Tag Archives: large
A Stuxnet Malware FAQ and How to Avoid It
Stuxnet is a new piece of malware that is spreading widely through the use of USB flash drives. It is starting to be quite a danger, especially in industrial plants, and many in the security business are getting very nervous. What follows is an FAQ about the Stuxnet malware.
How does Stuxnet spread?
Stuxnet spreads through USB devices. A recently discovered Microsoft Windows vulnerability has been found to allow a program to run just by browsing to a folder that contains a shortcut to it, or a “.lnk” file. Once the worm runs it scans to see if the computer is running software created by a company known as Siemens, which is very popular in certain industries. If this is the case, the worm is able to install itself on the victim computer. It will infect all future removable media that is connected to the computer and installs a rootkit, a very sophisticated type of software that deletes all record of the worm existing on the computer. After that the computer continues to steal as much data as possible from the computer and transmit it back to a remote location.
What does Stuxnet do?
Stuxnet is considered by many people to be the first-ever “control system” malware. What this means is that it has the capability of infecting control systems for large companies and factories that use software created by Siemens. Unfortunately, this software is very widely used, especially in large industrial manufacturing organizations, small and large utilities, and even defense systems. In one case it was found that this software could infect nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
How widespread is Stuxnet and where is it most common?
At the moment Stuxnet is not that widespread. It is most common in India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the United States, and Malaysia, in that order. However, it has the potential to spread very rapidly. It only affects computers running Siemens software, but computers without that software can still act as “carriers,” infecting other removable media that is inserted into them. Other countries have seen infections, but mostly they have been localized and have not caused any damage so far.
How dangerous is Stuxnet?
This is always the big question with a large virus outbreak. Right now Stuxnet is not that dangerous. Unfortunately, it is targeted at “Control Systems.” Siemens is most known for making software for sophisticated systems used in such areas as the military, large industrial plants, and utility plants. If any of these were to be infected the damage could be irreparable. The infection is clearly tailored to steal confidential information and possibly shut down “smart grids.” Therefore, while it is not a danger to consumers, any large corporation or plant must be very careful to avoid this infection.
A Stuxnet Malware FAQ and How to Avoid It
Stuxnet is a new piece of malware that is spreading widely through the use of USB flash drives. It is starting to be quite a danger, especially in industrial plants, and many in the security business are getting very nervous. What follows is an FAQ about the Stuxnet malware.
How does Stuxnet spread?
Stuxnet spreads through USB devices. A recently discovered Microsoft Windows vulnerability has been found to allow a program to run just by browsing to a folder that contains a shortcut to it, or a “.lnk” file. Once the worm runs it scans to see if the computer is running software created by a company known as Siemens, which is very popular in certain industries. If this is the case, the worm is able to install itself on the victim computer. It will infect all future removable media that is connected to the computer and installs a rootkit, a very sophisticated type of software that deletes all record of the worm existing on the computer. After that the computer continues to steal as much data as possible from the computer and transmit it back to a remote location.
What does Stuxnet do?
Stuxnet is considered by many people to be the first-ever “control system” malware. What this means is that it has the capability of infecting control systems for large companies and factories that use software created by Siemens. Unfortunately, this software is very widely used, especially in large industrial manufacturing organizations, small and large utilities, and even defense systems. In one case it was found that this software could infect nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
How widespread is Stuxnet and where is it most common?
At the moment Stuxnet is not that widespread. It is most common in India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the United States, and Malaysia, in that order. However, it has the potential to spread very rapidly. It only affects computers running Siemens software, but computers without that software can still act as “carriers,” infecting other removable media that is inserted into them. Other countries have seen infections, but mostly they have been localized and have not caused any damage so far.
How dangerous is Stuxnet?
This is always the big question with a large virus outbreak. Right now Stuxnet is not that dangerous. Unfortunately, it is targeted at “Control Systems.” Siemens is most known for making software for sophisticated systems used in such areas as the military, large industrial plants, and utility plants. If any of these were to be infected the damage could be irreparable. The infection is clearly tailored to steal confidential information and possibly shut down “smart grids.” Therefore, while it is not a danger to consumers, any large corporation or plant must be very careful to avoid this infection.
Difference between Small Business Web Design and Designing of Large Companies
Well when it comes to designing website people who generally get worried is small business as they do not have necessary funds to get a good website developed for their company. In case of large organization, there is no such obstacle that they should be so worried about they have all the necessary resources and funds to get a good website developed.
However, it is not necessary that you have to spend a packet to get a good website designed. A good website can also be designed in the most affordable rates without compromising with the quality. Whenever you get ready to get your own website and have an online presence, you also think of getting your specific needs met.
If you need a small business website design, you can look around for designers or companies that provide affordable website designs and some may provide readymade designs to cut down the cost. Whereas if you are a large company you can go in for a website design company which would provide you the services according to your company needs and requirements as being a big brand you cannot afford to make a mistake also you will not have time to take care of the after maintenance of the website.
A small business may have a website with only handful of pages, providing basic information and encouraging visitors to call for more information. A large business may have hundreds of pages on their website, and they may have a design that allows for secure online transactions. These are just two potential end results, but the point made here is that the size and type of company that you run has a major bearing on how your online presence should end up appearing well.
In addition, there is a huge difference between the advertising and marketing methods of small and large companies as the needs are very different for both. A small company would not spend so much on advertising and will use limited marketing tools whereas a large company would do the maximum to promote themselves.
Knowing all this when you want to hire a good web design company you would look for certain things like how much experience they have working with clients similar to yours, so that when you deal with them they know exactly what do you want and do the needful according to your requirements. In other words, we can say that they have experience working with companies of the same size and similar industries. This would help you get the best end products.
The small business web designer that you may choose will provide you all necessary services at the most affordable prices and the quality as desired. In addition, they will not neglect your company essentials and give you a website that is best for promoting your small business.
In case of large companies, the web design that you may chose will reflect you companys image and status. As it is not a standalone project, its a piece of your brand and with the ever growing importance of internet also more and more people getting access to internet, its part of your big brand. Therefore one has to be consistent with the approach between offline and online representation and you would need to get a web design that meshes with your image.
Without doubt, there are some differences between small and large company web design. One cannot just make judgments on just the number of pages on the website; its the type o online services that you provide and the image of your project along with your online presence. So finding a web design company that would work with companies of all size or your size you would more likely achieve success.