University of Louisville
Computer Security for Home Users and Small Businesses for the Department of Homeland Security
Institution
University of Louisville
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Michael Losavio
Abstract
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes the importance of Internet Security and the security of computing machinery connected to the Internet. Their "National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace" briefing outlines, amongst other things, the importance of home users and small businesses keeping their systems secure and maintaining an active security stance. Unsecured systems can be used as a steppingstone for malicious hackers to attack critical infrastructure computers. The local student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery approached the DHS to offer to help local home users and small businesses with their security needs. We are currently working in conjunction with the Secret Service and the Department of Homeland security on this matter. The project, while constantly evolving, and involves three components: • assembling a group of programs for use in securing computers and networks (This includes firewalls and virus protection, active & passive network security, and secure configurations for frequently used software.), • preparing and compiling documentation regarding the securing of computers and networks (This includes making people aware of security lists such as BugTraq, and how to keep on top of the latest security issues.), and • preparing and presenting courses on securing computing machinery (This includes topics such as proper PC protection, setting up and configuring home networks, and setting up and configuring web servers).
Computer Security for Home Users and Small Businesses for the Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes the importance of Internet Security and the security of computing machinery connected to the Internet. Their "National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace" briefing outlines, amongst other things, the importance of home users and small businesses keeping their systems secure and maintaining an active security stance. Unsecured systems can be used as a steppingstone for malicious hackers to attack critical infrastructure computers. The local student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery approached the DHS to offer to help local home users and small businesses with their security needs. We are currently working in conjunction with the Secret Service and the Department of Homeland security on this matter. The project, while constantly evolving, and involves three components: • assembling a group of programs for use in securing computers and networks (This includes firewalls and virus protection, active & passive network security, and secure configurations for frequently used software.), • preparing and compiling documentation regarding the securing of computers and networks (This includes making people aware of security lists such as BugTraq, and how to keep on top of the latest security issues.), and • preparing and presenting courses on securing computing machinery (This includes topics such as proper PC protection, setting up and configuring home networks, and setting up and configuring web servers).