Young adults' self-protection strategies against online security and privacy risks

¶ … security and online privacy regulations: an analytical assessment of how young adults can effectively adopt self-protections when using the internet

The work of Munteanu (2004) entitled: "Information Security Risk Assessment: The Qualitative vs. Quantitative Dilemma" relates the primary security risk assessment methodologies used in information technology. Munteanu relates that information security technology does not reduce information risk very effectively because information security is primarily a human problem. Whatever forms an information asset takes, a risk assessment must be undertaken to understand which are best security measures suited for protecting information security framework: (1) confidentiality; (2) integrity; and (3) availability. (Munteanu, 2004) Munteanu states that that are various standards including documents and books entitled: "Information Security Best Practices" which are targeted at managers of information technology managers however in these publications Munteanu notes that there are "similar limitations and inconsistencies in description of risk assessment methodologies that follow in information systems risk literature" including

1) Inconsistent or too general definitions of risk assessment;

2) lack of rigor;

3) Applicability of risk assessment models depend on the analyst knowledge and business context;

4) Lack of an exhaustive and up-to-date database of risk vulnerabilities and exposure applicable in quantitative models; and 5) Many standards with little or no substantial differences. (Munteanu, 2004)

This study utilizes questionnaires that are included in a risk assessment, which provides identification of "...risks and risks impacts, and recommendations of risk-reducing measures." (Munteanu, 2004) the methodology in this study contains nine specific steps as follows:

1)System Characterization;

2) Threat Identification;

3) Vulnerability Identification;

4) Control Analysis;

5) Likelihood Determination;

6) Impact Analysis;

7) Risk Determination;

8) Control Recommendations; and 9) Results Documentation. (Munteanu, 2004)

The work of Munteanu (2004) states that "...prerequisite to qualitative risk analysis, and the lack of good data may be that of "good data" and it may be the lack of good data that is the "main reason qualitative analysis of information security risk is not usually performed. Qualitative assessment use risk assessment matrix and questionnaires." (Munteanu, 2004) in the risk, matrix risks are generally rated as low, medium, or high and in questionnaires people use a risk scale for risk ranking. In this case, the qualitative assessment undergoes a transformation and becomes a qualitative-quantitative one." (Munteanu, 2004) Before the assessment is begun it is critical that the analyst gain and understanding of the use of the computer by the individual in terms of the computer 'processes and functions' including the 'framework' of the users applications and the technology characteristics used by the individual in combination with the philosophy of those applications and use with the constraints, interdependencies and the "...interactions between information system components." (Munteanu, 2004) This study relates that there are three points-of-view on information availability that have to be addressed, which are:

1) Organizational;

2) Users; and 3) Computer Network

The following chart lists categories of these three: (Muntenu, 2004)

Muntenu (2004) states of risk analysis:

Calculating the risks is a subjective estimation, in terms of: low, medium or high. In this case, we simply use a matrix risk-value and a risk impact ranking, but we can estimate exactly what value risks have. Most qualitative risk analysis methodologies make use of these elements and the assessment depends on the experience and judgment of the professional who made the analysis or identify quality elements that have an impact on information security. In fact, we talk about a "what-if" analysis. The analysts use qualitative variables but the result must be finally quantitative to serve the scope of a management decision..."

The 'General Security Risk Assessment' is illustrated as follows:

General Security Risk Assessment

Source: ASIS international guidelines Commission as cited in Muntenu

For example, as in the management of information technology internet security in terms of the number of incidents because that is the precise measurement in the assessment and analysis of risk to security.

Qualitative Risk Assessment

Qualitative risk assessment in the study reported by Muntenu (2004 relates that four elements were accounted for:

1) Asset value;

2) Threats;

3) Vulnerability; and 4) Controls.

The assessment goal in Burd's study was stated to be for the purpose of determining if the existing risk exposure is addressed by security controls that are in place. Further addressed is the correct or accepted techniques in making this analysis. Specific technological risks are addressed and inherent risk involvement in applications using the database server and the database management system. Also needing addressed in the study was particular transaction risk on the database. All these findings hold "significance for the assessment" however only a qualitative approach is not sufficient in making this analysis. In the event of such a scenario, "the database administration is reactive and makes the changes on the database at the moment when he knows the vulnerability." (Muntenu, 2004)

Limitations to Quantitative Approach

Qualitative risk assessment is "scenario-based" in its approach while quantitative analysis "assigns monetary values to the components identified in the risk assessment phase." Higher efficiency represents fewer breakdowns in security processes. Because of this, in business organization information systems, the analyst identifies the assets, the threats that could have an effect on these assets and the vulnerabilities associated with the identified assets. In this case and in view of the theory of social capital and the assets represented by adolescents, which is the focus of the present study this factor is something that can only be qualitatively analyzed but to understand system efficiency the qualitative business system analysis will serve well to inform the present study therefore that process is herein reviewed. Muntenu goes on to relate that qualitative process elements include:

1) Financial value of the asset

2) Cost to build the asset

3) Value of the asset to the competition; and 4) Cost to recover the asset. (Muntenu, 2004)

Muntenu (2004) additionally states: "If we assume that the database server stores financial information, the value of the data may be based on two factors" which are those of:

1) the data contribution to the financial goals of the company; and 2) the value of the data to an external individual or organization.

Resulting is "the indirect value of the database server is the most difficult assessment." (Muntenu, 2004) Muntenu relates the work of Dillard (2004) who presented a five-step process in making determination of the asset value and some security metrics. Those five steps are as follows:

1) Assign a monetary value to each asset class.

2) Input the asset value for each risk;

3) Produce the single loss expectancy value (SLE);

4) Determine the Annual Rate of Occurrence (ARO); and 5) Determine the Annual Loss Expectancy (ALE). (Muntenu, 2004)

Stated as 'Single Loss Expectancy' (SLE) is that this "represents the expected impact of a specific threat event and can be computed by multiplying the exposure factor of a given threat by the financial value of the asset (AV)." The exposure factor (EF) is the percentage of asset loss caused by identified threat and can be calculated by multiplying the threat frequency level (TL) with the impact factor (if). The threat frequency level (TL) is calculating by multiplying the threat probability (TP) by the risk factor (RF), where the risk factor is the criticality factor (CF) of the attack divided by the effort (E) required performing the exploit.

EF = (((TP x (C / E)) x (VF x AP)) / 100)

Calculating the exposure factor following this formula does not take into account the time variable." (Muntenu, 2004)

Muntenu next states that this formula is adjusted through estimation of three other elements:

1) Average time period for threat identification;

2) Average time period for releasing technical procedures to reduce or accept threat; and 3) Average time period necessary till the system becomes operational and the threat eliminated. (Muntenu, 2004)

The sum of these three variables is termed exposure time. This equation would appear as follows:

Average Time Period (ATP) Threat Identification

Average Time Period (ATP) Release technical procedures reduction/acceptance of threat

Average Time Period (ATP) for system to become operational and threat eliminated

TOTAL SUM = EXPOSURE TIME

According to Muntenu: "Exposure factor will be bigger when exposure time is longer. Because estimating exposure time is based on security historical incidents, its value will be highly subjective. The annualized rate of occurrence (ARO) is the probability of a threat occurring during a one-year time frame." (Muntenu, 2004)

Annual Loss Expectancy' (ALE) is the 'single loss expectancy' multiplied "by the annualized rate of occurrence (ARO) or:

Burd, 2005-2006)

2) Why do you consider this information to be the most valuable at your institution? For providing answers the participants were asked to write their answer in blanks that were provided. (Burd, 2005-2006)

3) With which government agencies, if any, do you share sensitive information?

DARPA/HSARPA

REN-ISAC

SEVIS

US-CERT

Other (please specify)

None of the above Not sure (Burd, 2005-2006)

4) Which methods do you use to secure sensitive information at your institution?

Identity management

Internal firewall

Physical separation

Role-based access control

Other (please specify)

None of the above Not sure (Burd, 2005-2006)

5) Which methods do you use, if any, to share sensitive information with government organizations?

Email (encrypted)

Email (unencrypted)

FTPHTTP

HTTPS

VPN (SSL or IPSec)

Other (please specify)

None of the above Not sure (Burd, 2005-2006)

6) Which vetting procedures, if any do you use for it staff who handle sensitive information?

Reference check - sometimes

Reference check - always

Criminal background check - sometimes

Criminal background check - always (Burd, 2005-2006)

7) Which vetting procedures, if any do you use for administrative staff who handle sensitive information?

For the purpose of this study 'end user' is described as "any individual who accesses information at your institution including the following:

1) Students (full- and part-time, on-campus and off-campus)

2) Faculty (both full-time and part-time; on campus and off campus)

3) Staff (both full-time and part-time; on-campus and off-campus); and 4) Affiliates (contractors, visitors, library users, alumni) (Burd, 2005-2006)

Questions in this section of the study entitled: 'included those as follows:

1) What are the key issues you encounter with end users in attempting to maintain information security at your institution? (Please select all that apply) a. Culture

Belief in freedom of information

Low security or safeguards on information

Privacy issues

Resistance to security measures

Senior management does not support information security efforts b. Policy

Policy does not exist

Policy is not adequate

Policy is not sufficiently enforced c. Awareness and Knowledge

Insufficient awareness of security issues (e.g., wireless security threats)

Inadequate understanding of actions (e.g., storing sensitive information on palm pilots)

Inadequate knowledge of the internet and computing (e.g., phishing scams)

Limited technical ability (e.g., don't know how to install antivirus software) d. Technology, Structure & Systems

Distributed computing systems (e.g., departmental computers)

Emerging technology (e.g., wireless, instant messaging, P2P networking)

Remote access issues

Rogue, unsupported computing systems (e.g., departments' systems)

Unpatched systems (e.g., operating system and application holes)

2) of all the end user security issues listed above, which is your biggest challenge?

3) When you consider the different types of end users, which group poses the greatest challenge in maintaining the security if the institution's information and systems?

Staff

Students

Other (please specify)

4) Why is this type of end user the most challenging?

5) How does your institution process new students' personal computers - if at all?

Clean computer when student arrives at the institution

Install firewall application on the computer

Install intrusion detection/intrusion prevention application on the computer

Install virus protection application on the computer

Notify student that computer should be cleaned

Notify student of virus protection, firewall, intrusion detection/prevention options

Provide security awareness training - optional

Provide security awareness training - mandatory

Require cleaning and protection prior to logging onto institution's system

Require signature accepting institution's security policy (e.g., via click through)

Other (please specify)

None of the above 6) How does your institution process new faculty members' personal computers - if at all?

Clean computer when faculty member arrives at the institution

Install firewall application on the computer

Install intrusion detection/intrusion prevention application on the computer

Install virus protection application on the computer

Notify faculty member that computer should be cleaned

Notify faculty member of virus protection, firewall, intrusion detection/prevention options

Provide security awareness training - optional

Provide security awareness training - mandatory

Require cleaning and protection prior to logging onto institution's system

Require signature accepting institution's security policy

Other (please specify)

None of the above (Burd, 2005-2006)

In the section of this interview entitled 'Countermeasures' it is stated that for the purpose of this interview 'information security policy' is defined as the procedures, guidelines and practices for establishing and managing security in the institution's environment." Questions asked in this section of the survey include the following:

1) How would you characterize the formality of the institution's information security policy?

No policy

Informal policy

Currently developing a formal policy

Currently implementing a formal policy

Formal policy

Other (please specify)

2) Information security policies may be sponsored at various levels within institutions (e.g., it Department, executive-level). How would you describe the level at which your institution's information security policy is sponsored?

Not applicable - we do not have a policy

Sponsored by it department

Sponsored by some departments in addition to it department

Sponsored by all departments in addition to it department

Sponsored at executive-level (e.g., President, Dean)

Other (please specify)

3) How do you distribute the information security policies to your institution's end- users?

____ Post information security policies on the institution's web site

____ Written document when end user first enters the institution

____ Electronic document when end user first enters institution

____ Written document provided periodically during end user's affiliation with institution

____ Electronic document provided periodically during end user's affiliation with institution

____ Other (please specify)

4) Please indicate below which, if any, of the following end users are required to sign an information security policy:

____ Staff (it department)

____ Staff (administrative)

____ Students

____ No end users

____ Other (please specify)

5) What are the consequences, if any, of violating the institution's information security

6) on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 is "not at all effective" and 7 is "extremely effective," how would you rate the effectiveness of your institution's policy in maintaining network security? (Burd, 2005-2006)

This study reports next the section of the interview labeled 'Awareness and Training' that for the purpose of this interview that 'awareness and training' is described as involving the provision of end users with sufficient information security knowledge that they do not pose a significant threat to the institution's information. 'Awareness' is inclusive of the development of sensitivity to potential vulnerabilities and understanding potential security issues. Training involves provision of sufficient knowledge that end users are able to act on their awareness such as installation of antivirus programs as well as performing system checks. Questions asked in this section of this study include those as follows:

1) What type of optional or mandatory training does your institution provide to its end users in maintaining information security:

a) Orientation for new end users - optional;

b) Orientation for new end users-mandatory;

Ongoing security training - optional;

d) Ongoing security training - mandatory;

e) Periodic alerts for new threats;

f) Incident identification;

g) Other (please specify); and h) Not sure. (Burd, 2004)

2) Does your institution measure the effectiveness of its security training?

If yes: How do you measure the effectiveness of your security training?

A a) Mandatory written-digital test based on content of security training;

b) Social engineering testing;

Staff reports of experiences;

d) Track volume of incidents per week;

e) Track volume and type of help desk issues;

f) None of the above;

g) Not sure. (Burd, 2004)

3) if you had unlimited resources and could change one aspect of awareness and training at your institution, what would you do? (Burd, 2005-2006)

Operational practices were also addressed in this study and the participants were instructed to consider the practices that the institution uses to prevent information security breaches. The following chart was provided to participants to review and mark their responses:

Source: Burd (2005-2006)

In terms of 'Detection and Investigation' it is stated that detection involves: "identifying potential or actual compromise of the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the institution's network and information. Investigation refers to analysis of the causes of compromise to the institution's network and information." (Burd, 2005-2006) the participants in this study are instructed to consider the practices that the institution uses to detect and investigate incidents and the following chart is provided for responses:

Source: Burd (2005-2006)

The next question in this section of the study asks the participants to indicate the groups that the institution has reported information security breaches or incidents to in the past year and provides the following options for participant response:

Within institution

IT department

Legal affairs

Executive level (e.g., Dean, President)

Student affairs

Other (please specify)

Outside institution

Local law enforcement

Federal law enforcement

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

REN-ISAC

SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security)

US-CERT

Other (please specify)

Not sure (Burd, 2005-2006)

In the 'Technology' section of this interview participants are instructed to indicate the general technologies utilized by the institution in securing its network and information and the following checklist is provided for participants to indicate their response to this issue:

Source: Burd (2005-2006)

Participants are asked to indicate the programs currently used for: (1) Anti-virus; (2) Firewall; and (3) IDS/IPS. Furthermore, participants are asked of all technologies utilized which one they believe is the most effective in maintaining the security of the network and which is the least effective in maintaining network security. Participants are quizzed as to what they anticipate 'will be the top three technologies that the institution will use in the upcoming 1-3 years to ensure information security. In the section of the interview entitled 'Resources' the questions asked are those as follows:

1) How many staff at your institution have a role dedicated to information security?

Part-time it staff:

Full-time it staff:

2) Please consider your central it budget for this year. Approximately what percentage of this budget is allocated to information security (e.g., systems, technology, training and awareness)?

____ 0% - 2%

____ 3% - 5%

____ 6% - 10%

____ 11% - 25%

____ Not sure

3) Do you use a methodology to quantify losses from security breaches (e.g., worms, viruses, spam, P2P, loss of information)?

____ No

____ Yes

____ Not sure

"Yes," Which methodology(ies) do you use?

4) Based on compromises over the past year, would you estimate losses at your institution to be:

____ $0 - $100K

____ $101K - $250K

____ $251K - $1M

____ $1.1M - $3M

____ $3.1M - $M

____ Not sure

____ Prefer to not disclose

5) Which of the following resources, if any, do you use for obtaining information about best practices?

Colleagues

EDUCAUSE

HEITA

InfraGard

NSA NIETP

SANS

US-CERT

REN-ISAC

Journals and magazines

Internet

None of the above Other (please specify)

If you had unlimited additional staff, time, and funding allocated to network security at your institution, what would you do differently? (Burd, 2005-2006)

The final section of the interview entitled 'Insights' asks the questions related as follows:

1) Overall, on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 is "not at all effective" and 7 is "extremely effective," how would you rate the effectiveness of information security at your institution?

Participants were asked to rate as follows:

Not at all Effective

Not very effective somewhat effective moderately effective highly effective very highly effective extremely effective

2) Overall how does information security currently rank on your list of priorities?

A a) Increase priority;

b) Decrease priority

Remain the same;

3) What do you consider to be the biggest challenge in the upcoming year in ensuring the security of your institution's network?

4) What do you consider to be the one thing your institution does best to protect its network?

5) if you had unlimited resources, budget, and authority, what is the one thing you would do to ensure the security of your institution's network?

This study reports that network analysis data collection included convenience sampling of two academic institutions, recruitment via telephone and email and installation of Higher Education Network Analysis (HENA) on the participant institution systems combined with six months of data collection.

Quantitative Field Survey Data

Reported in the same study is that the 'Quantitative Field Survey Data' contains 19 specific variables and of characteristics of institutions that participated in the field survey component of this study being reported along with 236 variables derived from responses to the Information Security in Academic Institutions Survey, which was organized into five sections:

1) Environment;

2) Policy;

3) Information security controls;

4) information security challenges and resources. (Burd, 2005-2006)

Qualitative One-on-One Interview Method

The Qualitative One-on-One Interview Data contains responses that are qualitative in nature to a combination of closed-response and open-response formats with the data divided into seven sections including:

1) Environment

2) Institution's potential vulnerability;

3) Institution's potential threat;

4) Information value and sharing;

5) End users;

6) Countermeasures; and 7) Insights. (Byrd, 2005-2006)

Data Collection

Data was collected through empirical analysis of network activity and include type and protocol of attack, source and destination information, and geographic location. Geographic coverage included the entire United States, Department of Education region classification.

Computer Data Collection

The method used in collection of the network data on the computer included setting the computer to record logs which was accomplished through use of the following instructions:

Step 1: Set Up Machine to Process Logs

1. Go to www.dshield.org/howto.php

2. Select appropriate prewritten client a. Go to "Prewritten clients" in red text b. Look for your firewall to see whether it is listed under either DShield "Universal" CVTWIN Client or Third Party Programs that submit Firewall Logs to DShield.

c. If your firewall is listed under DShield "Universal" CVTWIN Client:

i. Click on DShield "Universal" CVTWIN Client, which will take you to www.dshield.org/windows_clients.php.

A ii. Scroll down ae of the page to CVTWIN-SETUP.EXE (2.1 megabytes) iii. Download CVTWIN-SETUP.EXE (2.1 megabytes) by clicking on it.

d. If your firewall is listed under Third Party Programs that submit Firewall Logs to DShield:

i. Click on Third Party Programs that submit Firewall Logs to DShield, which will take you to http://www.dshield.org/windows_clients.php#3rd_party ii. Select the appropriate program and follow it instructions.

3. Install appropriate scripts a. Go to where you saved the file, and unzip the application by double-clicking on the.zip file.

b. Follow the instructions, using the defaults as you continue.

Note: The second prompt, which has a box for DShield Universal Firewall Client Setup, is not intuitive. You actually need to click on the computer icon in the upper left hand side of the command box.

4. Configure scripts a. Go to the "Start" menu. Under "Programs" select "DShield" then "DShield Universal Firewall Client" b. Go to "Edit" on the tool bar and select "Configure.. " c. Modify the "DShield User ID" field by entering your assigned UserID d. Modify the "Your Email Address" field by entering your assigned email address e. Change the "SMTP Server Name" field by entering dshield.infosecurityresearch.org

Note: If your university blocks the use of external SMTP servers, you must use your internal

SMTP server name in this field.

f. Fill in the "Firewall" field by selecting your university's firewall (e.g., Snort, Windows XP, etc.) from the drop-down menu g. Fill in the "Logfile" field by selecting the location where you'd like the log files to be stored use the browse button) h. Press OK

5. Modify your CVTWIN.INI file a. Change the destination of your scripts i. Go to the "Edit" pull-down and select "Edit CVTWIN.INI." This will open a notepad screen ii. Go to the line specifying where the reports will be sent

Search for "toaddr" by using the "Edit" pull-down, selecting "Find," and entering "toaddr" iii. Change the "toaddr=dshield.org" to "toaddr= " b. Change the Time Zone (if needed) i. Go to the line specifying the time zone

Search for "time zone" by going to the "Edit" pull-down, selecting "Find," and entering "TZ" ii. Look at the "TZ=" values corresponding with your time zone (e.g., - 5:00 is Eastern Standard Time) iii. Change the default of "TZ=-04:00" to the appropriate "TZ=" value c. Save and Exit the "Edit CVTWIN.INI" file i. Go to "File" pull-down and select "Save" ii. Go to "File" pull-down and select "Exit"

6. Change the IP Filter Configurations a. Change the IP Source filter i. Go to "Edit" and select "Edit Source IP Filters." This will open a notepad screen called

SourceIP.flt" ii. Put a # sign in front of each line of IP numbers so they aren't filtered (the lines start at 0.0.0.0 and end at 255.255.255.255) iii. Save and Exit the SourceIP.flt file a. Go to "File" pull-down and select "Save" b. Go to "File" pull-down and select "Exit" c. Change the IP Target filter i. Go to "Edit" and select "Edit Target IP Filters." This will open a notepad screen called "TargetIP.flt" ii. Put a # sign in front of each line so they aren't filtered (starts at 0.0.0.0 and ends at 127.0.0.1) iii. Save and Exit the TargetIP.flt file a. Go to "File" pull-down and select "Save" b. Go to "File" pull-down and select "Exit"

Step 2: Process the Logs

1. Go the "Start" menu and start up DShield by 2. Go to "File" pull-down and select "Convert [depending on what firewall you configured in Step 1]"

3. Go to "File" pull-down and select "Mail to "

Step 3: Automate Sending the Logs

If you use Unix: Set your cronjob to every 1/2-hour

If you use Windows: Set your scheduler to every 1/2-hour (Burd, 2005-2006)