Entries by Robert Siciliano

Security Benefits of EMV for Consumers

Major banks and retailers are now pushing very hard to make EMV the new standard in the United States. Visa announced plans “to accelerate the migration to contact chip and contactless EMV chip technology in the U.S. The adoption of dual-interface chip technology will help prepare the U.S. payment infrastructure for the arrival of Near…

How do I protect mobile devices while traveling?

Traveling for business or pleasure can be hectic, unnerving, and often draining. It’s not uncommon to hear somebody say, “I need a vacation”, after returning from their vacation. When traveling, the last thing you need to worry about is having your critical possessions ripped off.  So here are some things to consider: Airplanes: Always keep…

I’ll Have an App with That

Cash may be king—but not if you like free coffee and sandwiches from Starbucks. Today, if you want rewards, points, discounts or anything free, mobile payment is the way to go. My dad is a perfect example of how and why this is. Here’s a guy who held out on using a smartphone until 2013.…

Why Your Employer Needs Social in the Workplace

Social media is the fifth form of mainstream media. It encompasses all media, making it the king of all media. At this point, most people know how to use social media and how to navigate the various websites. But many employers are still on the fence. Hootsuites’ CEO says, “The world’s top brands—like Pepsi, Virgin, NHL…

Beware of Unknown Credit Card Subscriptions

The sales industry is fascinating. When it’s done well, you receive great value and both parties leave the transaction feeling happy. But the tactics some merchants use are downright manipulative and often veer into illegal territory. For example, you might see an infomercial on TV for vitamins. The ad targets the elderly and promises something…

During a Robbery: Fight or Comply?

Many of us are told that, when we’re attacked, we should let it happen so that the situation doesn’t get any worse. In some cases that may be your only option. But some studies have shown that fighting back is a better option. Showing resistance and making it difficult for your attacker to do their…

Your W-Fi Router Might Be Easy to Hack

Recently I became aware that many if not most home Wi-Fi routers are very easy to hack by cyber criminals.  I thought, my mom has Wi-Fi, and so probably does your mom. So here is a letter you can share with your loved ones—be they tech-savvy or not, to protect them from the hidden dangers…

Beware of Slimy Alarm Sales Calls

Call them con men, grifters, scammers or thieves. Or simply call them liars, because lying is what they do best. They stare you in the eyes, do it via email or over the phone, and lie through their teeth. They do it casually and with such conviction that we have no reason not to believe them. Sometimes they…

What’s the difference between using Proxy vs VPN?

If you live in or travel to a country that controls what websites their citizens can and cannot visit then you might not have access to sites like Facebook or YouTube. In this case you may have considered using a proxy or a VPN.But what’s the difference? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a network…