The State Bar Association of North Dakota Spring 2015 Gavel Magazine | Page 23

Typically, users receive an email with a
malicious attachment or with a link to a
malicious website.
Either way, the user is directed to install
software in order to fix a computer
problem or to purportedly allow a
website to function correctly. In act,
the computer likely was functioning
fine before installing the malware
but afterwards an intruder will have
access to the device. Any personal and
confidential information stored on the
device can be compromised by deletion,
destruction or denial of access.
Hints for avoiding installation of malicious software include always
having active and up-to-date virus software scanning all files being
loaded on a computer. Most tablets and smartphones have no virus
software so loading new apps can be dangerous. iPhone and iPad
apps are generally thought to be less risky than Android operating
system apps because of the more extensive process used by Apple
to screen apps before making them available to the Apple iPad or
iPhone operating system (iOS) products. But that is true only as
long as the other iOS security protections stay in place—meaning
in the parlance that the iOS device has not been “jailbroken” and
the Android device has not been “rooted.”

Devices also can be protected
by only downloading software
and apps from trustworthy
Internet locations. That
obviously excludes sites
disseminating questionable
if not illegal content such as
pornography, pirated books,
music or movies.

Using unsecured wi-fi

I have written about the
dangers of using insecure wi-fi
connections. In the six years
since that article, the dangers
certainly have not decreased and, due to advanced computer
hardware and “improved” software used by hackers, the level of
insecurity likely has increased. The danger is that the content of
your computer can be exposed to others. Your wi-fi signal can be
intercepted and allow the capture of your user name, password(s)
and the content of data transmitted to and from your device over
the wi-fi connection.
In conclusion, reasonably securing electronic data often is
accomplished by taking steps to prevent physical and electronic
access to the devices storing information. This article reviews
several of those steps and is intended as a starting point for lawyers
to develop strategies to advance their cybersecurity.

IT’S YOUR MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT
Since January 2008, SBAND has offered a member assistance program for its members and their families.
More information on the program is available at he SBAND website, http://www.sband.org.

PERSONAL PROBLEMS:
The MAP Program offers counseling services to SBAND members and their families for personal
problems such as marriage and other family concerns. The focus is not on who is at fault, but
how to reach a solution. Most people get the help they need in the 8 sessions a year that are
provided at no cost.

The SBAND Member Assistance Program offers confidential,
professional counseling services in locations across the state of
North Dakota for a variety of concerns, emotional crisis, financial
and family difficulties, substance abuse evaluations and workrelated problems. Members and their families are entitled to
receive up to eight counseling sessions per identified problem
area at no charge for each calendar year.

Calls for appointments are taken Monday - Friday, 8am-4:30pm • 701-530-7195 or 800-327-7195

St Alexius Employee Assistance Program. Calls for emergency or crisis situations are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week at these numbers.
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