NIST Reviews Standards for Network Access Control Programs and Others

In the long run, the action can be instrumental to assuring computer users of the privacy of the information they share over the Web, as well as boosting security systems for businesses using encryption protocols. The institute reinforced this in their official announcement by saying, “If any current guidance does not meet the high standards set out in this process, we will address these issues as quickly as possible.”

Where vendors of network access protection systems and other security programs are concerned, the possible revamp and resulting recommendations will do much to improve the way they design their products. Respected providers such as Access Smart, LLC will then be able to fortify their features so they can grant optimum security to customers’ information at the point-of-entry.
http://www.access-smart.com/nist-reviews-standards-network-access-control-programs-others-2013-11-18/

Power LogOn® Provides Network Access Control Solutions for NeMCMHA

“Ladera Ranch, California (October 1, 2013) – Power LogOn® by Access Smart is providing network access control solutions for the North East Michigan Community Mental Health Authority (NeMCMHA). The software’s strong security features help the healthcare service provider protect their digital information and adhere to the standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act).

According to Aaron Flick, Network Coordinator for NeMCMHA, Power LogOn® has all the features they look for in cyber access solutions: password security and management, multi-factor authentication into existing application, Active Directory and VMware compatibility, and employee ease-of-use.

The software offers the convenience of a cyber access card. It is also affordable because it works in both server and stand-alone based computers and requires no subscription fees. Moreover, it is able to transfer
http://www.access-smart.com/power-logon-provides-network-access-control-solutions-nemcmha-2013-10-01/

Data Security Threats & Points of Vulnerability

Threats exist in all aspects of our lives. In computer security, threats are probable dangers that exploit the specific vulnerabilities of an organization. A fully realized threat could lead to security breaches, which can harm an organization. Threats can be intentional (as when an individual hacks into a secure network) or accidental (resulting from natural disasters or computer malfunctions).

Threats can also result from the loss of essential services, like a power outage or a disruption in telecommunications, and breaches in information security because of leaks, theft of media, and the retrieval of discarded information. Companies that provide flexible network access protection solutions state that the business premises itself and the employees who work in it are also classified as points of vulnerability.

Building security should be reinforced using CCTV monitoring systems, physical access monitoring, and security policies designed to safeguard vital data. Security policies should also cover employee work practices and conduct. For example, employees should not be allowed to leave their computers unattended or access secured networks in unsafe or public environments.

Devices that have been integrated into the network access control (NAC) system should also be reinforced with secure access authentication, data storage encryption, and periodic software security updates. Data encryption is the process of encoding information to prevent unauthorized users from reading it. While data encryption does not prevent hackers from performing security breaches, it can prevent hackers from reading encrypted data.

Need for Network Access Control and Protection Emphasized with Apple Security Breach

“If a major brand in modern technology and communication known for its virus and malware impenetrability can be infiltrated by cyber criminals, there’s no doubt that growing corporations and small businesses are likewise vulnerable. Fortunately, there are many ways for you to secure your organization’s computer network, and you can get started by having an efficient network access control system. With the right attitude and priority given to computer network security, you can be assured that your vital data won’t fall into the wrong hands.

According to the news report, Apple claims that the hack only affected a number of developer accounts wherein developers’ names, addresses, and email addresses might have been accessed. Since most of the information on the servers are encrypted, Apple is confident that iTunes accounts and customer credit card details were not compromised. However, this incident clearly tells everybody, especially stakeholders, that one of the very first things to
http://www.access-smart.com/need-network-access-control-protection-emphasized-apple-security-breach-2013-07-22/

Access Smart Offers New FIPS-Validated Password Management Software

“Ladera Ranch, California (Sept. 20, 2013) – Access Smart, LCC is offering their newest password management software called Power LogOn for government agencies, corporations, and business. The product was given a Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 validation by laboratory InfoGard, a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-approved laboratory.

The Power LogOn network access control solution works by allowing IT managers to centrally control their passwords. This system paves way for better password management as employees no longer need to type in or remember their passwords. Moreover, other problems like resetting a forgotten password are eliminated.”
http://www.access-smart.com/access-smart-offers-new-fips-validated-password-management-software-2013-10-03/

How a Business’ Security May Be Breached

Protecting the company’s systems and data is important to any business. Any unauthorized entry into its system can result in serious consequences to the company’s operations, such as corporate identity theft or sabotage. Unfortunately, there are many inventive and determined groups and individuals who are capable of breaching some of the most reliable security measures set up by a company, using various methods and techniques.

The simplest way to illegally get company data is through a physical breach. Thieves can steal PC’s, laptops, and other devices that may contain important and confidential information. Data Capture is another form of security breach, and targets information contained on magnetic card stripes, such as those found in credit cards. Many fraudsters use a device to capture data from card readers and ATM machines.

Another way is through an electronic breach, where unauthorized persons enter a company’s system and access its sensitive data electronically. Typically, an electronic breach is successful when there are lapses in the company’s security systems. These lapses may include loopholes in the company’s firewall, or inadequate password protection. To prevent electronic lapses from happening, a business should periodically monitor and update its security systems. The right kind of security system should come with adequate protection measures to keep off intruders, and effective monitoring systems that can immediately identify a possible breach.

Enhancing Information Assurance with NAC

Computers have changed the way people work, communicate, and entertain themselves. Computer technology and other innovations have dramatically changed the way business is done and data is processed. Despite the various practical, intellectual, and creative advantages that computer technology offers, the fear of losing valuable stored data to malicious third parties or software remains a real threat.

Data loss and infiltration are two worst case scenarios for any IT department; however, securing entire networks is never an easy undertaking. Fortunately, companies, organizations, and individuals can now secure their data and networks using the latest Network Access Control (NAC) protocols.

In IT, a vulnerability is defined as a weakness which enables attackers to reduce a system’s information assurance. Companies and organizations tend to have six major vulnerabilities, and various methods of identifying, managing, and countering these vulnerabilities can increase information assurance. These vulnerabilities are classified as hardware, software, network, personnel, organizational, and site.

Securing the building or site is the first line of defense for such companies and organizations. Before buying or renting out office space, various vulnerabilities should be identified and studied, while the correct counter measures should be established to reduce the impact of these vulnerabilities. Aside from securing the building—as well as its hardware, software, and networks—employees should be issued password protected company IDs to reduce unauthorized access to confidential information.

Why Network Access Protection Is Important

In a study conducted in 2007, it was learned that an individual with as many as 25 Web accounts only uses 6.5 different passwords to protect them. These individuals also commonly use the same e-mail address as the username for their various accounts. This means that once the password for any of an individual’s Web accounts had been cracked, the security of the rest is also compromised.

Other factors have also increased the probability of Web accounts getting hacked in recent times. One of these is the speed by which computers and networks have been operating; higher computing speeds fuel the process of cracking passwords. Through the years, hackers have also designed more sophisticated programs that can crack even passwords considered to have the most difficult combination of characters. High computing speeds plus password-cracking programs allow hackers to decode even the most difficult passwords in just a matter of days.

This vulnerability in networks and computing systems is crucial for many reasons. On the national level, critical information and state secrets leaked to the wrong hands can cause grave security threats. On the business level, companies’ trade secrets or plans may be used by rival companies in the struggle to gain the upper hand. Among individuals, leaked personal information may be used in identity theft, which has been the fastest growing white-collar crime in recent times. Businesses are also vulnerable to identity theft.