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Identity Theft Articles
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- Fake IDs are everywhere - by Submitted on Oct 29, 2015 from Robert SicilianoOkay, so you’re 18 or 19 and in college, and are stressed because you have to be 21 in order to gain entry to a night club or bar where you’d like to drink up a storm and mingle with a “more mature” crowd. Or really, you just want to meet someone. Life sure is tough, ...
Views: 942 - 5 In-Demand Cybersecurity Specialties - by Submitted on Oct 28, 2015 from Robert SicilianoThere are numerous subspecialties within the booming cybersecurity field[i]. Here are some of the most in-demand professions: Cybersecurity Engineer: This is the all-around, jack-of-all-trades, go-to guy or gal of cybersecurity. For all intents and purposes, a cybersecurity engineer is a ...
Views: 1020 - Don't Be Lazy With Your Passwords - by Submitted on Oct 27, 2015 from Robert SicilianoIt can be tough being a responsible adult sometimes, and managing these responsibilities isn’t always a chore that I want to deal with. Can you relate? Managing life takes focus and effort, and managing your online life is no different. Most of us are lazy with our online accounts, ...
Views: 910(1 vote) - Sales Staff Targeted by Cyber Criminals - by Submitted on Oct 27, 2015 from Robert SicilianoCompanies that cut corners by giving cybersecurity training only to their technical staff and the “big wigs” are throwing out the welcome mat to hackers. Cyber criminals know that the ripe fruit to pick is a company’s sales staff. Often, the sales personnel are clueless about ...
Views: 825(1 vote) - How Passwords Get Hacked - by Submitted on Oct 26, 2015 from Robert SicilianoIf I wanted to crack one of your passwords, I could probably make a series of educated guesses and get pretty close. Why? Because people tend to stick with simple, easy to remember passwords, but these are the passwords that are easy to hack. According to Bill Carey, VP Marketing for ...
Views: 899 - Dept. of Homeland Security Computers Vulnerable - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2015 from Robert SicilianoThere’s a problem on the home front: security lapses in the computers of the Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, says a report on townhall.com. These departments were recently audited, and weaknesses were revealed. Recently, hackers got into the White House, State ...
Views: 872 - How to prevent your Pics from being lifted: Part 2 of 2 - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2015 from Robert SicilianoThere are many reasons someone might right-click on your image and “Save image as…” Porn, Sex and Dating Sites A woman might steal your blog headshot and use it for her dating site profile. A perv might take the picture of your child off your Facebook page and put it on ...
Views: 890 - How to Set Up a Password Manager - by Submitted on Oct 24, 2015 from Robert SicilianoIf you have made the decision to use a password manager for your personal cybersecurity, which I highly recommend, you will quickly find that you online world is safer, easier and more secure than ever before. According to a recently concluded survey conducted by uSamp and sponsored by Siber ...
Views: 805 - Do It yourself home security getting easier - by Submitted on Oct 23, 2015 from Robert SicilianoHow would you like a home security system that’s also your personal assistant? Angee Inc., a new company out of San Francisco, knows you’d like one. Features of the Angee Device Smartphone controlled Has a Full HD camera with night vision. Learns habits of and senses presence ...
Views: 924(1 vote) - Internet of Things and Home Security - by Submitted on Oct 23, 2015 from Robert SicilianoHah, that dual chamber deadbolt and the door jamb reinforcement! Yup, they’re good at keeping thieves from getting to your jewelry box and stash of $100 bills, but what about your bank accounts and identity? If you have any “smart” gadgets in your house, cybercriminals may ...
Views: 980(1 vote) - Credit Card vs. Debit Card Fraud - by Submitted on Oct 22, 2015 from Robert SicilianoOne difference between a credit card and a debit card is that if there’s an unauthorized charge on your credit card, you just get a little sting. It’s a hassle to straighten out. But no money is taken from you. But if someone gets ahold of your debit card information, the second ...
Views: 1017 - How to Choose a Home Security Safe - by Submitted on Oct 21, 2015 from Robert SicilianoHome safes aren’t just for expensive jewels and wads of $100 bills. They can be for anything you’d be crushed about if it were stolen, lost or burnt in a fire. This could be a birthday card that your child made for you when they were five, or a photo of you and your ...
Views: 855 - Child Identity theft is becoming Solvable - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2015 from Robert SicilianoYou’ve seen TV commercials and print ads about identity theft, and the “victim” is always an adult. That’s not realistic. The actor-portrayal should be that of a child. Yes, a kid. Children are 51 times more likely than adults to have their identity stolen, says ...
Views: 857 - It's Time for You to Use a Password Manager - by Submitted on Oct 19, 2015 from Robert SicilianoIf you are like me, you have several online accounts, each with a user name and password. Though it is tempting to use one password for every account, this can be troublesome as it is a huge security risk. So, what is your only option? To use a password manager. According to a recently ...
Views: 785 - Protect your Identity when saying "I Do" - by Submitted on Oct 18, 2015 from Robert SicilianoWho has time to think about identity protection when planning a wedding? And why, for that matter? Well, there’s good reason: Marriage begets a change in identities. The months preceding the big day should be when the couple starts taking action to avoid identity theft. If ...
Views: 903 - The Password Reset Isn't How to Remember a Password - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2015 from Robert SicilianoConsider a keychain for a moment. For most of us, a keychain holds all of our necessities such as home keys, car keys, work keys and even forgotten keys, that we aren’t quite sure what to do with. Now, think about this. What if your keychain had keys that look identical, but each key only ...
Views: 832 - Home Security App/Camera witnesses two Burglars - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2015 from Robert SicilianoDanny Wheeler was alerted by his smartphone that had a home security app and a do it yourself camera/home security system that his home was being robbed. He was at work and could do nothing but send the real time video to New York City police, reports a story on abcnews.go.com. The burglars got ...
Views: 928 - Beware of these 10 Job Hunting Scams - by Submitted on Oct 16, 2015 from Robert SicilianoJust because a job recruiter says he’s from (fill in blank—any huge corporation) doesn’t mean the job can’t be a scam. Anyone could say they’re from Microsoft or Google. Impersonating a representative from a big-name company is one way to fool gullible job ...
Views: 1290 - Weak Passwords Mean Data Breaches - by Submitted on Oct 15, 2015 from Robert SicilianoStudies across the board indicate that weak usernames and passwords are one of the top causes of data breaches, and I find that information to be unfortunate, because it is preventable. According to a recently concluded survey conducted by uSamp and sponsored by Siber Systems, creators of ...
Views: 815 - Introducing Angee Home Security - by Submitted on Oct 14, 2015 from Robert SicilianoMeet Angee. Angee (pronounced like Angie) will revolutionize home security in more ways than one. One of the features that sets Angee apart from other home security systems is that this system can learn about you and your family members, and then operate accordingly. Angee is the future, but ...
Views: 1067 - Choosing a Home Security System - by Submitted on Oct 14, 2015 from Robert SicilianoChoosing a home security system may be dizzying, what with all the possibilities, but the good news is that there’s a system for every budget and personality. Gone are the days in which the only security systems available were the ones with all the clunky wires that had to be put ...
Views: 971 - How to prevent your Pics from being lifted: Part 1 of 2 - by Submitted on Oct 13, 2015 from Robert SicilianoYou need not be a celebrity or some big wig to suffer the devastating fallout of your online images (and videos) being stolen or used without your permission. So how does someone steal your image or use it without your permission? Hacking Hacking is one way, especially if passwords are ...
Views: 925 - What are Consumer Reports? - by Submitted on Oct 13, 2015 from Robert SicilianoYou’ve heard the term “consumer report.” Many times, I’m sure. But do you really know what one is? If you’re nodding your head, would you be able to explain it to a Martian? If not, then you probably do not have a solid understanding of what one is. But lenders, ...
Views: 857 - How to use two-factor authentication for critical accounts - by Submitted on Oct 12, 2015 from Robert SicilianoHave a small business? Great. Have two-factor authentication for your accounts? If you’re not sure of the answer to that question, you could be in trouble. October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the perfect time to learn more about cyber security. As a small business owner, ...
Views: 842 - Retirees Prime Targets for Identity Theft - by Submitted on Oct 11, 2015 from Robert SicilianoIs it easier for crooks to prey on senior citizens, or is it that most targets are the seniors? Well, one thing’s for sure: A disproportionate percentage of identity theft complaints come from people 50-plus (though I’m sure some readers would hardly consider 50-somethings to be ...
Views: 887 - Why You Should Use a Password Manager - by Submitted on Oct 10, 2015 from Robert SicilianoMost experts in cybersecurity suggest that computer users utilize a password manager, and I think they have a great point. These managers ensure that you can use a unique, strong password for all online account. On the flip side, there are naysayers that state a password manager isn’t as ...
Views: 897 - Self-Monitored Security System Market heating up - by Submitted on Oct 09, 2015 from Robert SicilianoThe Angee home security system is the only one with a video camera that rotates 360 degrees as it detects motion. And this high definition camera has smart zones; you can set up specific zones for monitoring. But Angee is more than just a video surveillance setup. It’s a self-monitored ...
Views: 866 - Butthead Burglar buttdials Cops - by Submitted on Oct 09, 2015 from Robert SicilianoYou know what a “buttdial” is. This is when a person has a seat somewhere, and the ensuring pressure of their butt against the seat accidentally presses upon the keypad of the phone that’s in their pocket. Or they don’t lock their phone and their fingers indiscriminately ...
Views: 881 - Beware of Apple ID Phishing Scams - by Submitted on Oct 08, 2015 from Robert SicilianoYou may have been scammed after you responded to an e-mail that appears it came from Apple. When hackers send e-mails that appear to come from a legitimate company like Apple (or Google, Microsoft, PayPal, etc.), with the objective of tricking the recipient into typing in passwords, usernames, ...
Views: 961 - What is a Password Manager? - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2015 from Robert SicilianoMany people, including myself, make mistakes with their passwords and use them on site after site. To remain safe, it’s important to use a unique, strong password on every site you visit. How do you do this the easy way? Use a password manager. According to a recently concluded survey ...
Views: 968 - 12 Ways to secure your Home - by Submitted on Oct 06, 2015 from Robert SicilianoThe FBI says that in the U.S., one out of every 36 homes will be raided by thieves in any given year. Often, the burglars were able to get in due to the residents’ carelessness. Unlike the movies, in which burglars are hiding in the shrubs at night waiting for the homeowner to return ...
Views: 1002 - Dust off your digital devices inside and out - by Submitted on Oct 05, 2015 from Robert SicilianoHackers know small companies are more vulnerable to data breaches due to limited resources. Cybersecurity should always be a high priority. But when a company’s IT staff consists of maybe 1-2 people who are provided limited budgets and are constantly solving other tech problems, the focus ...
Views: 915 - 8 Tips to protect your Money – and your Identity – from Theft - by Submitted on Oct 04, 2015 from Robert SicilianoWhen you hear the dictum, “You should protect yourself from identity theft,” do you equate this with pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with rocks up a hill? It would actually be more accurate to picture slicing into a fresh apple pie, because identity theft protection is as easy as pie. ...
Views: 997 - Why use a VPN? - by Submitted on Oct 03, 2015 from Robert SicilianoIf you want to be a pro at privacy, here’s a tip: When it’s time to go online, whether it’s at an airport lounge, coffee house, hotel, or any other public Wi-Fi spot, don’t log into any of your accounts unless you use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN is a ...
Views: 987 - What is a Hacker? - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2015 from Robert SicilianoYou probably think you know what a “hacker” is, but the images portrayed in the media can be misleading. You may be thinking of a geeky-looking guy who causes peoples’ computers to get infected with viruses or cracks passwords to raid the accounts of big business. This is one ...
Views: 943 - State sponsored Attacks big Problem - by Submitted on Sep 30, 2015 from Robert SicilianoThe U.S. Office of Personnel Management, an identity database, was attacked by hackers rather recently, and they hit the jackpot: More than 21 million federal workers are at risk of identity theft for perhaps the rest of their lives, reports an article on forbes.com. The hackers from overseas ...
Views: 869 - Twitters ups its Security Game - by Submitted on Sep 29, 2015 from Robert SicilianoTwitter recently announced its new tool to help with management and monitoring of its users’ accounts: the Twitter data dashboard. An article on lifehacker.com details what this new tool will offer. For instance, you will not need to use your real name on Twitter—and I have to ...
Views: 1053 - Mother Nature can ruin your business: Get ready for natural disasters now - by Submitted on Sep 28, 2015 from Robert SicilianoSeptember is almost over. This means National Preparedness Month is nearing its end. Nevertheless, you must be prepared all year long to stay safe. National Preparedness Month culminates September 30th with National PrepareAthon Day. In the boxing ring, if you focus on the knockout ...
Views: 847 - 7 Ways to protect Yourself Online - by Submitted on Sep 28, 2015 from Robert SicilianoThe biggest mistake that you can make to threaten your online safety is to treat the online world different—as far as your private information—than you would treat the physical world. In other words, if someone walked up to you and said, “Hi, can you please provide me with your ...
Views: 1063 - A new kind of home security. Smart, voice controlled and autonomous - by Submitted on Sep 26, 2015 from Robert SicilianoOne of the reasons you—and many others—don’t have your alarm on during the day is because you know you’ll keep forgetting to turn it off every time you want to step into the garage or go outside. So you just keep it off. And that’s not smart because many home ...
Views: 940 - Finding out which Employees keep clicking on Phishing E-mails - by Submitted on Sep 26, 2015 from Robert SicilianoYou have the best IT security, but dang it…the bad guys keep getting in. This means someone inside your house keeps opening the back door and letting the thieves slip inside. You have to find out who this enabler in your company is, and it may be more than one. They don’t know ...
Views: 762 - Seniors big Target for Romance Scams - by Submitted on Sep 25, 2015 from Robert SicilianoJanet N. Cook, 76, was duped by a dashing younger man. A report at nytimes.com explains that in July 2011 she connected with Kelvin Wells via a dating site. Next thing, this seemingly-together man was in trouble and needed lots of money. Cook got burned; she sent the crook nearly $300,000 ...
Views: 861 - Using a knife for survival - by Submitted on Sep 24, 2015 from Robert SicilianoAn article at indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com informs on how to use a knife safely and efficiently for survival. Safety For outdoors, carry a fixed-blade knife, as this is less likely to break. The knife should always stay in its sheath. Otherwise, you could stumble and fall into it, slicing ...
Views: 864 - Cheating Website hacked hard - by Submitted on Sep 23, 2015 from Robert SicilianoBad guys hacked bad guys. Hmmm, whose side should we take? Ashleymadison.com got hacked. This site helps and suggests married people cheat. The hack threatens millions of users, potentially revealing their credit card information, addresses, real names, pictures and content of their chat ...
Views: 908 - Ins and Outs of Call Center Security - by Submitted on Sep 23, 2015 from Robert SicilianoCompanies that want to employ at-home workers for their call centers to save money and reduce the hassles of office space have to look at security considerations. In addition to thorough vetting of the agents and their equipment, organizations also need to ensure that the security is top-notch. ...
Views: 870 - Trolls: How to deal - by Submitted on Sep 22, 2015 from Robert SicilianoCartoonist Ben Garrison posted something “about the Fed” online, says an article at www.vice.com, and this created a firestorm, leading to his billing as the “most trolled cartoonist in the world.” You see, his other cartoons were altered in an offensive way, fooling ...
Views: 984 - How to prepare for Digital Disasters - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2015 from Robert SicilianoEditor’s Note: In this week’s guest blog security expert Robert Siciliano explains how to protect your IT systems and your business from hardware failure. To learn more, download our new e-book, “5 Things Small Businesses Need to Know about Disaster Recovery.” It is ...
Views: 986 - 10 Ways our Privacy is invaded - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2015 from Robert SicilianoOnce you become active online…and especially once you become “connected” with a smartphone…your privacy will be in sizzling hot demand—and in fact, you can bet that as you read this, it is already being invaded in ways that you couldn’t possibly imagine. ...
Views: 1294 - Auto Hacking is a real Thing - by Submitted on Sep 19, 2015 from Robert SicilianoYou’ll probably be shocked to learn that last year, thousands of cars with keyless entry technology were stolen in London, says a report from wired.com. But fact is, the more connected a vehicle is to the cyber world, the more hackable the vehicle is—and the hack could be to steal ...
Views: 1009 - Catfishing Scammer tells all - by Submitted on Sep 18, 2015 from Robert SicilianoCatfishing is when someone creates a phony online account—and not necessarily to scam someone for financial gain. An article on vice.com tells all about a person who’s been catfishing for eight years. She started in middle school by creating “Joey” on MySpace. She then ...
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