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Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 12:53 am
It's been over 2 years since my last thread: https://atheistforums.org/thread-33530.html
Considering that security has been in the news recently (Russian hacking, Ransomware attacks, Australia's new "cryptography ban", etc.) I thought it might be time for another one.
Background
I have a Bachelors degree in Computer Science, minoring in Information Security, and a Masters degree in Information Security, both from one of the most respected InfoSec institutions in the world. I currently work as an ethical hacker (penetration tester) and get paid to try and hack into various corporate software.
I've worked in the industry for a few years now, in a number of roles. In that short time I've hacked numerous computer networks, mobile devices, web applications, etc. I have discovered vulnerabilities, written proof of concept exploit code, and a few exploitation tools. In my current position I deal mostly with web application and mobile application hacking.
I'm prepared to answer any questions you might have about computer / network security topics, within reason (i.e. I've signed several non-disclosure agreements and I'm not breaking them).
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 1:04 am
What's the best security software to install on my laptop?
Also, do you cover your webcams with opaque tape when you're not actively using them? (I do  )
-Teresa
.
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 1:06 am
Do you know much about computer game creation? Do you know much about app creation?
Are you ready for the fire? We are firemen. WE ARE FIREMEN! The heat doesn’t bother us. We live in the heat. We train in the heat. It tells us that we’re ready, we’re at home, we’re where we’re supposed to be. Flames don’t intimidate us. What do we do? We control the flame. We control them. We move the flames where we want to. And then we extinguish them.
Impersonation is treason.
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 1:10 am
How was high school. Were you good GPAwise?
"For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring." - Carl Sagan
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 1:12 am
(July 17, 2017 at 1:04 am)Tres Leches Wrote: What's the best security software to install on my laptop?
Also, do you cover your webcams with opaque tape when you're not actively using them? (I do )
-Teresa
I would recommend Avira ( https://www.avira.com/) these days. Stay far far away from Kaspersky. Despite it certainly being one of the top, if not the top anti-virus solution out there, the company is known to work closely with the KGB (and lie about it) and Russian government. Best scenario is that they are a shady company, worst scenario is that their entire AV suite is a piece of spyware for the Russians.
I cover my webcams with a few layers of white sticky labels. Enough so that when I turn the camera on, all I see on the screen is black.
(July 17, 2017 at 1:06 am)paulpablo Wrote: Do you know much about computer game creation? Do you know much about app creation?
I know a small amount regarding both, but I wouldn't consider myself an expert on either. I've created a few basic games but nothing advanced, same with apps.
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 1:14 am
(July 17, 2017 at 1:10 am)c172 Wrote: How was high school. Were you good GPAwise?
I grew up in the UK so I didn't go to high school, but my grades were average, nothing special. They got better at university when I was studying stuff I actually enjoyed. I graduated with the highest degree levels possible both times.
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 1:27 am
(This post was last modified: July 17, 2017 at 1:34 am by ignoramus.)
(July 17, 2017 at 1:04 am)Tres Leches Wrote: What's the best security software to install on my laptop?
Also, do you cover your webcams with opaque tape when you're not actively using them? (I do )
-Teresa
That explains it! I thought my computer was broken..... 
.
Having a business, we get lots of crap emails. I've educated our office lady to not click on anything she's not 100 % sure of, even if it comes from someone we know or work with.
The other day she called me in to check an email from the tax dept.
The hyperlink wrote: http://www.ato.vic.gov.au . That's our legitimate Ato tax website?
I hovered over the link without clicking on it so she can see the underlying real web address.
It was something completely unrelated. I can understand how easy it is for people to click on things without thinking too much about it and getting caught...
No God, No fear.
Know God, Know fear.
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 1:52 am
This is my new favorite thread. I'll just sit in a corner, put on my glasses, and take notes.
I'm so techy ignorant, that I wouldn't even know what to ask, so I'll let others do the asking. I had a few questions recently, and steel was kind enough to answer. I might have more once others dive in. Thank you for doing this!
"Hipster is what happens when young hot people do what old ladies do." -Exian
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 5:30 am
Atheist Republic could use your help right now. They have been hacked by a Hindu Love Doctor and are getting spammed in a big way. Recently , profiles have been hacked.
God thinks it's fun to confuse primates. Larsen's God!
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RE: Ask a computer security expert (part 2)
July 17, 2017 at 6:44 am
(July 17, 2017 at 1:12 am)Tiberius Wrote: (July 17, 2017 at 1:04 am)Tres Leches Wrote: What's the best security software to install on my laptop?
Also, do you cover your webcams with opaque tape when you're not actively using them? (I do )
-Teresa
I would recommend Avira (https://www.avira.com/) these days. Stay far far away from Kaspersky. Despite it certainly being one of the top, if not the top anti-virus solution out there, the company is known to work closely with the KGB (and lie about it) and Russian government. Best scenario is that they are a shady company, worst scenario is that their entire AV suite is a piece of spyware for the Russians.
I cover my webcams with a few layers of white sticky labels. Enough so that when I turn the camera on, all I see on the screen is black.
Avira! Been using it for years! 
Why cover your webcam at all?
Isn't the LED hardwired to turn on when the camera is powered? You'll know if someone is using it without your permission.
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