Identity Theft Speaker; Hold off the hackers by scanning credit

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Identity Theft Expert Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com Hold off the hackers by scanning credit, Boston Herald 2/1/9.

The financial meltdown has forced many to tighten the purse strings, and experts say it’s vital to keep a tighter grip on personal information. Identity thieves are lurking everywhere, and the tally of such thefts has jumped in recent years.

“With the downturn in the economy, along with hackers getting that much more sophisticated, you’re seeing a lot more desperate people, and hackers are taking advantage of that,” said Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDtheftsecurity.com.

Article here Hold off the hackers by scanning credit, Boston Herald

See the devastating effects of Identity Theft here:

Tyra Banks Monday 2/2 “Mom Police” Featuring Robert Siciliano

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Monday 2/2 the Tyra Banks show “Mom Police” Featuring Robert Siciliano features moms who go to extremes to spy on their kids! These snoopy moms admit to reading their girls’ diaries and going through their cell phones and personal things. Plus, one mom wants to know where her child is at all times — and secretly plants a tracking device on her!

Like all daytime talk, its a tad sensational, but an important topic albeit. What parent hasn’t snooped on their child at some point? I know my parents did, for good reason!!

Some moms simply search draws and closets, others interrogate and pat down. And with advances in snooping technology, many parents are installing computer monitoring software, tracking kids on GPS cell phones and others are monitoring their childs text messages either remotely or right on the phone bill.

Snooping is done to protect the child from themselves and from others.

My role is to demonstrate various snooping technologies. I walk a mom through a few tools to monitor her somewhat out of control 15 year old daughter.

There may be a lack of trust, paranoia, fear, or good reason to snoop on your kids. Sometimes parent who fear, use love as an excuse to snoop. Either way, there seems to be a breach of trust between parent and child when snooping occurs (or when the child finds out).

My children are young, so I have no need to snoop. Will I? Neither you or my child will ever know. ;)~ Unless of course my child snoops on me and I end up on Tyra.

If you are a parent and have time to Tivo or watch live, I think you find this to be entertaining and educational as well.

Personal security and Identity Theft Expert Speaker Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com

Here is a video discussing the topic on Fox:

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS: Reports of Agreed-to Payout to Veterans Shows How Costly Laptop Theft Can Be

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(BOSTON, Mass. – Jan. 30, 2009 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Recent reports indicated that the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department has agreed to pay $20 million in damages to the 26.5 million veterans and active-duty troops whose identifying information may have been on a laptop computer and external hard drive stolen from this government agency in 2006. Widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano noted that the news showed how costly laptop theft can be. He advised organizations of all kinds to invest in the far more affordable alternative: laptop tracking and data retrieval technology from MyLaptopGPS.

"Millions of lost data records can equal millions of dollars in damages," said Siciliano. "Contrast this with the fact that it costs very little to equip laptop computers with security technology — simple, responsible measures designed to protect consumers’ data and organizations’ bottom line all of a sudden make lots of sense."

CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients through presentations that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and a longtime identity theft speaker, he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

On Jan. 28, the Boston Globe reported on a multimillion-dollar agreement that the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department apparently made to recompense the many millions of veterans and active-duty troops whose identifying information may have been on a laptop computer and external hard drive stolen from this government agency in 2006. The lost data included names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers, thus placing an unknown number of these 26.5 million veterans and active-duty troops at risk of identity theft and fraud. Reports indicated that the laptop was later recovered.

"In this case and in so many others, the key is to install technology that acts as a laptop theft deterrent," said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to visit the MyLaptopGPS blog to discuss the VA laptop theft. "MyLaptopGPS deters thieves from stealing a mobile computing device in the first place. In the event that a theft does occur, MyLaptopGPS’ robust technology enables a laptop’s owner to retrieve and delete data on the machine — even while the computer is in the thief’s possession."

The theft rate for laptop computers equipped with MyLaptopGPS is just 0.4 percent, or 32 times lower than the average. Additionally, Yost pointed to SafeRegistry™, a comprehensive system from MyLaptopGPS for inventorying entire fleets of mobile computers, as well as a full line of highly renowned SafeTags™, which are police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods™, cell phones, BlackBerry™ devices and other mobile property.

Yost’s expertise has been featured twice in CXO Europe. Furthermore, in December of 2008, he and Siciliano co-delivered a presentation titled "Information in the Modern Age: Maintaining Privacy in an Era of Medical Record Identity Theft" at the 4th Annual World Healthcare Innovation & Technology Congress in Washington, D.C., where Former U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich delivered the keynote address.

Readers who belong to LinkedIn® are encouraged to join the MyLaptopGPS group there. Featured in Inc. Magazine and TechRepublic, MyLaptopGPS maintains the Realtime Estimated Damage Index (REDI™), a running tally of highly publicized laptop and desktop computer thefts and losses and these losses’ associated costs. A log of these high-profile laptop thefts is available at MyLaptopGPS’ website.

Readers may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS. A white paper is also available.

MyLaptopGPS combines Internet-based GPS tracking with other functionalities to secure mobile computing devices. A user launches MyLaptopGPS’ features remotely, protecting data even while the machine is in a criminal’s hands. Once connected to the Internet, the software silently retrieves and then deletes files from machines as it tracks the stolen or missing hardware — at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the lost mobile computing device.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on a local FOX News affiliate discussing the importance of securing mobile computing devices on college campuses, where laptop theft can run rampant. To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who’s lost a laptop computer or other mobile computing device to thieves, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.

###

About MyLaptopGPS

Since 1984, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been serving leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems that simply work. With MyLaptopGPS™, Tri-8, Inc. brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™’s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company’s commitment to top-notch software products and services for almost 25 years.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to educate Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://www.brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Speaker Expert; Chertoff: Control of identity critical in 21st century

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Identity Theft Expert Speaker Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com; Chertoff: Control of identity critical in 21st century

Chertoff states; “I’m going to submit to you that in the 21st Century, the most important asset that we have to protect as individuals and as part of our nation is the control of our identity, who we are, how we identify ourselves, whether other people are permitted to masquerade and pretend to be us, and thereby damage our livelihood, damage our assets, damage our reputation, damage our standing in our community.”

Chertoff was the single brightest light in the Bush administration. He will be sorely missed. The statement above has been posted to my homepage as a graphic here www.IDTheftSecurity.com I encourage you to steal it from my homepage and post it everywhere.

We are functioning in an environment in which we have yet to be identified or authenticated. There are hundreds of forms of identification in circulation with little security, the social security number is a national ID available everywhere see here, there are thousands of variations of the birth certificate, there are kids on college campuses everywhere selling fake IDs and credit is wide open.

All of this contributes to the exasperating problem of identity theft. It will only get worse and it wont get better until there is a degree of accountability. Accountability begins with identifying and authenticating the borrower/citizen etc.

The controversial Real ID Act is flawed. So is Microsoft’s operating system. So are airbags. But we use them because they work, and they offer a degree of security and functionality that we need. Real ID is a step in the right direction.

Smart-cards, biometrics in all its forms, multi-factor authentication, whatever it takes. We need to be properly identified. And to all those that say “at what cost, civil liberties, privacy?”, oh please. You already gave up all your privacy for 10% off at that shoe store. Privacy is dead. Move on. Our only concern is to manage our circumstances and begin to securely identify and authenticate.

Privacy advocates and politicians who fight Real ID do so because they are ill-informed and/or grandstanding. The day will come when we all are properly identified. And until that day, millions and millions of people will suffer at the hands of criminals because of an utter lack of accountability.

Her is an example of a country doing it right, its not perfect, but it certainly trumps what we have in North America and most of the civilized world. http://www.emiratesid.ae/mainenglish.html.

Heres a video discussing the use of the social security number as a primary ID;

Identity Theft Speaker; Cybercrime cost firms $1 trillion globally

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Identity Theft Expert and Speaker Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com McAfee; Cybercrime cost firms $1 trillion globally

In the late 90’s and early 2000’s, hackers hacked because it made them popular among their hacker peeps. They hacked for the challenge, fun and fame. Soon after the public started spending more time online, shopping, banking, using their PC for managing personal affairs. Now hackers aren’t just wreaking havoc, deleting files or making IT administrators miserable, they’re stealing lots of proprietary data. No longer fun and fame, the real game is illegal financial gain.

Hackers changed their motivation, which means you need to change your perceptions of what a computer is and how to operate it. It’s no longer something you just play Solitaire on. Or a place where you socialize and have friends. It’s a cash register to a hacker. It’s a bank. And it should be treated and respected like a vault.

Identity Theft Expert Speaker; VA agrees to pay $20 million to veterans in 2006 data breach

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Identity Theft Expert Speaker; Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com VA agrees to pay $20 million to veterans in 2006 data breach

Government is paying up regarding a stolen laptop from 2 years ago. A laptop computer was stolen from the home of a Veterans Administration employee and had 26.5 million names addresses and social security numbers of veterans and their families. Thats almost 10% of the population on one $1000.00 computer with a 30 gb hard drive.

The laptop was later recovered, however the damage was done.

The cost of the theft is much more than $20 million. Do the math. For this breach its less than a buck per name lost, not taking into account all the money spent investigating the loss.

As laptops get faster smaller and cheaper this will continue to happen. Why? Because those who are responsible for the devices do not follow whatever policies may or may not be in place to secure them and/or encrypt the data on them.

And for 10 bucks a month any entity can at least install laptop tracking and recovery software such as www.MyLaptopGPS.com

Below is a youtube vid of an appearance on the Today Show where another major corporation was lax in their security and compromised a couple hundred thousand records.

Identity Theft Protection Expert: Examine credit card statements

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100 million and possibly more credit/debit cards breached in the largest data breach in the world ever. Bravo. Brilliant. High five and congratulations to the hackers where ever they may be. I’m not proud, but certainly impressed.

How does this happen? Flaws in the system of designing software, old technologies used for new transactions, unsecured networks, inside jobs, etc, list goes on and on and on. The real reason is retailers and others have to be PCI compliant, which in itself is good, but does not solve the problem of credit card fraud. Until PCI adopts solutions that solve credit card fraud then we will still be amazed when 100 million cards are stolen. When industry adopts a secure solution (and they do exist), then data breaches of this kind will be a non-issue.

Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com Identity Theft Speaker and Expert on Personal Security.

ARTICLE HERE:
Expert: Examine credit card statements
Firm that processes millions of transactions sees its computer system breached
BY ANDY PIPER TH STAFF WRITER

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS Note the New Variables Brought to Laptop Theft Security by Ultraportable Computers

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(BOSTON, Mass. – Jan. 15, 2009 – IDTheftSecurity.com) As reports in late December indicated that laptop computer sales exceeded those of desktop computers, the rise of so-called "ultraportable" laptops became news, as well. Smaller than the typical laptop computer, ultraportables amplify the mobile computing security concerns, noted widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano. Laptop tracking and data retrieval technology from MyLaptopGPS nevertheless hold much promise in mitigating the risks, he said.

"As technology hardware continues to shrink in size, the challenge to secure it grows," said Siciliano. "Laptop theft is a concern largely because of laptop computers’ compact packaging. With ultraportable laptops, this concern exacerbates. Ultraportables, which render all the reasons to use laptop computers even more alluring, are sure to allure laptop thieves, as well, and in even greater numbers. It is incumbent upon organizations of all kinds to equip all such devices with effective anti-laptop theft technology."

CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients through presentations that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and a longtime identity theft speaker, he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

Shipments of laptop computers surpassed those of desktops in Q3 2008 by a very small percentage, according to research cited by eFluxMedia on Dec. 24. Industry analysts had expected the news, the article reported.

Two days earlier, Computerworld surveyed the rising popularity of ultraportable computers — technically laptop computers, but significantly smaller. For instance, their size forces ultraportable laptops to run previous-generation operating systems and less robust security technology technologies, reported Computerworld, which noted the attendant concerns these factors pose. Ultraportable laptop computers’ inferiorities, according to the article, make data stored on these devices more susceptible to security hazards because of a diminished capability to employ encryption, for instance.

"Calls to instruct employees not to place sensitive data on ultraportable laptop computers are well-meaning but futile," said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to visit the MyLaptopGPS blog. "Identifying data records will find their way onto ultraportables. But organizations can nevertheless keep tabs on these devices. MyLaptopGPS features such as SafeTags, for example, can secure ultraportables by rendering them police-traceable in the event of laptop loss or theft."

The theft rate for laptop computers equipped with MyLaptopGPS is just 0.4 percent, or 32 times lower than the average. Additionally, Yost pointed to SafeRegistry™, a comprehensive system from MyLaptopGPS for inventorying entire fleets of mobile computers, as well as a full line of highly renowned SafeTags™, which are police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods™, cell phones, BlackBerry™ devices and other mobile property.

Yost’s expertise has been featured twice in CXO Europe. Furthermore, in December of 2008, he and Siciliano co-delivered a presentation titled "Information in the Modern Age: Maintaining Privacy in an Era of Medical Record Identity Theft" at the 4th Annual World Healthcare Innovation & Technology Congress in Washington, D.C., where Former U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich delivered the keynote address.

Readers who belong to LinkedIn® are encouraged to join the MyLaptopGPS group there. Featured in Inc. Magazine and TechRepublic, MyLaptopGPS maintains the Realtime Estimated Damage Index (REDI™), a running tally of highly publicized laptop and desktop computer thefts and losses and these losses’ associated costs. A log of these high-profile laptop thefts is available at MyLaptopGPS’ website.

Readers may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS. A white paper is also available.

MyLaptopGPS combines Internet-based GPS tracking with other functionalities to secure mobile computing devices. A user launches MyLaptopGPS’ features remotely, protecting data even while the machine is in a criminal’s hands. Once connected to the Internet, the software silently retrieves and then deletes files from machines as it tracks the stolen or missing hardware — at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the lost mobile computing device.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on a local FOX News affiliate discussing the importance of securing mobile computing devices on college campuses, where laptop theft can run rampant. To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who’s lost a laptop computer or other mobile computing device to thieves, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.

###

About MyLaptopGPS

Since 1984, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been serving leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems that simply work. With MyLaptopGPS™, Tri-8, Inc. brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™’s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company’s commitment to top-notch software products and services for almost 25 years.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to educate Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://www.brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS: Research on Financial Services Firms’ Data-Storing Practices Suggests Consequences of Laptop Theft Could be Severe

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(BOSTON, Mass. – Jan. 14, 2009 – IDTheftSecurity.com) New research from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has revealed a number of worrisome trends in data security among financial services firms. The findings mean laptop computer security is as important as ever, according to widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano. With the amount of data apparently left unaccounted for, laptop tracking and data retrieval technology from MyLaptopGPS can spell the difference between financial catastrophe and peace of mind, he said.

"The research suggests that more than half of financial services firms—perhaps the firms that ought be the most careful with data—don’t even know where data on customers and employees is collected," said Siciliano. "How can a firm make sure data is secure when it doesn’t even know where that data is? Much of the information surely makes its way onto laptops and other mobile computing devices, potentially the least secure of all destinations for data."

CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients through presentations that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and a longtime identity theft speaker, he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC’s "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

According to an associated news release, findings from PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Global State of Information Security Survey® 2008 (conducted in conjunction with CIO and CSO magazines) suggested that more 54 percent of financial services firms do not have an accurate inventory of where personal data for employees and customers is collected, transmitted or stored. Furthermore, findings indicated that 51 percent do not require third-party service providers to comply with firms’ privacy policies, the news release also said.

"Securing and tracking mobile computing equipment is half the battle in data security," said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to visit the MyLaptopGPS blog and discuss laptop security resolutions for 2009. "And this half of the battle will, in many cases, complement efforts to get a handle on the other half — securing and tracking the data, which includes knowing where it is."

The theft rate for laptop computers equipped with MyLaptopGPS is just 0.4 percent, or 32 times lower than the average. Additionally, Yost pointed to SafeRegistry™, a comprehensive system from MyLaptopGPS for inventorying entire fleets of mobile computers, as well as a full line of highly renowned SafeTags™, which are police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods™, cell phones, BlackBerry™ devices and other mobile property.

Yost’s expertise has been featured twice in CXO Europe. Furthermore, in December of 2008, he and Siciliano co-delivered a presentation titled "Information in the Modern Age: Maintaining Privacy in an Era of Medical Record Identity Theft" at the 4th Annual World Healthcare Innovation & Technology Congress in Washington, D.C., where Former U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich delivered the keynote address.

Readers who belong to LinkedIn® are encouraged to join MyLaptopGPS group there. Featured in Inc. Magazine and TechRepublic, MyLaptopGPS maintains the Realtime Estimated Damage Index (REDI™), a running tally of highly publicized laptop and desktop computer thefts and losses and these losses’ associated costs. A log of these high-profile laptop thefts is available at MyLaptopGPS’ website.

Readers may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS. A white paper is also available.

MyLaptopGPS combines Internet-based GPS tracking with other functionalities to secure mobile computing devices. A user launches MyLaptopGPS’ features remotely, protecting data even while the machine is in a criminal’s hands. Once connected to the Internet, the software silently retrieves and then deletes files from machines as it tracks the stolen or missing hardware — at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the lost mobile computing device.

The YouTube video below shows Siciliano on a local FOX News affiliate discussing the importance of securing mobile computing devices on college campuses, where laptop theft can run rampant. To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who’s lost a laptop computer or other mobile computing device to thieves, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.

###

About MyLaptopGPS

Since 1984, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been serving leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems that simply work. With MyLaptopGPS™, Tri-8, Inc. brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™’s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company’s commitment to top-notch software products and services for almost 25 years.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to educate Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on "The Today Show," CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, "FOX News," "The Suze Orman Show," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," "The Howard Stern Show," and "Inside Edition." Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others. For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.

The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com
http://www.brentskinner.blogspot.com

Identity Theft Expert Speaker; Is Tracking Your Money Online Too Risky?

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Identity Theft Expert Speaker Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com

Is Tracking Your Money Online Too Risky?
Mint, Wesabe Claim Security, Convenience
Charlie Triemert, Staff writer

Tim Johnson, 30, says he wanted to do a better job of organizing his family’s finances.
“I just wanted to see how much money we had. I have a Roth IRA and some investments from my grandparents. My wife and I both have 401(k) from our jobs. My wife has a substantial amount of 401(k) from her previous job, as well.”
Tired of the paper clutter, Johnson went out and purchased a version Intuit’s Quicken for around $50.
“It was a little expensive but it helped us gain a better perspective of our finances,” Johnson said.

With the economy in its current funk, more people are turning to online money management tools. Free financial software sites such as Mint, Moneycenter and Wesabe are enjoying an increase in users.

Mint’s founder and CEO, Aaron Pratzer, says more than 625,000 people currently use his budgeting and money management site.
The biggest obstacle for these free financial sites is assuring users that their information is safe and secure.
“I’ve heard a little bit about free financial software options, but I like knowing our information is safely stored on my computer at home,” Johnson said.

Are They Safe?
“There will always be an opportunity — whether from the inside or the outside — for a hacker to get in,” says Robert Siciliano, chief security analyst for OneYou, a Web site that protects consumers from identity theft.

Before entering any sensitive information onto a site, Siciliano says consumers should understand each site’s policies in the event there is a breach.

“It’s important to know who ultimately is responsible for any security failures and what their policy for retribution is,” he said.
On Mint, you never share your name or Social Security number. Also, there is an option that will send a text message if there is an expensive purchase made on your credit card.

“If anything, Mint will help you keep an eye on suspicious activity,” Pratzer said. Pratzer said that even in the event your account is accessed by someone else, the amount of damage they could inflict is minimal. “You can’t move money from account to account on Mint, so they wouldn’t be able to do much,” Pratzer said.

Siciliano said financial sites — whether they are free or not — are required to have the software and encryption methods to protect users.

“As a consumer, I would try my best to understand their revenue model and how they are paying for all that security,” he said.

Free And Accessible
Besides being free, Pratzer said, the best thing about his site, “is that allows you set a budget.

Moneycenter and Mint both allow users to create categories and subcategories for budgeting. Because all of your bills can be computed, users can set goals and the system will offer ways to help attain them.

One of the best features online financial sites offer is accessibility. With an Internet connection and a browser — or sometimes just a mobile phone — you can access all of your financial data.

Help With Taxes
With all your financial information in one place, filing your taxes is a whole lot easier.
“If you’re traveling to New York for business, Mint allows you print off all your business-related expenses, Pratzer said.
Because each site has their financial tools available online, there’s no downloading or software you have to deal with. You’ll always be dealing with their most updated version.

If you upload your credit card information into Mint.com’s system, it will calculate the amount of interest you’re paying and notify you if could save money with another credit card.

This is also how Mint pays for its services. But Pratzer said the system will give you the best rates results regardless of sponsorship.

Mint allows users to set their retirement goals and offers tools to help them reach it. “It’s sort of an automatic financial advisor,” Pratzer said.

Copyright 2008, Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The story Is Tracking Your Money Online Too Risky? is provided by LifeWhile.