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Book Review: Security Law Handbook

Shopping Safely Online

Corruption Perceptions Index: Transparency International



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Security Law Handbook
Edited by Garett Seivold
Institute of Management and Administration, Newark, NJ, 2009, 175 pages, spiral bound, $395.
Order at 973-718-4700 or www.ioma.com/corporate_security.


Normally, a legal reference document would not be reviewed in Security Management. However, today’s litigious society mandates that senior security professionals be familiar with liability issues and legal trends that can have an impact on our profession. The evolving world of technology brings with it a number of issues that previously were not the matters of concern they have become–ranging from monitoring and surveillance to privacy to data breeches. These increase the potential liability issues that confront both the private and public sectors.

Security Law Handbook justifiably describes itself as an “essential guide for the corporate security department.” It covers a wide variety of legal issues requiring consideration by private sector security managers. Its editor organized this guide into 9 overall chapters. Each covers a broad area of concern, such as acts of terrorism, privacy claims, premises liability, etc. Within each chapter the manual discusses various subcategories and the potential liability associated with each. Management strategies to minimize and mitigate these situations are discussed. Although the emphasis is on legalities and lawsuits, security professionals will find much useful information that will help them deal with their responsibilities–especially in a very helpful chart that provides a matrix of liability issues and provides guidance for managers in identifying potential exposure to security-related lawsuits.

Security Law Handbook may very well help you spare your organization the expense and bad publicity of a preventable lawsuit. It is expensive, but it will help you keep up with current and evolving trends in security litigation, as well as best practices in prevention.

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US_CERT

Shopping Safely Online


Online shopping has become a popular way to purchase items without the hassles of traffic and crowds. However, the Internet has unique risks, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself when shopping online.

Why do online shoppers have to take special precautions?

The Internet offers a convenience that is not available from any other shopping outlet. From the comfort of your home, you can search for items from countless vendors, compare prices with a few simple mouse clicks, and make purchases without waiting in line. However, the Internet is also convenient for attackers, giving them multiple ways to access the personal and financial information of unsuspecting shoppers. Attackers who are able to obtain this information may use it for their own financial gain, either by making purchases themselves or by selling the information to someone else.

How do attackers target online shoppers?

There are three common ways that attackers can take advantage of online shoppers:

  • Targeting vulnerable computers - If you do not take steps to protect your computer from viruses or other malicious code, an attacker may be able to gain access to your computer and all of the information on it. It is also important for vendors to protect their computers to prevent attackers from accessing customer databases.
  • Creating fraudulent sites and email messages - Unlike traditional shopping, where you know that a store is actually the store it claims to be, attackers can create malicious web sites that mimic legitimate ones or create email messages that appear to have been sent from a legitimate source. Charities may also be misrepresented in this way, especially after natural disasters or during holiday seasons. Attackers create these malicious sites and email messages to try to convince you to supply personal and financial information.
  • Intercepting insecure transactions - If a vendor does not use encryption, an attacker may be able to intercept your information as it is being transmitted.
How can you protect yourself?

  • Use and maintain anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software - Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the data on your own computer and leave you vulnerable by using anti-virus software and a firewall. Make sure to keep your virus definitions up to date. Spyware or adware hidden in software programs may also give attackers access to your data, so use a legitimate anti-spyware program to scan your computer and remove any of these files.
  • Keep software, particularly your web browser, up to date - Install software patches so that attackers cannot take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities. Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should enable it.
  • Evaluate your software's settings - The default settings of most software enable all available functionality. However, attackers may be able to take advantage of this functionality to access your computer. It is especially important to check the settings for software that connects to the Internet (browsers, email clients, etc.). Apply the highest level of security available that still gives you the functionality you need.
  • Do business with reputable vendors - Before providing any personal or financial information, make sure that you are interacting with a reputable, established vendor. Some attackers may try to trick you by creating malicious web sites that appear to be legitimate, so you should verify the legitimacy before supplying any information. Locate and note phone numbers and physical addresses of vendors in case there is a problem with your transaction or your bill.
  • Take advantage of security features - Passwords and other security features add layers of protection if used appropriately.
  • Be wary of emails requesting information - Attackers may attempt to gather information by sending emails requesting that you confirm purchase or account information. Legitimate businesses will not solicit this type of information through email.
  • Check privacy policies - Before providing personal or financial information, check the web site's privacy policy. Make sure you understand how your information will be stored and used.
  • Make sure your information is being encrypted - Many sites use SSL, or secure sockets layer, to encrypt information. Indications that your information will be encrypted include a URL that begins with "https:" instead of "http:" and a lock icon in the bottom right corner of the window.
  • Use a credit card - Unlike debit cards, credit cards may have a limit on the monetary amount you will be responsible for paying if your information is stolen and used by someone else. You can further minimize damage by using a single credit card with a low credit line for all of your online purchases.
  • Check your statements - Keep a record of your purchases and copies of confirmation pages, and compare them to your bank statements. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.

_________________________________________________________________

Both the National Cyber Security Alliance and US-CERT have identified this topic as one of the top tips for home users.
_________________________________________________________________

Authors: Mindi McDowell, Monica Maher.
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Courtesy of US-CERT, a government organization.


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Corruption Perceptions Index: Transparency International

Corruption Perceptions Index 2011 View Country Results

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Demands for better government must be heeded

Public outcry at corruption, impunity and economic instability sent shockwaves around the world in 2011. Protests in many countries quickly spread to unite people from all parts of society. Their backgrounds may be diverse, but their message is the same: more transparency and accountability is needed from our leaders.

The 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that public frustration is well founded. No region or country in the world is immune to the damages of corruption, the vast majority of the 183 countries and territories assessed score below five on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean.) New Zealand, Denmark and Finland top the list, while North Korea and Somalia are at the bottom.

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks countries and territories according to their perceived levels of public sector corruption. It is an aggregate indicator that combines different sources of information about corruption, making it possible to compare countries.

The 2011 index draws on assessments and opinion surveys carried out by independent and reputable institutions. These surveys and assessments include questions related to the bribery of public officials, kickbacks in public procurement, embezzlement of public funds, and the effectiveness of public sector anti-corruption efforts. Perceptions are used because corruption is to a great extent a hidden activity that is difficult to measure. Over time, perceptions have proved to be a reliable estimate of corruption.

“This year we have seen corruption on protestors’ banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government,” said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International.

Public sector governance that puts the interests of its citizens first is a responsibility that transcends borders. Governments must act accordingly. For their part, citizens need to continue demanding better performance from their leaders.

If we work together, the situation shown by this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index can improve. These are our countries and our future.

Full table and rankings

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks countries/territories based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be. A country/territory’s score indicates the perceived level of public sector corruption on a scale of 0 - 10, where 0 means that a country is perceived as highly corrupt and 10 means that a country is perceived as very clean. A country's rank indicates its position relative to the other countries/territories included in the index.

Courtesy of Transparency International.


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