

• E-mail is insecure by default
• Turn off your wireless AP when it's not in use
• Don't accept offers for "Free PC Scans" that pop up
• Avoid Spam in your IM email account
• Don't let Spammers see your out-of-office replies
• Four tips to keep your computer secure

Fun games foster security awareness

The U.S. government has a great site to learn more about being smart and safe online. It's called OnGuard Online. The site includes some simple online games that let you check your "smarts" about safe computing.

You may learn something new or maybe just reinforce good habits. Either way, visit the site.

Below are links to some interactive video quizzes:

• Phishing scams
• Spam scam slam
• Invasion of the wireless hackers
• Beware of Spyware
• Laptop security
• ID Theft Faceoff

Wireless drivers a major vulnerability

Wireless drivers are under attack by hackers. So far the wireless products affected include ones from Apple, Intel, Broadcom, Cisco, Linksys, Dell, Netgear, D-link.

Tens of millions of desktop and notebook computers plus other wireless devices are vulnerable. If you use a wireless device, check the manufacturer's web site to see if they offer a driver update.

Reference: Wireless security starts with drivers

Intel Centrino Wireless driver security vulnerability

The Microsoft Windows drivers for the Intel 2200BG and 2915ABG PRO/Wireless Network Connection Hardware have a secuity vulnerability and should be patched.

How do you tell if you need this? Use Device Manager:

1. Select the Start Button
2. RIGHT-click on "My Computer"
3. Select "Properties" from the pop-up menu.
4. Select the "Device Manager" button
5. Expand the "Network adapters" section if it's not already expanded.
6. If either of the above adapters shows in your list, RIGHT-click on the adapter and then select "Properties"
7. Select the "Driver" tab and note the Driver version.

The Intel site has the wireless driver patch and more details.