Showing posts with label systems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label systems. Show all posts

Hacker Tricks from Insiders A Threat to ERP Systems

Today, with the extensive use of ERP systems world wide, there has also been a flanking growth in security related issues. And although ERP security plans aim at keeping outside intruders from gaining entry to a system’s inner network, the problem gets even bigger when hackers get illegal access to the information on ERP transactions, and when they spread Malware such as worms, spyware and viruses.

One of the main ERP business issues in our internet age is the increase in the number of these so called hackers, with some of them even hosting their own virus-filled websites. While some of them do this for financial gains, others just do it for fun. Largely, security in ERP requires a fresh approach; one that not just focuses on data but also on the security of the transactions involved.

While threats from outsider intrusions and attacks continue to go up, the chances for insider systems misuse has also grown by a long way. The fact is that, at the level of transaction, security flaws can be used more often than not by people inside the system. Although many of the available ERP systems present data encryption features which restrict people from exporting any files, it doesn’t satisfy the need for security from fraudulent insiders who take advantage of the authorization they have.

Though ERP systems have used audit logs for keeping an eye on the transactions made by an insider, or any updates in the system; these don’t give much information on whether the transaction was actually necessary or appropriate. And even though suspicious transactions can be sorted out by internal auditors; many organizations don’t install the audit log feature for their ERP system, as some believe that it may affect the performance of the employees.

What’s more, ERP applications continue to be susceptible to security attacks from outsiders as well, as anyone can now break feeble passwords with plain dictionary attacks. On the other hand, some of the most destructive hacker tricks arrive with the use of social engineering, which is about fooling people into giving out their identification details. Meanwhile, many companies have cut down on security related measures that focus on insiders, as they feel that it may act like an added overhead for their employees, and as it appears to affect their efficiency in carrying out their work.

Overall, the threat from insiders seems like the one that causes most of the security issues in organizations these days. And it does look like the future of ERP security would be all about identifying improper use of the system by users inside the organization. After recognizing the significant shortage in ERP security for protecting from insider threats, leading businesses are now using methods that continuously monitor transactions made by authorized users. These work by identifying suspicious transactions and checking whether it is linked to any fraudulent activity. So, if any employee appears to be doing some hacking-like activity, he or she can be instantly contacted though voip and questioned about the reason for such a transaction
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Embeeded Systems Notes TY BSc IT by MICHAEL BARR OREILLY


Programming Embedded Systems in C and C++
This book is recommended by most of the teachers in most of the colleges. It contains almost all necessary programs for practice.

This book introduces embedded systems to C and C++ programmers. Topics include testing memory devices, writing and erasing Flash memory, verifying nonvolatile memory contents, controlling on-chip peripherals, device driver design and implementation, optimizing embedded code for size and speed, and making the most of C++ without a performance penalty.

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What is meaning of FAILSAFE Systems

 
It is not possible to design fail proof product. It can be designed to be failsafe. Design of atomic power plant is one example. There were many accidents in the plans. However these were contained safely. The design of fail safe systems can be subdivided in 

                                   1) component selection/use and 

                                   2)system design. 

The examples of component failure resulting in system failure are 

                                   1) push button opening after a long time 

                                   2) a potentiometer opening it’s wiper. 

The component selection examples are as follows.

A potentiometer in a feedback circuit should be connected as shown. 

While using it, it is natural for a used wiper to loose the contact with track. Right connection limits the fault. In other case, it may lead to total failure. For this reason it is better to adjust the reference to adjust the output than setting the feedback. This arrangement is used in DC drives. Battery chargers etc. 

One more example from instrumentation side is to break thermocouple protection. It is normal for a thermocouple to open after a long use. Since it is in the feedback path, output temperature shoots up to highest value. A small circuit used to detect break helps in avoiding this.

A set reset flip-fop, as shown in the figure can be set and reset by the push buttons. Note that a normally closed push button is used and it does not short on pressing, then the circuit will not reset. Also note that an inverter is used on Q-bar, to drive the relay. It was possible to use output Q directly. However if both inputs are present (signals from some other logic circuits) then both outputs will be high. For avoiding this and making sure that Q-bar (OFF) prevails, use of inverter is necessary.

In microprocessor based circuits, microprocessor is used for checking other circuit components failure in the system. The microprocessor’s own failure is detected by using watchdog timer. After the hardware detection circuit shuts off the system as per the requirements.

The system design examples are as follows:


A protection relay designed to switch ON, in case of fault, mat not come on if it’s power supply is bad or connections are loose. A single-phase preventer working on zero sequence is one such example. Hence protection relays are kept on in healthy condition and go off on fault. A fault-indicating lamp should go off on fault, for reasons explained above.

A three-phase motor is used in forward/reverse mode with two contractors. The control circuit below shows clearly that both contactors cannot be switched on simultaneously (thus avoiding short-circuiting the lines). If motor is switched on in forward direction (or reverse direction), it is necessary to switch it off before reversing.

In case of DC motor drives, dynamic breaking is used in case of power failure. The regenerative breaking requires power for line communication of thyristors and hence to operate in case of power failures.

PLC Redundancy is another method of making design fail-safe. The redundancy can be achieved in many cases by Oring the circuits, or paralleling them. Filament type indicating lamps have limited life. When these are used in fault annunciators, two lamps are connected in parallel. There are lesser chances of both lamps failing simultaneously, resulting in the redundancy. Similarly two battery cells can also be connected in parallel, with a series fuse for each cell for isolating the faulty cell. The cells can be Ored by using diodes (again this serves isolation of faulty cell).



When using fault tripping circuits, and avoiding nuisance tripping, these are Ored and majority voting is used.

In circuits where input signals change continuously, a standard signal is used for checking the operation and if found faulty, the other circuit is brought into picture. In C-Dot exchanges all control and power supply cards are used in redundancy mode.

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Choosing From POS Systems In San Antonio

By Tiffany Gill


Making decisions as a business owner can be quite involved and expensive to complete on various levels. Many owners discover that trying to focus in on all that is needed for keeping their operations streamlined is quite challenging when being assured that profitability and efficiency are combined for a successful operation. Any owner focused on this type of system should know the fundamentals of selecting from POS systems in San Antonio to ensure their upgrades are made in a viable manner.

A POS system is designed to offer owners the chance to make sure their selling efforts are electronically tracked and managed. Many owners are interested in making this technology upgrade while attempting to control their inventory and finances in a more comprehensive manner while avoiding errors through hand-written solutions. The buying decisions made are usually quite challenging to consider as needed.

Consumers in San Antonio that are focused on this particular option have a significant number of companies to purchase from. Many owners are unaware of what particulars are the most effective in being able to ensure their needs are successfully managed. Making a great selection is usually quite easy when numerous factors are considered.

An initial facet of insight that is often focused on in this effort is being assured all available solutions are carefully researched. Providers are actually quite similar in what they offer which can be confusing to sort through when attempting to make a purchase in an appropriately matched manner. Owners are offered this information on download and easy to use websites to successfully narrow their options down.

An additional consideration in this process is being assured that all available features are able to be fully customized. Companies are often quite varied in what they offer their consumers which creates the need to track them all differently and create unique part numbers and price points to keep their businesses successfully tracked. All customizable features should be easy to use and modify accordingly to avoid errors and unnecessary difficulties.

Owners also tend to concern themselves with having access to easily generated and printed reports with their technologies. Creating financial reports is usually a main source of insight for anyone focused on the need to make sure that forecasts are created and monitored and all inventory control purposes are successfully managed. Any reports generated should be based on the metrics that are needed to make various decisions.

Customer support is an additional facet of insight that is focused on by owners in need. Errors are complications are known to arise at all hours of the day and night that may require immediate assistance to keep operations running in a smooth manner. Providers that offer 24 hour access to call centers and field agents help avoid unnecessary interruptions to daily operations.

POS systems in San Antonio should only be considered if they are reasonable in price. Owners are required to deal with limited capital budgets in most cases which create a challenge when trying to make sure that cost controls are successfully set in place. Low prices that are combined with the most comprehensive solutions help owners manage their expenses in a comprehensive manner.




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