Remote wipes: This refers to the ability to remotely wipe all data from a mobile or embedded device in case it is lost or stolen. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data on the device. This feature is usually available through a remote management tool or a mobile device management (MDM) solution.
Locator applications: These are applications that can locate the geographical location of a mobile or embedded device. This feature is useful in case the device is lost or stolen. Locator applications are usually available as built-in features or as third-party applications.
OS updates: Operating system (OS) updates are essential to ensure that mobile and embedded devices are protected against security vulnerabilities. OS updates are usually released periodically to fix security issues and improve the overall functionality of the device.
Device encryption: Device encryption refers to the process of encrypting all data stored on the device to prevent unauthorized access in case the device is lost or stolen. This feature is usually available as a built-in feature on most modern mobile and embedded devices.
Remote backup applications: These are applications that can automatically backup data from a mobile or embedded device to a cloud storage service. This ensures that data is not lost in case the device is lost or stolen.
Failed login attempts restrictions: Failed login attempts restrictions refer to the ability to restrict the number of failed login attempts on a device. This feature helps to prevent unauthorized access to the device in case someone tries to guess the password.
Antivirus/anti-malware: Antivirus and anti-malware software are essential to protect mobile and embedded devices against malware and other security threats. These software solutions can detect and remove malware and other security threats from the device.
Explain the following
Firewalls: A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls can be hardware, software, or a combination of both. They create a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the Internet. Firewalls can prevent unauthorized access to or from a network and can also block malicious traffic.
Policies and procedures: Policies and procedures are the guidelines and protocols that organizations use to establish rules and expectations for employees and users. In terms of security, policies and procedures are used to ensure that all users adhere to best practices and security standards. For example, an organization may have a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy that outlines acceptable use of personal devices on the corporate network. Policies and procedures can also cover user account management, incident response, and other security-related topics.
Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things refers to the growing network of interconnected devices and objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that allow them to collect and exchange data. IoT devices include smart home devices, wearables, and industrial sensors, among others. IoT devices often have limited processing power and storage capabilities, making them vulnerable to security threats. IoT security is a growing concern as these devices become more ubiquitous and are increasingly used to collect sensitive information.
Explain the following common data destruction and disposal methods
Physical destruction
Physical destruction is a data destruction and disposal method that involves physically destroying the storage medium that contains the data. The following are the common physical destruction methods:
1. Drilling: This method involves drilling holes into the hard drive platters using a drill bit. This makes the data on the hard drive inaccessible and irretrievable.
2. Shredding: This method involves shredding the storage medium into small pieces using a specialized shredder. This makes the data on the storage medium inaccessible and irretrievable.
3. Degaussing: This method involves using a magnetic field to destroy the data on the storage medium. A degausser generates a magnetic field that completely erases the data on the hard drive, making it inaccessible and irretrievable.
4. Incinerating: This method involves burning the storage medium to destroy the data. This makes the data on the storage medium inaccessible and irretrievable.
Physical destruction is a secure method of data destruction and disposal that ensures that the data is completely destroyed and cannot be retrieved or accessed by unauthorized parties. It is commonly used when the storage medium is no longer needed or when it contains sensitive data that must be destroyed securely.
Recycling or repurposing best practices
When recycling or repurposing electronic devices, it is important to properly erase or wipe any sensitive data that may be stored on the device. The following are some best practices for data erasure:
1. Erasing/Wiping: Erasing or wiping the device involves overwriting all data on the device with random or repeating patterns. This ensures that the original data cannot be recovered. There are many software tools available that can securely erase data from electronic devices.
2. Low-level formatting: Low-level formatting involves completely wiping the hard drive and resetting the device to its original factory settings. This method is effective but time-consuming, and it may not be possible for some devices.
3. Standard formatting: Standard formatting involves removing the file system structure from the device and resetting it to its original factory settings. However, this method is not secure as data can be recovered using data recovery tools.
It is important to follow proper disposal methods for electronic devices and to ensure that data is securely erased before recycling or repurposing the device.
Outsourcing concepts
Outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring an external company or service provider to handle certain business functions or processes. In terms of security and data disposal, outsourcing can involve hiring a third-party vendor to handle the destruction or recycling of electronic devices that contain sensitive data.
When outsourcing data destruction or recycling, it is important to ensure that the vendor is certified and can provide documentation of the destruction or recycling process. Certification may include compliance with industry standards, such as those set forth by the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), or by government regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Outsourcing can be a cost-effective way to manage data disposal, especially for small businesses or organizations without the resources to handle it in-house. However, it is important to thoroughly vet potential vendors and ensure that they have appropriate security measures in place to protect the data during the disposal process.
