Kevin Beaver is an independent information security consultant, speaker, and expert witness with Atlanta-based Principle Logic. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional, he has more than 20 years' experience in the industry and specializes in performing independent information security assessments revolving around compliance and information risk management. Kevin has authored/co-authored seven books on information security, including "Hacking For Dummies" and "Hacking Wireless Networks For Dummies." He's also the creator of the Security On Wheels information security audio books and blog, which provide security learning for IT professionals on the go
Content
Your Business Phone Isn't as Secure as You Think
By Kevin Beaver Thursday Jun 24, 2010I recently heard a caller speaking with consumer advocate Clark Howard about a phone he purchased online. The caller said he had all sorts of personal information belonging to the phone's previous owner, including her health care records. Not good.
Why You Should Hack Your Own Business
By Kevin Beaver Monday Jun 21, 2010Ever thought about hacking your own network to see just how vulnerable your systems are? There's a process called "ethical hacking" that allows you or an employee to peform various security checks so the flaws can be uncovered before there's an attack.
Should You Ban Facebook at the Office?
By Kevin Beaver Friday Jun 18, 2010In the whitepaper "To Block or Not. Is that the Question?," Palo Alto Networks explores the issue of "Enterprise 2.0" applications such as Facebook, Skype, Twitter and YouTube and howusers are now in control of the network. Meanwhile, IT staff is saying "just block it!" and users say "just don't block it!," but it's not that simple.
When Hiring Techies, Beware the Charlatans
By Kevin Beaver Thursday Jun 17, 2010Last year, Gartner predicted that IT spending would increase in 2010. I'm certainly seeing it in my consulting work. This will likely lead to hiring new staff, or at least new consultants for your IT and information security projects. Just don't fall for the "I'm certified, therefore I'm all you need" persona.
In a Crisis, What's Your IT Backup Plan?
By Kevin Beaver Friday Jun 11, 2010As a small business owner, you've undoubtedly had others tell you to "have a contingency plan" for when crises strike. This phrase means different things to different people depending on the context of the situation. Many business owners do have fallback plans for many aspects of their operations, including their accounts receivable and supplier relationships. But what about IT and more specifically, your web presence?
Turn Employees into IT Helpers, not Hackers
By Kevin Beaver Thursday Jun 10, 2010We always hear about "disgruntled workers" wreaking havoc on computer systems and sensitive information. Interestingly we never hear about what I'll call "gruntled" workers and how they can — and do — help improve IT and information security.
Is Your Business IT Compliant? That's Just the Beginning
By Kevin Beaver Tuesday Jun 8, 2010Operating systems, mobile devices, you name it — it's amazing how the more things change in IT, the more they stay the same. When it comes to keeping sensitive information under wraps, IT compliance is no exception.
What Your Health Care Business Doesn't Know About E-Records
By Kevin Beaver Monday Jun 7, 2010Earlier this year, when I first saw this press release about 2010 being a pivotal year for the health care industry, I was curious if it was going to come to fruition. PR and marketing hype are often short-lived, but put a seemingly unlimited supply of taxpayer dollars (via Obama's HITECH Act) behind something such as electronic health records and it's got substance. It looks like health care IT is finally moving into the 20th century.
Small Business Lessons from the Gulf Oil Spill
By Kevin Beaver Wednesday Jun 2, 2010A recent word of the day by Merriam-Webster — disaster — is fitting given the oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. Apparently 'disaster' has its roots in the belief that the positions of stars influence the fate of humans.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Business to Windows 7
By Kevin Beaver Tuesday Jun 1, 2010Is your small business embracing Windows 7, Microsoft's latest operating system? It should. It's been out for a year, it's stable and it has a slew of benefits such as a streamlined user interface, improved task bar and window management and broad hardware compabitility to help make your users and your network administrator more productive.
Expert Answers
Re: Will the iPad be useful as a business tool?
Friday May 21, 2010I suspect so as long as someone has a want/need. I just came across a situation with a client who has a manager whose dying to use his iPad to help improve productivity. I can see his side. What most people aren't considering, however, are the securityRe: What should we consider when hiring interns for training?
Friday May 21, 2010Another thing to consider is to make sure your interns are aware of what's expected and acceptable when using your business computers. I'm seeing it in action and hearing from my customers that college students and recent grads are all about having
