Why is SSL More Secure?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a cryptographic protocol that provides secure communication over the internet. It has been succeeded by Transport Layer Security (TLS), which is the more commonly used term today. Here are some reasons why SSL/TLS is considered more secure: Encryption: SSL/TLS uses encryption to protect data transmitted between a client (such as… Continue reading Why is SSL More Secure?

Passwords: security, vulnerability, constraints

Hervé Debar, Télécom SudParis – Institut Mines-Télécom What is a password? A password is a secret linked to an identity. It associates two elements, something we own (a bank card, badge, telephone, fingerprint) and what we know (password or code). Passwords are widely used for computers, telephones and banking. The simplest form is the numerical… Continue reading Passwords: security, vulnerability, constraints

Internet of Things: when objects threaten national security

Tim Stevens, King’s College London We all know personal devices can be hacked, but a whole country’s security could be at risk too. With the rise of the so-called Internet of Things (IoT), and against the backdrop of cyberwarfare, digital surveillance and digital subversion, the risk to national security is increasing. Earlier this year the… Continue reading Internet of Things: when objects threaten national security

Lessons from ‘Star Trek: Picard’ – a cybersecurity expert explains how a sci-fi series illuminates today’s threats

Richard Forno, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Editor’s note: This article contains plot spoilers. Society’s understanding of technology and cybersecurity often is based on simple stereotypes and sensational portrayals in the entertainment media. I’ve written about how certain scenarios are entertaining but misleading. Think of black-clad teenage hackers prowling megacities challenging corporate villains. Or think… Continue reading Lessons from ‘Star Trek: Picard’ – a cybersecurity expert explains how a sci-fi series illuminates today’s threats

It’s being called Russia’s most sophisticated cyber espionage tool. What is Snake, and why is it so dangerous?

Greg Skulmoski, Bond University Like most people I check my emails in the morning, wading through a combination of work requests, spam and news alerts peppering my inbox. But yesterday brought something different and deeply disturbing. I noticed an alert from the American Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) about some very devious malware that… Continue reading It’s being called Russia’s most sophisticated cyber espionage tool. What is Snake, and why is it so dangerous?

Defending hospitals against life-threatening cyberattacks

Mohammad S. Jalali, MIT Sloan School of Management Like any large company, a modern hospital has hundreds – even thousands – of workers using countless computers, smartphones and other electronic devices that are vulnerable to security breaches, data thefts and ransomware attacks. But hospitals are unlike other companies in two important ways. They keep medical… Continue reading Defending hospitals against life-threatening cyberattacks

Fortnite is setting a dangerous security trend

Jason R.C. Nurse, University of Kent Cybercriminals have just been given yet another route to get malicious software (malware) onto your personal mobile devices. The hugely popular video game Fortnite has become one of the first major apps to bypass official app stores and encourage users to download its software directly. In doing so, it’s… Continue reading Fortnite is setting a dangerous security trend

What teenagers need to know about cybersecurity

Sanjay Goel, University at Albany, State University of New York Now that school is back in session, many high schoolers have new phones, new computers and new privileges for using their devices – and new responsibilities too. High schoolers today are more technology-savvy than average adults. While many people think that young people use their… Continue reading What teenagers need to know about cybersecurity

A cancer centre is the latest victim of cyber attacks. Why health data hacks keep happening

Mohiuddin Ahmed, Edith Cowan University and Paul Haskell-Dowland, Edith Cowan University It seems hardly a day goes by without another report of a cyber crime incident. With Medibank still fresh in our minds, the latest attack is on a Sydney-based cancer treatment facility, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre in Westmead Hospital. The cyber criminal group… Continue reading A cancer centre is the latest victim of cyber attacks. Why health data hacks keep happening

Blockchains won’t fix internet voting security – and could make it worse

Ari Juels, Cornell University; Ittay Eyal, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and Oded Naor, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology Looking to modernize voting practices, speed waiting times at the polls, increase voter turnout and generally make voting more convenient, many government officials – and some companies hawking voting systems – are looking to… Continue reading Blockchains won’t fix internet voting security – and could make it worse