Solutionary Minds - Your Information Security Blog Source

During this holiday season many of us will likely exchange really cool gifts with friends, co-workers, and family. Some of us will be lucky to receive some of the latest advances in technology, such as iPads, smart phones, computers, and anything else you can think of with blinking lights and promise of hours of enjoyment. Let’s face it, it’s a time of giving and a great time to reward ourselves and each other for all the great work we did in 2011.

If you’re like me, there is nothing more fun than ripping off the wrapping paper and getting right into playing with some of these fun electronic wonderlands. However, I am cursed with always thinking:

 “Cool new iPad; wonder what version of iOS it is running?”

I guess it is just part of being in the information security industry and part what keeps me diligent about staying secure.

I can’t help but think how many people around the world will be opening brand new computers and devices on Christmas day and jumping right on the information super highway. I also can’t help but wonder how many malicious attackers are lurking in the shadows to take control of those systems.

For those of us who battled in the department stores on Black Friday went home, wrapped gifts, and put them under the tree, great job! But now it’s about 30 days later and these new gems will be unwrapped and enjoyed.

Unfortunately, security and newly discovered vulnerabilities don’t take vacation. Over the last 30 days there have been quite a few new vulnerabilities identified in some of the toys we may be receiving over the holidays.

Conclusion: Many of the gifts you may be receiving this holiday are probably about a month behind on security patches. In some cases, your new toy may be immediately susceptible to attack due to these missing patches (Isn’t security stuff fun).

Some good guidelines to follow:
•    Take a few minutes to enjoy your new toys
•    Check to see if it is up to date for security patches
•    If the product is capable, enable automatic updates
•    Follow product recommendations for using security options it may have available

Solutionary wishes all of our clients and blog followers a happy holiday season. Stay safe and let’s ring in the New Year with best wishes to our friends, family and fellow mankind.