Malicious Bots – A bot is a software application that is typically used to perform simple repetitive tasks much faster than any human ever could . Malicious bots give an attacker control of your computer , often for the purpose of incorporating your computer into a botnet , which is a much larger network of computers infected with bots . Botnets are often used to launch massive attacks on other computers ’ networks or to send out vast amounts of spam email . Malicious bots can also be updated remotely , giving the attacker the ability to change the bot ’ s functionality at any time .
Ransomware – a type of malware that uses encryption to permanently block access to the victim ’ s data and / or enables the hacker to steal and then threaten to publish the victim ' s data unless a ransom is paid .
Wiperware – a malicious program whose sole purpose is to destroy all computer files by wiping ( think digital erase ) the hard drive of every computer it infects . Wipers typically have three targets : files , the boot section of the operating system , and backups . In short , these programs are highly destructive .
Keylogger – a program that records every keystroke made by a computer user and then sends that information to the attacker . Its purpose is to allow the attacker to obtain as much confidential information as possible , to include passwords .
Remote Access Trojan ( RAT ) – a program attackers use to take complete control of a victim ' s computer for the purpose of performing any number of malicious activities , to include potentially activating a webcam without turning on the active camera light . RATs can reside on systems for extended periods of time before being detected and can be extremely difficult to successfully remove . They operate in a stealth mode and are quite difficult for antivirus software programs to identify .
Banking Trojan – Disguised as a legitimate application so that victim ’ s will willingly download and install it to their computers or mobile devices , a banking trojan is actually a malicious program that seeks to capture information that will allow the attacker to gain access a victim ’ s banking and investment accounts .
Perhaps now you have a sense of why I get angry and want to do all I can to fight back . More importantly , however , I hope you can begin to understand why I believe failing to provide mandatory ongoing security awareness training to everyone who works at a firm , regardless of firm size , is a huge misstep . It ’ s because being hit with any of the above malware examples will prove to be more than a minor inconvenience . For some , such an attack may sound the death knell for the firm . With so much at stake , why risk it ? If security awareness training isn ’ t currently in play , it ’ s time to make it a high priority item ; because the pros are out to hack your human assets and , like it or not , education is the only way to counter that .
ATTENTION
SUBJECT
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS
The Gavel would like to consider your photograph and artwork for its cover .
MATTER
• Color photographs of North Dakota landscapes ; building interiors and exteriors ( including the State Capitol Building ); landmarks ; and animals ( people can appear only as incidentals and must not be identifiable )
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Vibrant color , sharp focus , high contrast
• Digital photos preferred
• Use the highest quality image setting on your smartphone or digital camera .
• Portrait orientation ( vertical ) is preferred .
• Photos must be at least 8x10 inches at 300 dpi for full photo cover .
• Send the original JPG (. jpg ) file . Please do not resize or change resolution .
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• SBAND members , active and retired only ( does not include relatives of SBAND members )
• Law-related administrative staff
• North Dakota law students
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
• Email your photos to : tony @ sband . org .
• Identify the photographer ; include legal affiliation .
• Include a brief description of the photograph and a working photograph title ; note where and when the photo was taken .
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