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Tuesday 17 November 2015

George Osborne is not a security expert.

Osborne is talking about attacks by Daesh on our computers. He also said "They do not yet have that capability. But we know they want it, and are doing their best to build it."

And I'd like to acquire a unicorn. It isn't so easy. You can buy a computer easily, but buying expertise isn't so easy.

So what should we do? Here's Osborne again:

the public needed to follow "basic rules of keeping themselves safe" online.

 This could be achieved by installing security software, downloading software updates and using strong passwords. 

 So that's his answer?

1) The main route of attacks today is via emailed trojans and malware web sites. I don't know of any product that protects against emailed trojans, which I think is strange, because such a product could be written, and I've explained in previous posts how to do that. Malware web sites can be countered by disabling javascript.

2) Software updates are, these days, automated. You don't have to download them, your computer does that, and installs them.

3) Weak passwords aren't how the Bad People get access to your system. The danger is password reuse; using the same password at multiple places.

Mr Osborne also announced the creation of a new National Cyber Centre to bring together the country's leading experts.

They haven't asked me yet.

5 comments:

  1. Dear Dr. Solly,

    Could you please give me your address I wish to invite you to a meeting,

    Yours sincerely,

    Osbourne (G)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've uploaded my address to your computer, look for a file drsolly.txt.

      Delete
    2. i would if i could but all the letters are falling off the screen!! Did you do something to the file?

      Delete
    3. It's OK, they're supposed to do that. There's a tray at the bottom of the screen that collects them, and they get recycled back into your computer.

      Delete
  2. Actually Doc, Mr Osbourne only lives up the road from you, so it shouldn't take him too long to come knocking!

    ReplyDelete