Awareness Materials from the California Office of Information Security
Cyber security information that state employees may find useful and helpful in their daily work and while computing at home.
- Backing Up Your Files - February 2010 (.doc, 189k): Loss of data can be devastating, especially if the information cannot be recovered or reproduced. Whether data is lost due to a physical disaster, virus, theft, or accidental deletion, the recovery of the data cannot be accomplished unless you have a plan in place. The need to back up important data to ensure its availability in the event of loss or theft cannot be overstated. Backup and recovery plans are essential not only for government and businesses but also for home users. This Newsletter identifies what users should back up, how to back up data, and what media can be used for backups.
- Cyber Security Trends for 2010 - January 2010 (.doc, 185k): As we begin the new year, it’s an opportune time to assess the cyber security landscape and prepare for what new challenges may lie ahead, as well as what current threats may continue. This Newsletter identifies some new and current cyber security trends we will face in 2010.
- Automatic Software Updates and Patching – December 2009 (.doc, 176k): Security vulnerabilities are flaws in the software that could allow someone to potentially compromise a system. Each year, the volume of software security vulnerabilities discovered increases, and the hacking tools available to exploit these vulnerabilities become more readily available and easier to use. No entity is immune to vulnerabilities, so we must ensure we understand the risks and take appropriate mitigation steps. This Newsletter provides tips on how to update and patch systems in order to protect against potential attacks.
- Online Holiday Shopping Tips – November 2009 (.doc, 202k): The holiday season is approaching quickly and many of us will be shopping online. With the increased volume of online shopping, it's important that consumers understand the potential security risks and know how to protect themselves and their information. The Newsletter provides tips on how to promote a safe and secure online shopping experience.
- Top Ten Cyber Security Tips – October 2009 (.doc, 204k): In recognition of the 2009 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, this Newsletter is designed to provide you with the TOP 10 Cyber Security Tips that you can - and should - use to protect your computer system.
- Cyber Ethics – September 2009 (.doc, 197k): Responsible behavior on the Internet in many ways aligns with acceptable behavior in everyday life, but the consequences can be significantly different. Some people try to hide behind a false sense of anonymity on the Internet, believing that it does not matter if they behave badly online because no one knows who they are or how to identify them. That is not always true. Computers, browsers, and Internet service providers may keep logs of their activities which can be used to identify illegal or inappropriate behavior. This Newsletter defines cyber ethics and identifies responsible behaviors on the Internet.
- Browser Cookies – August 2009 (.doc, 185k): Did you know you can get “browser” cookies almost every time you go on the Internet? These cookies help with Internet commerce, allow quicker access to websites, or can personalize your browsing experience. However, there are some privacy and security issues that you should be aware of, so it is important to understand the purpose of a “browser” cookie and manage their use on your computer appropriately. This Newsletter will help you understand what a “browser” cookie is, what it is used for, and what risks might be associated with using cookies.
- Cybercrime – July 2009 (.doc, 200k): The term “cybercrime” is usually referred to as any criminal offense committed against or with the use of a computer or computer network. For something to be considered a crime; however, requires a law to denote it as such, and the laws have, to this point, lagged behind technology. Existing laws relating to cybercrime oftentimes do not apply to specific acts being investigated and those laws vary from state to state. Some cybercrime may be more easily prosecuted if it is simply viewed as a more commonly recognized crime, e.g. vandalism instead of web defacement. This Newsletter defines cybercrime, identifies the trends in cybercrime, and what you can do if you become a victim.
- Security of Mobile Communication Devices - June 2009 (.doc,199k): Mobile communication devices have become indispensable tools for today's highly mobile society. Small and relatively inexpensive, these multifunction devices can be used not only for voice calls but also text messages, email, Internet access along with stand alone applications similar to those performed on a desktop computer. A significant amount of personal, private, sensitive and/or confidential information may accumulate or be accessed via these devices. This Newsletter identifies some of the risks with these devices and provides steps you can take to protect your personal and work issued mobile communication device.
- Rogue (Fake) Anti-Virus Software: How to Spot It & Avoid It! - May 2009 (.doc,212k): A free PC scan or an offer to clean your computer of supposedly infected files are often attempts by malevolent persons or organizations to install malicious software (malware) such as a Trojan horse, keylogger, or spyware. Such software is referred to as rogue (fake) anti-virus malware. This Newsletter provides information on how to protect your computer from rogue (fake) anti-virus software.
- Security of Credit Card Transactions - April 2009 (.doc,778k) The use of credit cards to pay for goods and services is a common practice around the world. It enables business to be transacted in a convenient and cost effective manner. However, more than 100 million personally-identifiable, customer records have been breached in the US over the past two years. Many of these breaches involved credit card information. Continued use of credits cards requires confidence by consumers that their transaction and credit card information are secure. This Newsletter provides information as to how the credit card industry has responded to security issues and steps you can take to protect your information.
- Social Networking Sites How to Stay Safe - March 2009 (.doc,776k) Social networking sites are online communities of Internet users who want to communicate with other users about areas of mutual interest, whether from a personal, business or academic perspective. The specific functionality of the various sites may differ, but in general, the sites allow you to provide information about yourself and communicate with others through email, chat rooms and other forums. This Newsletter addresses the security concerns of social networking sites and provides tips on what you can do to protect yourself.
- Cyber Security Trends - Feb. 2009 (.doc,785k) Some of the key challenges we face in 2009 are discussed.