What Willie Sutton Can Teach Us About Computer Security

March 15, 2018
, , Security

Willie Sutton was arguably one of the most “successful” if not the most infamous bank robbers of the 20th century. Sutton managed to steal close to $2 million during a forty-year career. He passed away in 1980 at the age of 79. He may be long-gone, and it is likely that he never owned a computer, but we can still learn something about computer security from him.

It has been widely reported that someone once asked Sutton why he robbed banks.

He wryly responded, “Because that’s where the money is.”

A 21st century Sutton would probably have told you that your computer was a likely target for cybercriminals, not because of you personally, but “Because that’s where the information is.”

Have you noticed that we don’t hear about many bank robberies anymore? Why do you suppose that is? It’s because the best way to get to the most money is by gathering information that is used to appropriate ill-gotten gain.

Whether the cyber crooks use malware, trojans, ransomware, email scams, worms, or some other misbegotten method, they are coming after any of us who have digital technology. That would be just about all of us.

Why You Need Computer Security

So, here’s another question to which the venerable Mr. Sutton would have likely had a spontaneous answer:

Which computers or computer systems do you think cybercriminals are likely to attack?

Answer: The ones with the least protection and whose owners are not expecting an attack.

Banks today utilize all kinds of security devices to deter and defend against potential intrusions. Why rob a bank that has advanced security when the next one has none?

Cybercriminals are constantly surveilling systems to seek out the most vulnerable. As digital technology advances, so do cybercriminals’ techniques. They are not going to overlook any opportunity, but the presence of top-notch security protecting your data will send them down the road to a more exposed location.

One more piece of advice. Advanced digital technology tools like those available through Tech Sentries protect your data 24/7/365. But we can’t prevent the crime if you open the door and let the villains in. Be extremely cautious – especially as we approach income tax filing time. Willie Sutton once dressed as a mailman to gain easier access to a bank. Be careful not to get caught by a scam disguised as an innocent email.

We are here to help you Guard Your Technology, but it takes a team to do so effectively. If your digital security needs a review, give us a call for a FREE consultation. We’ll show you how you can protect your system and we’ll even give you a few tips on digital self-defense as well.

We are as concerned about your technology security as you are. Your computer system security is our business. That’s why Tech Sentries is always on duty. Contact us today to learn how we can help you “GUARD YOUR TECHNOLOGY” (843-282-2222).

Joe Thibodeau
Tech Sentries Inc
2105 Leopold Street
Johns Island, SC 29455
843-282-2222 Office/Fax
843-902-6885 Cell
https://www.techsentries.com

Meet Hicurdismos. On Second Thought, Don’t

October 31, 2016
, , , Malware

“It is truly marvelous, that in this art, and in this only, the various methods of falsification should be made a study: for the sample of the false denarius is now an object of careful examination, and people absolutely buy the counterfeit coin at the price of many genuine ones!”

So said Pliny the Elder, the first century A.D. philosopher who died in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, proving that men have engaged in the art of counterfeiting for more than two millennia. While it may not be the world’s oldest infamous profession, it is a close second.

Meet Hicurdismos

This is where you, the reader, think that Hicurdismos was an ancient Greek or Roman counterfeiter. You would be wrong. Hicurdismos is not Greek not Roman nor ancient, but one this Hicurdismos is a counterfeit.

Hicurdismos is a form of malware disguised as a BSoD (Blue Screen of Death) alert. It is a counterfeit of Microsoft Security Essentials tech support software for Windows 7 and Windows 8. In addition to going to blue screen, the malware hides your cursor so that you PC appears to be frozen. A warning message then appears. It includes a toll-free number to call for tech support. Of course, when you call the number, you discover that this counterfeit is also ransomware. Gotcha!

Meet Hicurdismo

 

The Problem with Counterfeiting

The problem with counterfeiting is that is so deceptive. It was deceptive in the first century. It is even more deceptive today. Why is that?

The reason is simple. Every solution for counterfeiting has always been the same: develop a better technology. Granted it didn’t take a giant leap in technology to craft a different drachma or denarius. It just took a while for the counterfeiters to catch up with the change.

In the 21st century technology is the answer for every problem. Technology is advancing at a rate that was unimaginable even 20 years ago. Think about that. Technology itself is moving so fast that a) it is more difficult to stay ahead of counterfeiters, and b) counterfeiters can move as fast or, in some cases, faster that the “feiters” can count.

Digital counterfeiters don’t have to be any faster. They only have to be good enough to fool the average person. As soon as a new technology exists, they can move rapidly to replicate the original for the pernicious purpose of pulling one over on us.

The Son of Hicurdismos

It remains to be seen what the next iteration of the Hicurdismos DNA will be. When it does become apparent, we will warn you to be on guard. In the meantime, don’t believe everything you read on your computer screen – unless, of course, it is from us. Be concerned. Be careful. Be cautious. We are here for you.

Call Tech Sentries at 843-282-2222 for assistance.