In the recent times, there has been spate of indiscriminate cyber-attacks on government bodies, business organizations, defense contractors, and security firms and media organizations. European Union (EU) member states have reportedly agreed for more stringent measures to curb the ever-increasing menace of cybercrime. According to the new proposal, first reported in Reuters, cyber-attackers causing serious damage to computer systems may face sentence of around five years. Cyber-attackers making use of botnets, which are networks of several compromised computer systems to disseminate spam and phishing e-mails may face tougher penalties. EU member states also propose to treat illegal interception of data as a criminal offence. The member states have also reportedly agreed to set up a cybercrime unit, under Europol, the European police agency. European parliament has to approve the latest proposals to come into effect. The latest proposal comes after a series of security incidents including those on computer systems of French government department, Sony Corporation, Nintendo, Codemasters, Google, Lockheed Martin, and Citigroup. Some of the attacks have led to compromise of sensitive information related to millions of customers worldwide. Security professionals of the organization are investigating the incident.
There is a growing concern over use of cyber space for cyber warfare by nation states. Terrorist organizations may also leverage the easily available attack tool kits to target critical infrastructural facilities. Attacks on important facilities may not only disrupt operations of critical facilities, but also pose threat to national security. Organizations and government bodies must place high emphasis on security of critical infrastructure facilities such as energy sector, power grids, water supply, telecommunication networks, and nuclear installations among several others. Regular evaluation of the IT security scenario through professionals qualified in IT masters degree and cyber security experts may allow organizations to formulate strategies, and mechanism to strengthen IT infrastructure. Preparation of holistic business continuity plans may allow organizations to effectively deal with security incidents, and ensure early restoration of critical business activities. IT professionals may leverage online technology degree programs to update their technical skills and know-how.
Employees must be well-informed on information security practices, Do’s and Don’ts in case of security incidents, and appropriate procedures for reporting security incidents. Organizations must update employees on latest Internet-based security threats, and precautionary measures to safeguard computer systems from unauthorized access and security breach incidents. Online computer degree programs may help employees in gaining understanding of different types of security threats, and measures to avoid falling prey to sophisticated attacks from cybercriminals. Governments must also have regular training programs for counter crime professionals to make them up to date with latest security threats, and modus operandi adopted by cyber-attackers.
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EC-Council
Website: http://www.eccuni.us
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EC-Council University is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico and offers Master of Security Science (MSS) degree to students from various backgrounds such as graduates, IT Professionals, and military students amongst several others. The MSS is offered as a 100% online degree program and allows EC-Council University to reach students from not only the United States, but from all around the world.
EC-Council is a member-based organization that certifies individuals in cybersecurity and e-commerce skills. It is the owner and developer of 16 security certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) and EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)/License Penetration Tester (LPT). Its certificate programs are offered in over 60 countries around the world.
EC-Council has trained over 80,000 individuals and certified more than 30,000 members, through more than 450 training partners globally. These certifications are recognized worldwide and have received endorsements from various government agencies including the U.S. federal government via the Montgomery GI Bill, Department of Defense via DoD 8570.01-M, National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS). EC-Council also operates the global series of Hacker Halted security conferences.
