Security truths evolve—meaning, they change, and you must keep up with this, particularly with wireless security. Advice for wireless security can quickly become outdated. There are actually three big wireless security myths swirling around. #1. Limit the IP address pool to restrict number of devices that can connect. Even if your cable company tech recommends…
The duking out between banks and retailers was launched this past December when a credit card data breach occurred to an estimated 110 customers of a big retail store. Is the retailer responsible? Should the credit card issuers or banks take the brunt of preventive action? What about the consumer? Lawmakers are trying to figure…
Tax related identity theft is reaching nightmarish and epidemic proportions. Heed the following to minimize your risk. File taxes early. ‘Tis the season for tax fraud, and scammers like to get a jump start from the beginning. File early before the fraudsters file. Use electronic filing. Paying the IRS via e-filing is fast and more…
As a security analyst, I have always endorsed getting a dog for home protection. I’m going to provide some tips on what to look for in a home security dog, but first I want to briefly share a riveting true story that was reported on Madison.com. “Slim” is a police dog. Police in Madison, WI,…
It’s way too easy for anyone to pretend to be someone else. When hiring, make sure you use identity proofing measures so you don’t get scammed. When hiring, the first concern most companies have is determining how effective an employee will be. In fact, the first concern should be determining if the person is actually…
It wasn’t pretty: those fairly recent credit card breaches at a few big-name retailers. As newsworthy as these were, they’re actually not the greatest risk for wealthy folks; a bigger foe is a money management firm lacking sufficient checks and balances. Attack schemes: Another type of attack can hit an organization hard: some cyber punk…
Online users need a VPN (virtual private network), a kind of service that gives you online security, and Hotspot Shield’s service has a free version. A VPN hides your device’s IP address and interferes with any company trying to track your browsing patterns. Many online companies take peoples’ data without their authorization, and then share…
Having been a home security expert for years, I am always amazed at how dumb criminals could be, but there’s always a homeowner they can outwit, such as in the case below: A man burglarized two houses in Marshall town, Iowa, and then sold the loot on Facebook, says a story in the online Times-Republican.…
With Wi-Fi, your data is literally in the air, up for grabs by anyone with the right tools. It needs protection from nearby users who may want to freeload off you (which can slow you down) or…hijack your accounts. You need encryption. Especially when you’re connected in airports, hotels, coffee shops, etc., almost always the…
Never underestimate the brains of a young guy who still lives with his mother—at least not the case of 19-year-old Luis Flores, Jr., who was smart enough to steal the identities of Kim Kardashian and even the head of the FBI, and assume their financial accounts. Of course, he wasn’t smart enough not to get…
