Blended Threats Cause a Stir (page 2 of 2)

Passwords
Password attacks are a frequent method of infiltration for blended threats. Since choosing strong passwords is simple to do and costs nothing, this practice should be enforced consistently. Blended threats, and viruses and worms alike, can contain programs that crack passwords by generating possible word and letter combinations repeatedly until a match is found that allows access to the system. A strong password should be at least eight characters in length (the longer they are the longer it takes for cracking programs to be effective), include letters, numbers and symbols, and should be changed regularly. They should never contain repeating characters or common words or names, which are easy for a program to crack.

Use comprehensive security measures
While one method of prevention will not necessarily protect you from a security threat, a combination of antivirus, firewall, and intrusion detection used in combination can provide a formidable challenge to a blended threat. When these defences are used together, they can slow down or prevent its spread by quarantining the code, alerting you to its presence, repairing the damage, or blocking it out completely. If the threat surpasses one security measure, like a firewall, it still can be detected and caught by other methods like antivirus software.

Protect all entry points
Guarding your server with a firewall is not enough; you must also protect your email and Web gateways and your individual desktops with antivirus software that is kept up to date with the most recent virus definitions and any patches that are available.

Blended threats are becoming more prevalent and more advanced in both their methods of spreading and the damage they cause. Because of their complexity in both attack and propagation, a single security measure is not adequate to protect yourself. You must implement best security practices on all vulnerable points on your system, including your servers and desktops, and establish a multi-layered, comprehensive line of defence. These sophisticated threats require a sophisticated solution.