MyMIS (b) Automated tools i. Virus Scanners Readily available on the market both for stand-alone or networked systems. All users should use anti-virus software to verify the integrity of their systems. However, it should be noted that the threat from virus requires periodic up-dates of the anti-virus software Best practice: Up-date anti-virus software regularly. ii. Check Summing Algorithm Work by generating mathematical value based on the contents of the file. Verification of the file is done by comparing the value of the sum generated by the current file with the previously generated value. The integrity of the file is verified when the two values are identical. Another common tool is the digital signature, which is also used to verify the integrity of the files. Best practice: Ensure the check summing tools are run on the new installation, clean version and check sum value are stored securely. iii. Password Crackers These are specialised software to check against proper user passwords as compared to easily guessed passwords. Best practice: Run monthly. iv. Integrity Verification Programmes Some of the techniques applied in integrity verification include consistency check, sensible checks and validation during data entry and processing. The objective is to ensure that the data is not tampered, omitted or unintentionally entered by way of examining data elements and expected relationships. Best practice: Incorporate during planning, design and programming stage. v. Intrusion Detectors These are online applications used to analyse log-in activities, connections, operating system calls and other various command parameters to detect intruders. Copyright MAMPU Chapter 2 - 17