U.S. Navy to Train Future ‘Cyber Warriors’
When it comes to mobile security, it's hard to imagine anybody more mobile, or in need of more security, than the men and women of the U.S. Navy. That is why the Naval Academy now has an all new Center for Cyber Security Studies, and is even considering offering a major in the field. The Center's director, Capt. Steven Simon says that there are virtually no areas where cyber security is not applicable when it comes to the Navy: whether they are sending out a ship, a Marine in the field or flying a plane, cyber communication is a must, meaning security comes on its heels.
The use of personal technology like iPhones and social networking sites within the division is a new concern, which is being met with a quick effort to educate all military personnel. "The best defense is a good offense", and some midshipmen will specialize in computer science and information technology, becoming highly skilled "cyber warriors", to match their real-life skills.
A large majority of us are regularly partaking in a fast-evolving cyber world, and we all need the skills and know-how to navigate it safely. The Navy is taking important steps to protect its sensitive data, and with technology that can wipe out a hard drive the second it gets lost, they are a step closer to being secure. Why not get yourself the same smart security, and get Notebak -- first recover and then wipe out any sensitive data as soon as you realize your laptop is missing: we use military-grade technology to ensure no restoration will be possible, whether you're a Navy Seal or an entrepreneur. And hey, if destroying your hard drive isn't something you're into, we also offer some really smart technology to help you recover your laptop, unscathed. Now that's smart.
featured image: NZ Defence Force/Flick, cc, via Montreal Gazette
Another Laptop Stolen From Hospital Staff
Lifted out of a car parked at a restaurant, a laptop containing the data of more than 14,000 patients is now in questionable hands. Adding insult to injury, the information was not properly encrypted -- leaving the social security numbers, dates of birth, records and addresses of the patients exposed to unnecessary risk.
I cannot stress enough how important it is for organizations such as this -- specifically medical professionals who keep extensive digital records -- to install appropriate, and good, laptop security. It may very well be the case that the information will never be accessed and will not be misused, but once again, the hospital had to contact every patient that was potentially affected -- lots of work that no employee enjoys performing. The worry, hassle and perhaps even news story could easily have been avoided.
Destroy or recover your data instantly, see who it is that has the laptop, know the data is inaccessible, and definitively pinpoint its location -- it sounds like a scenario too good to be true, but it's completely possible: by simply taking a moment to safeguard one's business, organization or personal information right now.
After seeing these events happening so often in the news, I will make it a point to ask my family physician whether they take any precautionary measures in terms of mobile security; who knows, if we all do that, we may very well prevent these things from happening so often in the future. Tell your doctor!
Featured image: r3v || cls/Flickr, cc
One Stolen Laptop Equals Lots of Paperwork
A physician at the Indiana University School of Medicine had a laptop stolen out of his vehicle -- on it was the information of more than 3,000 patients: age, sex, medical record numbers, diagnosis and in some cases a social insurance number is what's on file. The university says the laptop is protected by password protection, but that a "computer specialist" might be able to bypass this; once a thief has ample time to work with a machine, the standard lock screen can be circumvented. However, another common method would be to reformat the whole hard drive, so the patient info still has a chance to stay secure.
Either way this theft plays out, the outcome is not a fun one. The university is currently sending out a letter to each and every individual whose information was on the computer, which means a lot of hours of paperwork for some unlucky people. This situation is a perfect demonstration of the reason why any serious business requires a solid computer security plan. Medical facilities are particularly vulnerable when it comes to keeping patient data safe, as any leak might mean serious consequences for the people involved -- insurance policies are just one thing that may change for them. Many other businesses also need to keep data security as a top priority, with law and accounting firms jumping to the top of the list.
It's impractical to assume that employees will always keep the computer close by and under a watchful eye -- no one does that all the time -- so a smart strategy is sorely needed for organizations like this. There's no need to be overwhelmed by the number of laptops that need protecting, either: a good program will make the load easily manageable by a likely-already-existing IT team. A well-designed software won't burden the tech team, but will instead make their job easier by keeping track of all the machines they are responsible for; organization and control are your friends when it comes to mobile security.
A simple and intuitive program that stays in the background until the moment it's needed is the perfect solution: quietly keeping everyone safe from a crisis and hours of paperwork. As far as security peace-of-mind goes, Notebak is the perfect solution: with the option to recover any and all files on a missing device, or simply wipe out the whole hard drive in one fell swoop makes for a sweet sense of calm. The IT team will have an easy time, as well: Notebak's online control center allows them to see everything that's going on, allowing them concentrate on bigger and better things than record-keeping. If a sensitive laptop goes missing, there's no need to worry: a quick log-in to the online account and the problem is solved; the actual hardware may even be recovered.
Here's hoping that IU's Medical Center takes a long hard look at their laptop security policy, but it needn't be a tough choice: get protection, keep it simple.
Featured image: nerdcoregirl/Flickr, cc via Chicago Tribune
Man Recovers Laptop Stolen During London Riots
London has experienced some pretty rough and bewildering times recently -- residents rioted for several days, destroying several buildings and stirring up a lot of questions. It is the unfortunate nature of riots that some people get hurt and some things get stolen; in this case it was the laptop of Greg Martin, 29, who was visiting from Texas. Upon noticing that his laptop was somehow lifted out of the apartment he was staying in, Martin didn't panic -- at least not too much, that is.
Martin had mobile security software installed on his computer; this allowed him to turn on his computer's webcam to take a picture of the thief, as well as write down the precise coordinates his laptop was being kept at. After giving all this information to the police, all Martin had to go was sit back and wait.
The police recovered the stolen laptop and charged the 18-year old who had it with handling stolen goods. What a great day it is when one is prepared to handle a bad situation! By turning on a webcam and being able to see exact coordinates, something that could have been a terrible experience turned out into a smooth ride -- albeit one a bit too exciting.
Notebak does all of these great things for you, so get prepared today and enjoy having the upper hand should the situation ever arise -- surely, Martin was feeling pretty good about himself.
Featured image: Silveira Neto/Flickr,cc via The Telegraph
Thinking Computer Safety
This blog is my sojourn into the world of mobile security -- a pretty important concept. Consider this: mobile security, in this case, applies to your laptop (unless your desktop gets moved around a lot, that's a realm relegated to simple home security); to have mobile security should mean that you are protected both when you are with your computer, but also when you are separate. That's just what we do: we keep you (i.e. the "you" that is entrenched in the cloud of information stored on your computer) safe. We do that by giving you something which you can install, and never worry about again -- until you find yourself in need of some mobile security.
I admit that I myself wasn't too worried about my own laptop security until pretty recently. But then I saw a dejected post from a friend that had lost his thesis because his laptop was stolen -- and that was at what I assumed was a trusted university library. It got me thinking: have I been risking my precious work this whole time? I started looking into how important mobile security really is, and that's how this blog was born.
If you use your computer for anything more than checking emails, you probably have at least several documents on there you wouldn't be happy to have deleted at a moment's notice. There are items on here you want to keep, possibly forever; but on the other hand, you also don't want to be scared about the prospect of going wherever you please and taking your laptop along with you. That's where we come in: mobile security. You can leave your laptop on a library desk while you make a quick trip to the bathroom -- without packing it all up and awkwardly holding it all; you can go order another drink at the cafe without glancing over your shoulder every couple of seconds; in essence, this simple software gives you freedom.
It's a pretty important part of your life. Learn about it with me.
Featured image: ElvertBarnes/Flickr