Entries by Robert Siciliano

5 Mobile Security Tips

Cybercrime is one of the most lucrative illegal businesses of our time, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Over the last decade, cybercriminals have developed new and increasingly sophisticated ways of capitalizing on the explo­sion of Internet users, and they face little danger of being caught. Meanwhile, consumers are con­fronted with greater risks…

Do You Know What Your Kids Are Hiding?

Many of you as parents may think, “not much” when asked this question. But in reality, it’s probably a lot more than you think. So it should come as no surprise to anyone that McAfee’s 2013 study, Digital Deception: Exploring the Online Disconnect between Parents and Kids, which examines the online habits and interests of tweens, teens, and…

Gold Farming A Chinese Full Time Job

Gold farmers play massive multiplayer online games, not for fun, but to accumulate virtual currency, or “gold,” which can then be sold to other players, despite the fact that most game operators explicitly ban the exchange of in-game currency for cash. Gold farming is so lucrative, people in China and other developing nations can support…

Your Strong Password Isn’t so Strong

Banks rely on usernames and passwords as a layer of protection and authentication to prevent criminals from accessing your accounts. However researchers now show that your password—even though it may be a relatively “strong” one, might not be strong enough. When you create a password and provide it to a website, that site is supposed…

Classifieds Ripe For Rental Fraud

I once listed a property for rent on Craigslist that scammers ended up relisting for a third of my asking price. People would pull into my driveway and knock on my door while the listing was active and even after the listing I posted had expired too. Business Insider reports, “Since lenders have tightened their requirements…

6 Tips for Apartment Security

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, apartments have an 85 percent greater chance of being burglarized than a single-family homeowner or rental property. Apartment security should be a priority for landlords to provide for tenants, but it’s really up to you, the tenant, to ensure your security. When hunting for a security-minded apartment complex, consider…

How Your Smartphone Will Identify You Privately

Banks rely on usernames and passwords as a layer of protection and authentication to prevent criminals from accessing your accounts. However researchers now show that your password—even though it may be a relatively “strong” one, might not be strong enough. When you create a password and provide it to a website, that site is supposed…

8 Ways to Avoid Contractor Fraud

Need a new roof, home security system, kitchen, driveway or furnace? At some point, you will. And when you do, you’ll search out reputable contractors who offer fair pricing—via the classified section of the local paper, an online search, Craigslist, or by making some calls to friends and family who know someone. Each resource provides its…

Banks Sues Client Over Wire Fraud

Banks usually have relatively secure systems to maintain and protect online banking activities. They’ve spent billions to ensure that criminal hackers don’t liquidate all of our accounts. But criminals spend all their time seeking vulnerabilities and often find some way to make a fraudulent withdrawal. Over the past decade as we have all (mostly) banked…

What are the risks of BYOD?

As companies cut costs, and employees desire more freedom of choice, they increasinglybring their own mobile  devices to work. . The opportunity to eliminate the significant expenses associated with corporate mobile devices excites even the most staid CFO, and the IT guys are told to “make it work.” This development has come to be known…