Sage Cyber Security

By Richard Proctor

It is a time where everything is about data. All financial transactions, personal information, and money are nothing more than 0s and1s in databases that are constantly under attack.

Jake Sage owns and runs a Cyber Security firm that serves to protect data. In many ways his means are almost as unscrupulous as the hackers he goes after and he makes no pretense that he is in it for the money. While he is a man of the future he is also a throwback as Jake is a rugged outdoorsman that in many ways wants to return to a more simple time.

In this time there are powerful groups that seek to control all the data and thus control the world. Jake and his team are confronted with just such an attempt and he must decide what the right course to follow is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 15, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465396747

Richard Proctor

RICHARD PROCTOR lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife and two children. He is an avid outdoorsman and active in local politics. He has BA degrees from the University of Georgia in Economics and Political Science. Richard was born in Newnan, Georgia and makes frequent visits back to the South and his roots.

Book preview

Sage Cyber Security

Richard Proctor

Copyright © 2011 by Richard Proctor.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2011960553

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4653-9673-0

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4653-9672-3

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4653-9674-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

107464

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my brother, Robert Proctor, and to my

sister-in-law, Teresa Proctor.

Family and blood are all that count.

He who controls the data controls the world.

Chapter 1

Thursday evening at the grocery store was always a busy time, particularly in early November. The colder weather in Colorado seemed to bring out the appetites in people and set them to start thinking of Thanksgiving. Thursday was also a time when many single people, just getting off from work, stopped in to pick up food for the evening and weekend so that they would not be bothered by that chore over the next few days. Veronica Walker was making just such a trip this day and was perusing through her usual menu. For a single girl in her early thirties, eating was not a top priority and as such her basket was being filled with vegetables, a few pieces of fruit, several frozen diet dinners, and of course the latest women’s magazine. She was looking through the lettuce when she noticed a man looking her over and seeming to start to make his way toward her. She was a very attractive woman and having men come up to her was nothing foreign. While she dated and had some serious relationships, at thirty-two, she had yet to meet the man that swept her away and would make her satisfied.

As the young man approached, Veronica noted that he was not bad looking but had a look about him that was not what she liked either. He looked like the type of guy that spent more time in front of the mirror than she did. While she had dated men like this she always found them unsatisfying in many ways, and in fact she often wondered what type of man would truly make her satisfied and if she would ever find him. What she was looking for was the type of man that had the strength and rugged good looks that would make her safe. She wanted the kind of man that could pick her up and have his way with her while pinned against the refrigerator. With that thought, she sighed and quickly made a move toward the checkout lanes to avoid the approaching man and what would be an uncomfortable situation.

She looked at the rows of checkout machines and tried to get into what she thought was the shortest line. There were sixteen machines that were watched by four stations of manned personnel. The machines had scanners for bar codes as well as readers for the biometric financial cards that were used for payment. Veronica was in a line behind an elderly woman and what appeared to be a mother with three kids. The elderly woman was busy verifying that each purchase was correctly priced as she scanned in the bar codes. As Veronica stood and watched, she began to think through her plans for the next several days.

Get done here, and then off to the gym for a workout and home for some dinner, time on the social networks, and then a bath and bed.

She then realized the next day was Friday, which meant work only till noon and a night out with the girls, of course to try and meet men.

The mother with the kids finished her purchases as Veronica placed her basket down and began to scan the bar codes of the items in her basket. She had completed it and the total was $43.25.

It doesn’t seem like I bought anything for that much. My, how things have gotten expensive.

She pulled out her biometric financial card and placed it in the reader. The screen displayed, Thank you, Veronica Walker. Please place your finger on the print reader.

Veronica placed her index finger on the reader and the system displayed back an affirmative verification. Next, it asked if she wished to pay from her cash account or credit. For a moment, she thought and snickered.

I don’t know why they still call it cash account as no one uses money anymore.

She selected cash and pressed enter. About ten seconds later, the screen displayed a message that read: Purchase denied, insufficient funds.

Insufficient funds? That makes no sense.

She went through the process again only to get the same result. Next, she tried again but used her credit account this time. A few seconds later the screen displayed, Purchase failure, account overdrawn.

Veronica knew this had to be wrong as only a few days ago she had a cash balance of $2,500 and a credit balance of $10,000. She stood at the machine not knowing what to do next. The attendant, being alerted of the issue, came over.

Ma’am, it seems that your accounts are not good.

I don’t see how that can be.

Well, you will need to move along and get it sorted out later as people are waiting to use the machine.

Veronica left her basket of food and headed out of the store. She got inside her car and pulled out the financial card. On the back was an 800 number, and she pulled out her cell phone to call it. A moment later the number was answered.

Please enter your identification number.

Veronica typed the number into the phone.

Please enter your birthday using month, day, and full year.

She then entered 6 17 1983.

The voice response unit then answered, Yes, Ms. Veronica Walker, how may I help you?

She then said, I need a representative.

The system responded, You want your balance?

No, I need a representative.

The response was Hold please while I transfer you.

A moment later there was a live human on the other end.

Yes, Ms. Walker, how may I help you today?

I just tried to make a purchase with my cash and credit accounts and I am unable to.

Well, let’s see.

A moment later the representative came back, Ms. Walker, it seems that you have no money left in your cash account and your credit has been maxed out.

That is not possible. Can you tell me the last transactions in the account?

Well, in your cash account, it looks like you pulled all the cash out two days ago, $2,500, and in the credit account you purchased airline tickets and computer equipment.

Veronica sat in her car with a wide open mouth, not believing what she was hearing.

What? I haven’t done any of those things. What do I need to do to get this fixed?

Well, Ms. Walker, tomorrow you will need to go into the local branch and fill out a report so that we can investigate and get this taken care of.

What do I do for money until this is fixed? asked Veronica.

Once the report is filled out they can credit you one hundred dollars in your credit account, and if the report shows that this was fraud, all of your money and credit will be returned.

How long will that take?

I can’t tell you that now. You will have to get that information from the branch.

Well, if that is what I have to do, then so be it. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Walker.

Veronica hung up the phone and sat for a moment. She began to think through all of her plans for the weekend and how they would need to change. Any hope of working out that night ended as she was too distraught. She started her car and pulled out of the parking area of the store and headed toward her apartment. On the way home she continued to think about what had happened

How did someone get my information?

In all of it, her most pressing feeling was that in some way she had been violated. Her privacy and life had somehow been invaded and she felt that she had no control. Being alone with no one to really comfort her on this, she continued to wrap herself in the situation.

She pulled into her parking place at her complex and got out of the car. As she locked the vehicle, she looked all around to make sure that no one was watching her. The feeling of violation began to turn into a form of paranoia. She climbed the one flight of stairs and unlocked her front door. Upon entering, she turned on her lights just to make sure and of course to see where she was going. Her two-bedroom apartment was neither large nor small. It had a nice kitchen and eating area as well as a nice living room. She had it decorated with chairs, a table, a sofa, and a nice dining table.

She placed her workbag down and headed toward the kitchen. After flipping the lights on, she went to the refrigerator to see what would be on the menu that evening.

"Well, let’s see, three slices of bread, some jelly, an apple, and some old lettuce. Looks like PBJ is for dinner. She also noticed two bottles of unopened white wine and decided it was a good night for a few glasses. Reaching in the cupboard, she took out a wine glass and pulled out one of the bottles. In the drawer, she found the opener and soon had a very full glass which she took a very healthy sip out of. She then headed back to her bedroom where she turned on the light and slipped out of her high heels.

I think a hot bath is in order, and then some TV and bed.

Turning on the TV, she found a music station and then headed into the bathroom and began to draw a warm tub. After taking off her clothes, she grabbed her wine glass and submerged in the warm water. While the stress of the day had not totally disappeared, it was certainly subsiding.

Well, in the morning, I will call in sick and then go down to the financial company and get this sorted out.

After the bath, she headed back to the kitchen and made a half sandwich of peanut butter and jelly. Refilling her wineglass, she turned off all the lights and headed back toward her bedroom. After flipping the TV to an entertainment channel, she slipped off her robe and crawled into bed to finish dinner and sleep. It was to be a night of light sleep.

The next morning came and Veronica was up preparing to take care of business. She showered and dressed for business as she knew she needed to appear professional at the financial company. Upon arriving at ten after nine, she walked through the front door where she walked over to a computer and swiped her biometric card. Then, when prompted, she placed her finger on the reader, which was confirming her as positive. She then selected the need to meet with a representative and took a seat and waited. A few moments later, a young man came over and introduced himself.

Ms. Walker, I am Scott Bransen, assistant manager. How can we help you today?

She looked at the young man and noted his cheerful but young face.

Well, I tried to use my financial card yesterday and it seems that someone has broken into my accounts and taken all of my cash and used up all of my credit.

The young man had no look of astonishment on his face as he well knew that this had become a common occurrence in the last few weeks.

Well, come over to my desk and let’s take a look.

The two walked over to a cubicle that had a working desk and computer. Veronica sat down and handed the young man her biometric card. He typed in the account number and spent a moment looking at the screen.

Well, it does seem that you have no cash or credit. I would assume that you did not make a cash withdrawal of $2,500 two days ago or buy airline tickets and computer equipment.

No, I didn’t.

Well, let me get the forms started so we can finalize an investigation and get this sorted out.

This does mean I get all my money and credit back, doesn’t it?

Yes, in about five business days.

Five days? What do I do to survive until then? she asked.

Well, we can advance you a hundred dollars in credit that of course will need to be repaid.

One hundred dollars for five days! Well, it is going to be a long five days, said Veronica.

The young man finished typing out the report and then directed Veronica to read it. She read the report and then signed the form with an electronic pen.

Well, that should do it. We have also gone ahead and re-secured your accounts. Here is the new password for your account so that next time you login online you can change it.

He handed her a piece of paper that he had written the password on. She thought that was very unprofessional and not so secure in this era of data. She took the paper and placed it in her bag. The two stood up and the young man walked her out of his cube and then returned. Veronica stood there a moment with a look of disgust and kept thinking to herself.

One hundred dollars, so much for weekend plans.

Her nerves continued to be frazzled and it showed. An older man standing to one side had been in the bank that day to handle some business and had just overheard Veronica’s issues. He also noticed that she was quite attractive and seemed in distress. He walked over to her and asked, You seem to be in a fix. Sorry, I overheard what was going on and I can understand what you must be feeling. When your life is violated, you are never really sure whom to trust.

Veronica looked at the stranger and saw that he had the eyes of a hawk. He appeared to be about fifty and conveyed a demeanor of strength.

Yes, you are correct but I don’t know what to do. I know the bank will investigate but what if other things in my life have been discovered? What if the people who broke into my accounts do more? I really need someone to help me.

The man looked at her and reached inside his bomber jacket and produced a business card.

Here, call this number and set up an appointment. This guy can help you.

She looked at the card.

Sage Cyber Security.

I don’t know how I will pay him? she asked.

Oh, don’t worry about that. He is a friend of mine and I will make sure that you are taken care of.

Who shall I tell him referred him?

The older man smiled, showing his white teeth below his dark mustache.

Tell him that Captain told you to make the appointment.

Veronica smiled.

OK, I will do that, and thank you.

Veronica left the building and got back into her car. She didn’t hesitate and picked up her phone and called the number on the card. The answering device came on.

Sage Cyber Security, how may we help you?

I would like to make an appointment, she said.

May I have your name, said the auto response unit.

Veronica Walker.

May I have the reason of your call?

I need help as I have been hacked.

Very well, we have an opening at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 9. Would you like this time.

She thought for a moment as it would mean she would be late for work. This was important and they certainly would understand.

Yes, that time will be fine.

Your appointment for 9:30 a.m. on November 9 has been confirmed. Thank you for calling.

Veronica hung up and sat a moment looking at the card. She began to feel assured, but she still was overwrought.

I think a trip to get some wine for the weekend and a little food is in order. Well, Mr. Sage, until Monday.

Chapter 2

Jake, look over there. He looks to be about three hundred yards in those alders.

Yea, he looks like a good bull but we need to get closer to get a better shot.

Let’s move about 150 yards toward those trees and scrub. Real slow now.

Got ya, Shorty.

Jake paused a moment and looked at the early morning sky of late September in the Chilkat Valley of Alaska. The air had a chill to it as an early autumn had found its way to Alaska. He and his man Shorty were out on a moose hunt and they had tracked down a nice bull. The two slowly crept along in the direction of the trees that bordered the area where the moose was currently feeding. The animal was huge and had to be a good thousand pounds as he was majestically standing in the thickets eating his breakfast while he put his huge antlers toward the sky. Jake knew that this monster would make for months of good eating as well as a beautiful trophy to hang on his wall.

About forty yards from the shooting spot Jake stopped and looked down. On the ground was a large pile of scat that was extremely fresh, and he motioned to Shorty and the two stopped for a moment to consider the find.

Looks awfully fresh. Do you think this guy is still around? asked Jake.

Might be, but when we shoot the moose, he might run off.

Or he might know that we have just provided Mr. Bear a load of fresh meat, said Jake.

Good point, said Shorty.

The two men continued to advance toward the trees as they kept the large moose in sight. The animal either did not notice the two men or did not care about the humans approaching. As Jake and Shorty were downwind of the moose, he had no way of detecting them with scent and also did not have the keenest of eye sight. As they turned to spot their prey again, the scenario changed all at once. They were no more than thirty yards from the trees when there was a cracking sound and then a pounding. Both men looked up to see a huge grizzly bear break from the trees and head straight toward them. Jake reacted with catlike reflexes and leveled his 30-06 at the bear and fired. The bullet passed in front of the shoulder into the bear and slowed it a bit. Then the bear let out a scream and charged. Shorty fired his 44 Magnum into the bear and again the animal paused only to resume. Jake had chambered another shell and made a shot that hit the bear right under the neck. This last shot crumpled the bear and he slid across the ground and stopped five feet from the two men. With one last breath and a convulsion of blood the beast died.

The two men paused and looked at the bear and then at each other. The monster in front of them was a powerful beast that was intent on having man flesh for breakfast.

Damn, what an animal, said Jake.

Yea, and it’s a good thing we stopped him as we sure would have been his dinner, said Shorty.

Jake then looked toward the brush to see if the moose had hung around but the creature had bolted with the first shot.

Damn, the moose is gone, said Jake.

You didn’t think he would hang around for the show, did you? asked Shorty.

No, I guess he saw his chance and took off.

The two men walked around the bear and began to marvel at his size. The animal had a huge head and large claws. Jake bent over in front of the head and exposed the large teeth.

This guy must weigh 800 pounds, said Shorty.

Yea, that seems about right. Good thing we brought him down. Um Shorty, neither one of us has a bear tag, and you know what that is going to mean.

Shorty stood there a moment and had a look of disgust on his face.

Yea, it means we haul this guy out and then call the Department of Game and Fish to send that ranger of theirs down to investigate.

What is that guy’s name again?

Ranger Donner, said Shorty.

Yes, Ranger Donner. I know how much you like him, Shorty.

Well, he ain’t so bad except he does everything by the letter of the law. Like last season, a couple of guys I know went out and got a really nice moose. They were so excited and busy that they forgot to put the tag on the carcass. Ranger Donner happened to pull them over and fined them $500 even though the guys had the tags in their pockets.

Well, the law is the law, said Jake.

Yea, but there is the law, and then there is the give a guy a break.

Jake stopped and looked again at the bear.

Well, we have to get this guy out of here and the truck is a good quarter mile away.

Shorty scratched his stubbly beard and looked at Jake.

Well, let’s dress him so that will cut some of the weight. Then we can get some poles out of the woods and lash him to them. Then we have got one hell of a trip dragging him out.

OK, let’s get started, said Jake.

The two men rolled the bear over and then began to remove its entrails. It was tedious bloody work that took about forty-five minutes, but when it was done it lightened the load by a good seventy pounds. Jake then headed into the woods and soon came out with two stout poles that would serve to help drag the bear. The men laid the poles on the ground and then with much effort pulled the bear over the poles. With rope they tied the arms and legs of the bear and were now ready for work. They figured that the best way to move the animal would be for them to get under