Officer Ward

Officer Ward
Cyber Defender & Detention Center Security Officer

Officer Ward believes that most people who disrespect the privelages of Cyberspace are more ignorant than criminal, and that most cyber criminals can be rehabilitated into faithful cyber citizens through education about the dangers of delinquency in Cyberspace.

Working closely with Commander Omni and the Cyber Defense Academy, Officer Ward hopes to secure Cyberspace for everyone.

Favorite Quote:

It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do
- John Baptiste Moliere

Favorite Food:

Cupcakes

Interests:

Coaching softball, fishing, catching cyber criminals

November 24 2008

Cyber Crimes: Computer Theft

As silly as it may sound, the easiest way for a cyber criminal to steal data and identities is to simply steal the computers that store them. Some cyber criminals will even break into company or government buildings to steal their servers, obtaining thousands of people's confidential information in one attack.

Use common sense and don't make it easy for anyone to walk off with your computer or mobile devices. Don't leave them lying around in public, in a car, or near a window that a thief could easily break into to steal them. If you can't take them with you, always try to lock them up in a drawer or closet if you have to leave. Refer to Dr. Keen's post Cyber Defense Tip: Physical Security for more tips for keeping devices that contain your personal information safe.

But what about if someone breaks into your house? There are a number of physical devices you can use to make it difficult to remove your machine. These include metal plates to anchor the computer to your desk, cables to tie your computer down that set off an alarm when they are cut, and laptop safes to lock your computer in. These make it more difficult for a casual thief to grab your machine and run, but they aren't guaranteed.

In case your machine ever does get stolen, you can protect your data with strong passwords and devices that will keep someone else from accessing it, like fingerprint scanners. You can also take measures to make it easier to recover your machine. Keep a record of the model and serial number of your computer and devices. Report a theft immediately to the police. There are also software programs you can install that can track down and help you recover a stolen machine.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Cyber Crimes

November 14 2008

Jax and Sparky

I’m very impressed by Sparky and Jax. Ever since returning from their ordeal last year they have been the image of good cyber citizens. I think the intensity of Ex-Commander Nils really shook them up.

As a reward for their good behavior, I’ve been letting them out of their cells so they can help out around the Detention Center. Sparky has taken to cyber defense like a duck to water, sometimes he lingers in my office for hours while we discuss cyber crime and invent strategies to combat it. Jax has been working with Betty to develop a cyber bullying counseling forum so she can share her experience and help others.

The two of them have really come a long way since they were first admitted to the Detention Center. Even Commander Omni sees it, she asked me to extend a special invitation to Jax and Sparky to come to our Thanksgiving day feast. The kids are really excited, we’ve been cooking up a plan to bring something super delicious to share with everyone.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Miscellaneous

November 10 2008

Cyber Criminals: Attack Techniques

Before the Internet, criminals had to dig through people’s trash or intercept their mail to steal their personal information. They would search for credit card receipts, bank statements, tax notices, and other bills that had this information printed on them. Now that all of this information is available online, criminals also use the Internet to steal people’s identities by hacking into their account, tricking them into revealing the information, or installing malware.

Here are a few types of attacks cyber criminals use to commit crimes. You may recognize a few of them:

  • Botnet – a network of software robots, or bots, that automatically spread malicious software
  • Fast Flux – moving data quickly among the computers in a botnet to make it difficult to trace the source of malware or phishing Web sites
  • Zombie Computer – a computer that has been hacked into and is used to launch malicious attacks or to become part of a botnet
  • Social Engineering – using lies and manipulation to trick people into revealing their personal information. Phishing is a form of social engineering
  • Denial of Service attacks – flooding a network or server with traffic in order to make it unavailable to its users
  • Skimmers – Devices that steal credit card information when the card is swiped through them. This can happen in stores or restaurants when the card is out of the owner’s view, and frequently the credit card information is then sold online through a criminal community.

Some identity thieves target government, education, or health care organizations because they usually store many people’s personal information. But most cyber criminals will target home computers rather than trying to break into a big institution’s network because it’s much easier.

By taking measures to secure your own computer and protect your personal information, you are doing your part to keep cyber criminals in check. Not only will they be unable to steal your identity, but you will also protect others by preventing your computer from becoming part of a botnet.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Cyber Criminals