Introduction to Information Security

Understanding Security• Security is the goal to be free from danger as well as the process

that achieves that freedom

• Security is the necessary steps to protect a person or property from harm.

• This harm may come from one of two sources:• Direct action• Indirect and unintentional action

• Security is sacrificing convenience for safety

Security• Existed since the dawn of time

• The What’s and How’s• What we want to protect• How are we going to do it

• Not a new topic but ever changing with emersion of different valuables and needs

Enter the Digital Age

• Most companies conduct business across the Internet.

• Millions of people perform online transactions every day.

• Vast amounts of money are transferred via networks, in the form of either bank transactions or simple credit card purchases.

Challenges of Securing Information

• Fifty years ago, computers and data were uncommon.

• Computer hardware was a high-value item and security was mainly a physical issue.

• Now, personal computers are ubiquitous and portable, making them much more difficult to secure physically.

• Computers are often connected to the Internet.

• The value of the data on computers often exceeds the value of the equipment.• Transition from Physical Attacks to Virtual ones

• Mainframes Digital World• WaterGate

Defining Security• Computer security is not a simple concept to define.

• If one is referring to a computer, then it can be considered secure when the computer does what it is supposed to do and only what it is supposed to do.

• However, the security emphasis has shifted from the computer to the information being processed.

• Information security is defined by the information being protected from unauthorized access or alteration and yet is available to authorized individuals when required.

Today’s Security Attacks• Balances manipulated on prepaid debit cards

• Home Wi-Fi network attacked

• Social Media accounts exploited

• Web Based Finances

• Ploutus ATM malware

• Exploiting Email Scams

• Manipulate aircraft and ocean vessels

• Electronic data records stolen

Question• What do you believe are reasons why there is an increase in digital

information attacks?• On Individuals• On Businesses

Today’s Security Attacks• Balances manipulated on prepaid debit cards

• Home Wi-Fi network attacked

• Social Media accounts exploited

• Web Based Finances

• Ploutus ATM malware

• Exploiting Email Scams

• Manipulate aircraft and ocean vessels

• Electronic data records stolen

Question:• Do you know what most of today’s security attacks have in

common?