Whats allowed on the INTERNET

1
Whats allowed on the INTERNET?
FACT OR FICTION
2
Three areas of law affect the INTERNET
Federal subsidies pay for large sections of the
INTERNET. These subsidies exclude purely
commercial use.
The INTERNET is not just a nationwide network,
but a true global network. When shipping
anything across a national boundary, including
bits, export laws come into effect and local
laws change. Whenever you are shipping
software (or, for that matter, Ideas) from one
place to another, you must consider intellectual
property and license issues.
3
Security
Four ways in which network machines become
compromised
Valid users choosing bad passwords.
Valid users importing corrupt software
Illegal users entering through misconfigured
software
Illegal users entering through an operating
system flaw.
4
PASSWORDS
Most people choose passwords for their
convenience. What is convenient for you is
convenient for a hacker. CERT (Computer
Emergency Response Team) believes that 80
percent of computer break-ins are caused by poor
password choice. Remember when it comes to
passwords, computers break in, not people.
5
PASSWORDS Cont
So when picking good passwords remember
Is at least six characters long.
Has a mixture of uppercase, lowercase, and
numbers.
Is not a word.
Is not a set of adjacent keyboard keys (i.e.
QWERTY)
6
Importing Software
When you put software on your machine you place
it at risk. Sharing software can be a great
benefit. Only you can decide whether the risk is
worth it. Buying commercial software entails
minimal risk, especially if you buy from
reputable vendors. On the network there are no
assurances.
7
Some rules of thumb
Try and use official sources.
Get source code if possible.
Before installing the software on an important,
heavily used system, run it on a lesser
important system.
Do a complete backup of your files before
using the software.
If you're using a PC or MacIntosh, use a virus
checker to test the integrity of any software
you get from the Net.