How Safe Are You on the Information Highway - Part One
| Category: Home Based Business - Getting Started | Date: 2003-07-17 |
The Internet is the newest frontier offering tremendous opportunity...for both the good guys and the bad guys.
The bad guys have gotten out of hand because the Internet as a whole, has been unregulated, ungoverned and unpoliced. As the Internet becomes more main stream, cyber crime, vandalism and spam is increasing at alarming rates. Threatening Internet commerce and correspondence.
Spam has almost doubled since last April. Going from 4 million to 7 million . It accounts for 46% of all email and costs U.S. businesses $10 Billion a year in lost productivity.
Cyber crime and vandalism including viruses have caused an estimated $17 Billion in damages in 2002 according to Tom Slodichak, chief security officer for security consultant company WhiteHat.
Identity Theft made up 43% of the complaints submitted to the Federal Trade Commission in 2002, it was only 22% in 2000.
Enough is Enough...The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), on May 15 announced, in a press release, "Law Enforcement Posse Tackles Internet Scammers, Deceptive Spammers" they have filed 45 criminal and civil law enforcement actions against Internet scammers and deceptive spammers.
'Today's Internet is not a lawless environment,' said Howard Beales, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection."
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/1-11.htm
What does this mean? How does it effect conducting business online? If you are an honest business person, it's good news. This will help restore consumer confidence and bring an increase in sales.
This also means you and I will be under more scrutiny. Now is the time to get your ducks in a row and make sure you are in compliance with the FTC guidelines for online commerce.
=>Protecting Your Business
*Document Compliance
Ignorance of the law has never been a good defense. Find out what legal documents are required for your web site. This can include: disclaimer, privacy policy, terms of use/service, and others pertaining to your industry.
http://www.ftc.gov/
There are two Internet law products "How To Do Business On The Internet While Keeping The Government Off Your Back" a series audiotapes http://www.just15minutes.com/a/silber.htm and AutoWebLaw Pro http://www.just15minutes.com/a/weblaw.htm
They can help you make sense of the legal mumble jumble and supply you with the documents you need but they are not a substitute for legal or professional advice. If you decide to purchase products, it is wise to make sure they pertain to your part of the world.
*Your Business Structure
We live in a law suit crazy world. The way your business is structured can protect most if not all of your assets. Consult with your account about the different corporate structures and which is the best one for your business.
*Third Party Merchants
Shopping carts are the newest victim to online attacks. There are many vulnerabilities associated with shopping carts especially with third party merchants.
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-2.htm
*Open Relays & Spam
Spammers scan the Internet for an open relay. When they find one that is open, they route their bulk email through it. Check to see if your relays are closed. Contact your ISP and hosting company and ask if the use open relays.
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-3.htm
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-4.htm
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-5.htm
*Viruses, Worms & Hackers
Microsoft product are notoriously susceptible to viruses and hacker attacks. Outlook provides many avenues of traveling for malicious content because it hooks into Internet Explorer, your operating system and any other MS Office programs. Anti-Virus software is a must but it still doesn't protect you 100%. Embedded items and cookies via HTML email are not detected.
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-6.htm
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-7.htm
Windows Platform, Servers and SQL
Late January, "Slammer" slammed Microsoft SQL servers. It is the fastest computer worm in history. It doubled in size every 8.5 seconds. It infected more than 90 percent of vulnerable hosts within 10 minutes. It affected 75,000 hosts causing network outages, disrupted the Internet and many other unforeseen consequences.
Linux/Unix web server is less vulnerable (at least right now) to platform attacks. You might want to consider moving your site off Windows Servers. Ask your host what operating system they use for their servers. Find out what precautions they take to thwart off worm attacks.
Back up your site on a regular basis.
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-8.htm
*Secure Forms
Many government regulations like HIPAA(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) are demanding specific security standards. Some hosting companies provide a secure server at no additional charge.
Things change fast. It is important to make time to keep yourself informed. Ask questions. Many potential problems can be avoided if you use good common sense. Set a standard of ethics for your business and adhere to them.
Next week, part two will cover identity theft, unauthorized installations on your computer and other fraud protecting strategies.
Find additional articles and resources, Check out these sections:
Going Online
http://www.ebusinesshelpsite.com/Online/fraud.htm
Business Basic
http://www.ebusinesshelpsite.com/Basics/legal.htm
Resources for this article: Federal Trade Commission, MSNBC, USA Today, VarBusiness, Business2.0, Internet Security System, Symantic, Licata & Associates,L.P.A, WhiteHat and Information Week.
About the Author
Ann Rusnak is the 15 Minute Time Coach who helps entrepreneurs use The "15 Minute a Day" Technique that puts them in control of their time to grow their business faster and more profitable in less time with less stress! Subscribe to "Just 15 Minutes" and receive time saving information to grow YOUR business in less time. Send blank email to ebiz@just15minutes.com
support@just15minutes.com
http://www.just15minutes.com
The bad guys have gotten out of hand because the Internet as a whole, has been unregulated, ungoverned and unpoliced. As the Internet becomes more main stream, cyber crime, vandalism and spam is increasing at alarming rates. Threatening Internet commerce and correspondence.
Spam has almost doubled since last April. Going from 4 million to 7 million . It accounts for 46% of all email and costs U.S. businesses $10 Billion a year in lost productivity.
Cyber crime and vandalism including viruses have caused an estimated $17 Billion in damages in 2002 according to Tom Slodichak, chief security officer for security consultant company WhiteHat.
Identity Theft made up 43% of the complaints submitted to the Federal Trade Commission in 2002, it was only 22% in 2000.
Enough is Enough...The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), on May 15 announced, in a press release, "Law Enforcement Posse Tackles Internet Scammers, Deceptive Spammers" they have filed 45 criminal and civil law enforcement actions against Internet scammers and deceptive spammers.
'Today's Internet is not a lawless environment,' said Howard Beales, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection."
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/1-11.htm
What does this mean? How does it effect conducting business online? If you are an honest business person, it's good news. This will help restore consumer confidence and bring an increase in sales.
This also means you and I will be under more scrutiny. Now is the time to get your ducks in a row and make sure you are in compliance with the FTC guidelines for online commerce.
=>Protecting Your Business
*Document Compliance
Ignorance of the law has never been a good defense. Find out what legal documents are required for your web site. This can include: disclaimer, privacy policy, terms of use/service, and others pertaining to your industry.
http://www.ftc.gov/
There are two Internet law products "How To Do Business On The Internet While Keeping The Government Off Your Back" a series audiotapes http://www.just15minutes.com/a/silber.htm and AutoWebLaw Pro http://www.just15minutes.com/a/weblaw.htm
They can help you make sense of the legal mumble jumble and supply you with the documents you need but they are not a substitute for legal or professional advice. If you decide to purchase products, it is wise to make sure they pertain to your part of the world.
*Your Business Structure
We live in a law suit crazy world. The way your business is structured can protect most if not all of your assets. Consult with your account about the different corporate structures and which is the best one for your business.
*Third Party Merchants
Shopping carts are the newest victim to online attacks. There are many vulnerabilities associated with shopping carts especially with third party merchants.
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-2.htm
*Open Relays & Spam
Spammers scan the Internet for an open relay. When they find one that is open, they route their bulk email through it. Check to see if your relays are closed. Contact your ISP and hosting company and ask if the use open relays.
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-3.htm
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-4.htm
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-5.htm
*Viruses, Worms & Hackers
Microsoft product are notoriously susceptible to viruses and hacker attacks. Outlook provides many avenues of traveling for malicious content because it hooks into Internet Explorer, your operating system and any other MS Office programs. Anti-Virus software is a must but it still doesn't protect you 100%. Embedded items and cookies via HTML email are not detected.
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-6.htm
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-7.htm
Windows Platform, Servers and SQL
Late January, "Slammer" slammed Microsoft SQL servers. It is the fastest computer worm in history. It doubled in size every 8.5 seconds. It infected more than 90 percent of vulnerable hosts within 10 minutes. It affected 75,000 hosts causing network outages, disrupted the Internet and many other unforeseen consequences.
Linux/Unix web server is less vulnerable (at least right now) to platform attacks. You might want to consider moving your site off Windows Servers. Ask your host what operating system they use for their servers. Find out what precautions they take to thwart off worm attacks.
Back up your site on a regular basis.
http://www.just15minutes.com/a/11-8.htm
*Secure Forms
Many government regulations like HIPAA(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) are demanding specific security standards. Some hosting companies provide a secure server at no additional charge.
Things change fast. It is important to make time to keep yourself informed. Ask questions. Many potential problems can be avoided if you use good common sense. Set a standard of ethics for your business and adhere to them.
Next week, part two will cover identity theft, unauthorized installations on your computer and other fraud protecting strategies.
Find additional articles and resources, Check out these sections:
Going Online
http://www.ebusinesshelpsite.com/Online/fraud.htm
Business Basic
http://www.ebusinesshelpsite.com/Basics/legal.htm
Resources for this article: Federal Trade Commission, MSNBC, USA Today, VarBusiness, Business2.0, Internet Security System, Symantic, Licata & Associates,L.P.A, WhiteHat and Information Week.
About the Author
Ann Rusnak is the 15 Minute Time Coach who helps entrepreneurs use The "15 Minute a Day" Technique that puts them in control of their time to grow their business faster and more profitable in less time with less stress! Subscribe to "Just 15 Minutes" and receive time saving information to grow YOUR business in less time. Send blank email to ebiz@just15minutes.com
support@just15minutes.com
http://www.just15minutes.com
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