1) Cheney: Russian Cyberattack On Election Could Be Viewed As ‘Act Of War’ | 2) 4 myths — and facts — about online security

Below are two interesting topics with potentials to create a lot of controversies beyond cyber security.

Cheney: Russian Cyberattack On Election Could Be Viewed As ‘Act Of War’

Cyber Security was one of the main topics and concerns during the past U.S. elections. Numerous claims were made that Russia interfered the previous elections to favor Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton by hacking systems linked to the Democratic party. Should the U.S. perceived this as an “Act Of War,” as Former Vice President Dick Cheney stated if those claims are proven to be true? I understand that Cyberattacks should be taken as serious as any other form of attacks; however, what about other cyberattacks linked to other countries such as: China, Iran, North Korea, and so forth? Shouldn’t they also be viewed through the same lens?

I think specific characteristics should be developed before viewing a Cyberattack originated from another country as an “Act Of War.” For example, is it government sponsored, can it create mass destruction, are infrastructure direct targets, etc. Otherwise, this could create a lot of confusion moving forward because we now live in a world where cyberattacks are occurring more often than ever.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cheney-russian-hacking-war_us_58d9d67be4b00f68a5ca35ef?utm_hp_ref=cyber-security

4 myths — and facts — about online security

Allow me to go straight to the point. The four myths are:

1. Emails are always secure
2. “Private browsing” is always private
3. Turning off GPS means no one can track me
4. My password is enough to protect me

These are excellent points, but are all of them still myths? I would say one of them is. Yes, most people still believe that “Private browsing” is always private. Anything accessed via a web browser is stored, but with traceable history, even if browsing history is deleted. All that is needed are the right skills with the right tools. On the other hand, I don’t believe many people continue to see emails as secured as in the past. Also, it should be clear to everyone that password alone is not enough. The reason I say these is because every now and then there is a high-profile story about group of hackers attacking someone, an organization, or another country. Moreover, should I get started with the whole circus about Hillary Clinton’s emails? Lastly, latest Yahoo controversy eliminated the belief of whoever still was thinking emails are always secure and password is good enough to protect.

Turning off GPS means no one can track someone. This could be true, but to a certain extent. It depends on the device, tool and the network.

http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/22/technology/cybersecurity-misconceptions-pew/index.html