What is Computer Security

The Problem

• There are some bad guys:

• They are called viruses (or viri)

What is a virus?

A virus is a program created by a mal-intentioned individual that does something in your computer you don't want it to do.

What can they do?

Virtually anything; for example: Pranks Destruction. They often propagate to other computers They may send information “home”

Credit card numbers Id numbers Etc.

Be a nuisance Slow down your computer.

They may also crash your computer

How do viruses attack?

Attack methods

Usually they hide in some email attachment or some other program. These are called trojans.

They may also attack directly. Viruses which go from computer to computer are called worms

Defenses?

How does a regular user defend themselves.

Worms and viruses take advantage of weaknesses in programs (vulnerabilities). As soon as they are discovered, they are patched. That is why it is important to keep your computer up to date with patches.

• Run anti virus and anti root kit software.

• Use at least one firewall

It is also important not to open any attachments or run any programs for which you have not received independent confirmation they are OK (the bad guys can send email pretending it is from a friend of yours).

Definitely, do not “click here”

Some variant viruses:

Even the Amish get into the act :)

So, what do we study in Computer Security?

Four Courses on Computer Security at Kent State Computer Science

User level Computer Security

– Freshman level course for general users Computer Security

– General Aspects of Computer Security Cryptology

– Secure storing and transmission of information Secure Programming

– Planning your programming to avoid vulnerabilities.