Securing Information Systems

Management Information Systems
MANAGING THE DIGITAL FIRM, 12TH EDITION
Lecture 11 (Chapter 8)
SECURING INFORMATION SYSTEMS
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1. Imtech ICT Busiless Solutions (1.38) ; 2. Top 5 Web Security Issues (3.42)

CHAPTER 8: SECURING INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Learning Objectives
Why are information systems vulnerable to destruction, error, and abuse?

What is the business value of security and control?
What are the components of an organizational framework for security and control?
What are the most important tools and technologies for safeguarding information resources?
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System Vulnerability and Abuse
Security:
Policies, procedures and technical measures used to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, theft, or physical damage to information systems
Controls:
Methods, policies, and organizational procedures that ensure safety of organizations assets; accuracy and reliability of its accounting records; and operational adherence to management standards
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Why systems are vulnerable to threats:

Accessibility of networks Hardware problems (breakdowns, configuration errors, damage from improper use or crime) Software problems (programming errors, installation errors, unauthorized changes) Disasters Use of networks/computers outside of firms control Loss and theft of portable devices
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CONTEMPORARY SECURITY CHALLENGES AND VULNERABILITIES
FIGURE 8-1
The architecture of a Web-based application typically includes a Web client, a server, and corporate information systems linked to databases. Each of these components presents security challenges and vulnerabilities. Floods, fires, power failures, and other electrical problems can cause disruptions at any point in the network.
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Internet vulnerabilities
Network open to anyone Size of Internet means abuses can have wide impact Use of fixed Internet addresses with cable or DSL modems creates fixed targets hackers Unencrypted VOIP E-mail, P2P, IM
Interception Attachments with malicious software Transmitting trade secrets

Wireless security challenges

Radio frequency bands easy to scan SSIDs (service set identifiers)
Identify access points Broadcast multiple times War driving
Eavesdroppers drive by buildings and try to detect SSID and gain access to network and resources
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) can be easily penetrated by outsiders

Security standard for 802.11; use is optional Uses shared password for both users and access point Users often fail to implement WEP or stronger systems


WI-FI SECURITY CHALLENGES
Many Wi-Fi networks can be penetrated easily by intruders using sniffer programs to obtain an address to access the resources of a network without authorization.
FIGURE 8-2
The service set identifiers (SSIDs) identifying the access points in a Wi-Fi network are broadcast multiple times (as illustrated by the orange sphere) and can be picked up fairly easily by intruders sniffer programs.

Malware (malicious software)

Viruses
Rogue software program that attaches itself to other software programs or data files in order to be executed
Worms
Independent computer programs that copy themselves from one computer to other computers over a network.
Trojan horses
Software program that appears to be benign but then does something other than expected.
Note: Web 2.0 applications like MySpace and blogs are new conduits for malware and spyware.

Malware (cont.)
SQL injection attacks (largest malware threat)
These attacks enable hackers access to underlying databases that support Web applications, such as sales of products and services, e-commerce financial data, and other classified information.
Spyware
Small programs install themselves surreptitiously on computers to monitor user Web surfing activity and serve up advertising
Key loggers
Record every keystroke on computer to steal serial numbers, passwords, launch Internet attacks

Hackers and computer crime

Hackers vs. crackers Activities include System intrusion System damage Cybervandalism
Intentional disruption, defacement, destruction of Web site or corporate information system

Spoofing
Misrepresenting oneself by using fake e-mail addresses or masquerading as someone else Redirecting Web link to address different from intended one, with site masquerading as intended destination
Sniffer
Eavesdropping program that monitors information traveling over network Enables hackers to steal proprietary information such as e-mail, company files, etc.
Note: There are legitimate uses of sniffing sniffers can help identify (I) network trouble spots or spot criminal activity on a network, (II) copyrighted data being sent over networks, such as pirated music or video files.

Denial-of-service attacks (DoS)

Flooding server with thousands of false requests to crash the network.
Distributed denial-of-service attacks (DDoS)

Use of numerous computers to launch a DoS Botnets
Networks of zombie PCs infiltrated by bot malware Worldwide, 6 - 24 million computers serve as zombie PCs in thousands of botnets
Activity: Check out Mariposa botnet, the largest botnet attack in 2010.

Computer crime
Defined as any violations of criminal law that involve a knowledge of computer technology for their perpetration, investigation, or prosecution Computer may be target of crime, e.g.:
Breaching confidentiality of protected computerized data Accessing a computer system without authority
Computer may be instrument of crime, e.g.:

Theft of trade secrets Using e-mail for threats or harassment Many companies are reluctant to report computer crimes. Why?

Identity theft
Theft of personal Information (social security id, drivers license or credit card numbers) to impersonate someone else
Phishing
Setting up fake Web sites or sending e-mail messages that look like legitimate businesses to ask users for confidential personal data.
Evil twins
Wireless networks that pretend to offer trustworthy Wi-Fi connections to the Internet

Pharming
Redirects users to a bogus Web page, even when individual types correct Web page address into his or her browser
Click fraud
Occurs when individual or computer program fraudulently clicks on online ad without any intention of learning more about the advertiser or making a purchase
Cyberterrorism and Cyberwarfare


Internal threats: employees

Security threats often originate inside an organization Inside knowledge Sloppy security procedures
User lack of knowledge
Social engineering:
Tricking employees into revealing their passwords by pretending to be legitimate members of the company in need of information Note: Some financial institutions assign users a new password every day, or every hour!

Software vulnerability
Commercial software contains flaws that create security vulnerabilities
Hidden bugs (program code defects)
Zero defects cannot be achieved because complete testing is not possible with large programs
Flaws can open networks to intruders
Patches
Vendors release small pieces of software to repair flaws However exploits often created faster than patches be released and implemented E.g. Microsoft releases Service Pack 1 for Vista to enhance security.

Business Value of Security and Control
Failed computer systems can lead to significant or total loss of business function
Firms now more vulnerable than ever
Confidential personal and financial data Trade secrets, new products, strategies
A security breach may cut into firms market value almost immediately Inadequate security and controls also bring forth issues of liability
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Business Value of Security and Control
Electronic evidence
Evidence for white collar crimes often in digital form
Data on computers, e-mail, instant messages, ecommerce transactions
Proper control of data can save time and money when responding to legal discovery request
Computer forensics:
Scientific collection, examination, authentication, preservation, and analysis of data from computer storage media for use as evidence in court of law Includes recovery of ambient and hidden data

Establishing a Framework for Security and Control
Information systems controls

Manual and automated controls General and application controls
General controls
Govern design, security, and use of computer programs and security of data files in general throughout organizations information technology infrastructure. Apply to all computerized applications Combination of hardware, software, and manual procedures to create overall control environment
1 2
Note: Framework for Security includes IS controls, understanding of IS risks, and security policies.
1. Best Antivirus 2012 (3.44) ; 2. ABC News Smartphone (2.18)
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Types of general controls

Software controls Hardware controls Computer operations controls Data security controls Implementation controls Administrative controls

Application controls
Specific controls unique to each computerized application, such as payroll or order processing Include both automated and manual procedures Ensure that only authorized data are completely and accurately processed by that application Include:
Input controls Processing controls Output controls

Risk assessment: Determines level of risk to firm if specific activity or process is not properly controlled
Types of threat Probability of occurrence during year Potential losses, value of threat Expected annual loss
EXPOSURE Power failure PROBABILITY 30% LOSS RANGE (AVG) $5K - $200K ($102,500) $1K - $50K ($25,500) $200 - $40K ($20,100) EXPECTED ANNUAL LOSS $30,750 $1,275 $19,698
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Embezzlement 5% User error

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98%

Identity management
Business processes and tools to identify valid users of system and control access
Identifies and authorizes different categories of users Specifies which portion of system users can access Authenticating users and protects identities
Identity management systems

Captures access rules for different levels of users


SECURITY PROFILES FOR A PERSONNEL SYSTEM
These two examples represent two security profiles or data security patterns that might be found in a personnel system. Depending on the security profile, a user would have certain restrictions on access to various systems, locations, or data in an organization.
FIGURE 8-3
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Disaster recovery planning: Devises plans for restoration of disrupted services

Business continuity planning: Focuses on restoring business operations after disaster
Both types of plans needed to identify firms most critical systems Business impact analysis to determine impact of an outage Management must determine which systems restored first

MIS audit
Examines firms overall security environment as well as controls governing individual information systems Reviews technologies, procedures, documentation, training, and personnel. May even simulate disaster to test response of technology, IS staff, other employees. Lists and ranks all control weaknesses and estimates probability of their occurrence. Assesses financial and organizational impact of each threat

Technologies and Tools for Protecting Information Resources
Identity management software

Automates keeping track of all users and privileges Authenticates users, protecting identities, controlling access
Authentication

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Password systems Tokens Smart cards Biometric authentication (can you give some examples?)
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Firewall:
Combination of hardware and software that prevents unauthorized users from accessing private networks
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A CORPORATE FIREWALL
FIGURE 8-5
The firewall is placed between the firms private network and the public Internet or another distrusted network to protect against unauthorized traffic.
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Intrusion detection systems:

Monitor hot spots on corporate networks to detect and deter intruders Examines events as they are happening to discover attacks in progress
Antivirus and antispyware software:

Checks computers for presence of malware and can often eliminate it as well Require continual updating
Unified threat management (UTM) systems


Securing wireless networks

WEP security can provide some security by Assigning unique name to networks SSID and not broadcasting SSID Using it with VPN technology Wi-Fi Alliance finalized WAP2 specification, replacing WEP with stronger standards Continually changing keys Encrypted authentication system with central server

Encryption:
Transforming text or data into cipher text that cannot be read by unintended recipients Two methods for encryption on networks Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and successor Transport Layer Security (TLS) Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (SHTTP)

Two methods of encryption

Symmetric key encryption Sender and receiver use single, shared key Public key encryption Uses two, mathematically related keys: Public key and private key Sender encrypts message with recipients public key Recipient decrypts with private key
Note: the strength of an encryption key is measured by its bit length.


PUBLIC KEY ENCRYPTION
FIGURE 8-6
A public key encryption system can be viewed as a series of public and private keys that lock data when they are transmitted and unlock the data when they are received. The sender locates the recipients public key in a directory and uses it to encrypt a message. The message is sent in encrypted form over the Internet or a private network. When the encrypted message arrives, the recipient uses his or her private key to decrypt the data and read the message.
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Digital certificate:
Data file used to establish the identity of users and electronic assets for protection of online transactions Uses a trusted third party, certification authority (CA), to validate a users identity CA verifies users identity, stores information in CA server, which generates encrypted digital certificate containing owner ID information and copy of owners public key
Public key infrastructure (PKI)

Use of public key cryptography working with certificate authority Widely used in e-commerce

DIGITAL CERTIFICATES
Digital certificates help establish the identity of people or electronic assets. They protect online transactions by providing secure, encrypted, online communication.
FIGURE 8-7
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Ensuring system availability
Online transaction processing requires 100% availability, no downtime
Fault-tolerant computer systems

For continuous availability, e.g. stock markets Contain redundant hardware, software, and power supply components that create an environment that provides continuous, uninterrupted service
High-availability computing
Helps recover quickly from crash Minimizes, does not eliminate downtime E.g backup servers, high capacity storage, good disaster recovery, and business continuity plans.

Recovery-oriented computing
Designing systems that recover quickly with capabilities to help operators pinpoint and correct of faults in multi-component systems
Controlling network traffic

Deep packet inspection (DPI)
Video and music blocking
Security outsourcing
Managed security service providers (MSSPs)

Security in the cloud

Responsibility for security resides with company owning the data Firms must ensure providers provides adequate protection Service level agreements (SLAs)
Securing mobile platforms

Security policies should include and cover any special requirements for mobile devices
E.g. updating smart phones with latest security patches, etc.

Ensuring software quality

Software metrics: Objective assessments of system in form of quantified measurements
Number of transactions Online response time Payroll checks printed per hour Known bugs per hundred lines of code
Early and regular testing Walkthrough: Review of specification or design document by small group of qualified people Debugging: Process by which errors are eliminated
1. Yokogawa IA System Security Solutions (14.43)
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Securing Information Systems

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What are some of the vulnerabilities that information systems face?

What are some of the vulnerabilities that information systems face?

What are some methods and tools used to protect information resources?

What are some methods and tools used to protect information resources?

Management Information Systems

MANAGING THE DIGITAL FIRM, 12TH EDITION

Management Information Systems

Why are information systems vulnerable to destruction, error, and abuse?

Prentice Hall 2011

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Prentice Hall 2011

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Why systems are vulnerable to threats:

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

CONTEMPORARY SECURITY CHALLENGES AND VULNERABILITIES

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Wireless security challenges

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) can be easily penetrated by outsiders

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Malware (malicious software)

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Hackers and computer crime

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Denial-of-service attacks (DoS)

Distributed denial-of-service attacks (DDoS)

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Computer may be instrument of crime, e.g.:

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Cyberterrorism and Cyberwarfare

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Internal threats: employees

Management Information Systems

System Vulnerability and Abuse

Flaws can open networks to intruders

Management Information Systems

Business Value of Security and Control

Management Information Systems

Business Value of Security and Control

Management Information Systems