Typosquatting on Twitter and other social networks

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Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Expert

Typosquatting, which is also known as URL hijacking, is a form of cybersquatting that targets Internet users who accidentally type a website address into their web browser incorrectly. When users make a typographical error while entering the website address, they may be led to an alternative website owned by a cybersquatter. This can lead to financial or social media identity theft. Phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as user names, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.tvviter

Scammers recently created a website imitating Twitter.com, and have been sending phishing emails to millions of users, many of whom click on the link contained within the emails, which sends them to the phishing site, where they enter their user names and passwords in order to log in.

The site is Tvviter.com, spelled with two V’s instead of a W. This is a form of “TypoPhishing”. I doubt anyone is going to inadvertently typo two V’s, but it’s certainly a creative ruse by the criminal hackers. This website is currently live. Assuming that your browser is up to date, it should alert you to the fact that Tvviter.com is a suspected phishing site.  Tweet.ro is another phishing website, which my up to date browser did not warn me about. Notice that neither web address is hyperlinked here. I would not suggest playing around on these sites. At any time, the creators can easily introduce malware to these sites, and then onto your outdated operating system or browser in the form of a “drive by” hack, which ultimately leads us back to identity theft and fraud.

tvviter1If you decide to play in the devil’s den, you are bound to get burnt.

Forward this blog post to your contacts. Let people know, so that they won’t be fooled. This scam may stick if the site isn’t taken down by the time this warning is read. Don’t get hooked. And protect yourself with Internet security software and identity theft protection.

Robert Siciliano, identity theft speaker, discusses phishing.

How to prevent social media identity theft

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Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Expert

Two words: you can’t. However, there are several things you can and should do in order to manage your social media identity, which may prevent social media identity theft. What exactly is social media identity theft? It’s a form of cybersquatting using social media sites.

If you’ve ever attempted to join a social media, more commonly known as a social networking site, or applied for an email account, and found that your first and last name were already taken, that may or may not have been social media identity theft, or cybersquatting.

There may be someone out there who shares your exact name and happened to register first, or else there is someone out there who took your name so that you can’t have it, or who wants to sell it back to you, or wants to pose as you and disrupt your life. These are all possibilities.

The most damaging possibility occurs when someone wants to pose as you in order to disrupt your life. This disruption can take on many forms. They may pose as you in order to harass and stalk you, or to harass and stalk people you know. Or they may steal your social media identity for financial gain. Throughout my years working in the field of financial crimes and identity theft, I’ve seen plenty of social media identity theft that led to financial loss. The thieves use a combination of email and social media to extract funds from others, or to open new accounts.

There are hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of social media sites (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube), web-based email providers (hotmail.com, gmail.com, yahoo.com) and domain extensions (.com, .net, .biz). Then there are all the blog portals, such as WordPress and Blogspot. Even your local online newspaper has a place for user comments, and most people would want to register their own names before someone else comments on their behalf.

Social media websites offer the option to provide your real name as well as a user name. The user name may be a fun chat handle or an abbreviation of your real name. The key is to give your real name where requested and also to use your real name as your user name. Even if you don’t plan on spending any time on the site, or to use the domain or email, you want to establish control over it.

The goal is to obtain your real first and last name without periods, underscores, hyphens, abbreviations or extra numbers or letters. Your ideal name, for example would be twitter.com/RobertSiciliano, RobertSiciliano.com, orRobertSiciliano@anymail.com. This strategy won’t prevent someone else from registering with your name and adding a dot or a dash, but it trims down the options for a thief.

Some names are very common, or are also owned by someone famous. If that applies to your name, you can still take actions to manage your online reputation. If there is any uniqueness to your name or the spelling of your name, it’s still a good idea to claim your name in social media and work toward managing your online reputation.

Understand that your name is your brand. Your name is front and center on every document you sign and every website that shows up when your name is searched. The phrase, “All I have is my good name,” has never rung truer than today. If you are a writer, blogger, personality of any sort, or anyone who “puts it out there,” you probably already know enough to do these things. But there is more to do.

If someone, perhaps a potential employer or mate or client, searches your name on Google Web, Google Blogs or Google News, what will they find? Will it be someone else posing as you? Will it be a picture of you doing a keg stand? Or will it be you in your nicest outfit, accepting an award for an accomplishment? Either way, you need to manage your online identity and work toward preventing social media identity theft.

This isn’t an easy task. Nor is it fun. It can be time consuming and almost overwhelming. But I believe that the long term rewards are worth it.

  1. Register your full name and those of your spouse and kids on the most trafficked social media sites, blogs, domains or web based email accounts. If your name is already gone, include your middle initial, a period or a hyphen. It’s up to you to decide whether or not to plug in your picture and basic bio, but consider leaving out your age or birthday.
  2. Set up a free Google Alerts for your name and get an email every time your name pops up online.
  3. Set up a free StepRep account for your name. StepRep is an online reputation manager that does a better job than Google Alerts does of fetching your name on the web.
  4. Consider dropping $65 on Knowem.com. This is an online portal that goes out and registers your name at what they consider the top 120 social media sites. Their top 120 is debatable, but a great start. The user experience with Knowem is relatively painless. There is still labor involved in setting things up and with some of the 120. And no matter what you do, you will still find it difficult to complete the registration with all 120 sites. Some of the social media sites just aren’t agreeable. This can save you lots of time, but is only one part of solving the social media identity theft problem.
  5. Start doing things online to boost your online reputation. Blogging is best. You want Google to bring your given name to the top of search in its best light, so when anyone is searching for you they see good things. This is a combination of online reputation management and search engine optimization for your brand: YOU.
  6. If you ever stumble upon someone using your likeness in the social media, be very persistent in contacting the site’s administrators. They too have reputations to manage and if they see someone using your photo or likeness they would be smart to delete the stolen profile.
  7. Or do nothing and don’t worry about it. But when some other John Doe does something stupid or uses your name in a disparaging way or for identity theft, and people assume that it’s you, remember that I told you so.
  8. Despite all the work you may do to protect yourself, you still need identity theft protection and Internet security software.

Robert Siciliano, identity theft speaker, discusses social media privacy.

ATM Skimmer Defeated By Customer

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Identity Theft Expert Robert Siciliano

Its not often that I get to report on the victim becoming the victor. It’s nice to see the good guys win one.

I met a charismatic gent on FOX and Friends named Sean Seibel. Sean has a unique job title at Microsoft: User Experience Evangelist. Sean’s job is to be on top of what’s new and what’s next in technology, in the next 5-7 years. He’s a futurist. He and I spoke in the green room of the show before we appeared together on a segment regarding ATM skimming.

ATM skimming often results in forms of identity theft, credit card fraud or bank fraud.

To be a User Experience Evangelist requires a certain vision, insight and the ability to go beyond what’s current or obvious. Sean proved his ability to see “more” by trumping a gang of identity thieves who set out to steal millions from ATMs but “only” got away with $500,000.

Sean stopped at an ATM to get some cash to pay his barber. When he inserted his ATM card in the machine, he noticed a bit of resistance. Most people wouldn’t think twice about this. But Sean doesn’t think like most people. Then the screen said the machine was unable to read his card so he tried again. The second time, the machine gave him an error message. Before he tried again, he thought about a report he had heard about devices that fraudsters attach to the outside of card readers on ATM machines and wondered if that was the source of his problem.

He says, “I’m looking at the thing and thinking, this can’t be. No way. There are all these stories and myths about it, but I actually found one in the wild.”

Sean was face to face with an ATM skimmer, one that he had just swiped his card through. His heart started pounding. Adrenalin was rushing through his body. He was concerned, not just that he might be scammed, but that criminals might be very close by, maybe even behind him or watching him. However, that did not deter him.

Sean says, “I tried to pull on the green plastic surrounding the card slot and found that it peeled right off.” This plastic ATM skimmer had an SD card built into it to store all the stolen data. Sean went into the bank and notified the branch manager, who had never seen an ATM skimmer and didn’t know what to do. She took the skimmer and thanked Sean.

Then Sean remembered, from numerous reports about ATM skimming, that there are usually 2 parts to the ATM skimmer. One is the skimming device itself, the second is a micro-camera placed somewhere on the machine, where it 1arecords the user’s PIN. The camera is often installed in a false brochure holder that taped to the ATM. In this case, it was behind a small mirror that alerts the ATM user to beware of “shoulder surfers.”

Sean went back to the still operational ATM, where people were waiting in line for their cash, and noticed a tiny video camera behind an extra mirror attached to the machine, positioned right over the key pad where it could record user’s PINs. Not being a bank employee and not wanting to alarm any of the people iwaiting, he actually got in line, waited his turn (knowing that the skimmer was gone and nobody was in danger) and pulled the camera off the ATM.

He brought the camera to the bank manager, who replied by saying, “Maybe we should shut 2b*that machine down, huh?” Sean said, “I think that’s a good idea.” The bank manager contacted bank security, shut down the machine and alerted other area banks. The identity thieves netted $500,000 from their scam, rather than the millions they might have stolen had Sean Seibel not foiled their operation.

Bank branch manager…ZERO
Identity Thieves……….$500,000
Sean Seibel foiling their operation and becoming a hero to many….Priceless.

Some great tips from Marite Ferrero, of CardSwitch Technology:

  • Skimming has been and will continue to be the most common type of ATM-related fraud.
  • Criminals attach skimming devices over card slots on ATMs to steal data as the machine reads the card’s magnetic strip.
  • Hidden cameras record victims typing in their PIN codes.
  • More sophisticated criminals use wireless keypad overlays, which transmit PINs to a nearby laptop, instead 3bof cameras.
  • The U.S. Secret Service estimates that annual losses from ATM skimming total about $1 billion each year, or $350,000 a day.
  • Bank ATMs are more vulnerable than standalone ATMs.
  • Standalone ATMs in grocery stores or on the street use technology that encrypts the PIN pad, making them more difficult for criminals to hack.
  • Standalone ATMs are often positioned near the watchful eye of cashiers or store owners, so it’s harder to install skimmers without being caught.
  • Bank ATMs are also more highly trafficked, which means a bigger potential payoff for the criminals.

Also, invest in identity theft protection and make to update your PC’s McAfee internet security software.

Identity theft expert Robert Siciliano discusses ATM skimming.

Perez Hilton is a Hater and Social Media Suffers

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Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Expert

I was on CNN this week and CNN also featured Perez Hilton, who was hired by Donald Trump, to judge a beauty contest and Hilton made hateful remarks about Miss Californias beliefs. Perez is a hateful sardonic celebrity critic, and his actions are parallel to others who rant and hate, spew racist comments and even kill. Perez Hilton posts numerous videos of himself in the media, but he hasn’t posted this video on CNN to his site, because he knows he’s wrong. He is right now downgrading the story on his own site because of the heat is he getting.

CNN invited me to discuss the murder of a young woman who was stalked and harassed via social media, specifically YouTube and Facebook. She was eventually shot and killed in her college classroom by her stalker, who then put the gun in his own mouth.

Anyone who reads this blog does so because they are intent on improving their personal safety by way of information security. With almost 50,000 reads a month on a variety of portals, I’ve come to understand the reader a bit. You guys want and need news that’s going to help save you time and money by preventing criminals and scammers from trying to take it.

I got my legs in personal security as it pertains to violence prevention. I started doing this in 1992, teaching self defense. My background as a scrawny, greasy Italian kid growing up in the Boston area, fighting my way though life and meeting other victims along the way brought me to a place where teaching others how to protect themselves gave my life a purpose. As my business grew, I needed more technology. I also needed “merchant status,” which is the ability to accept credit cards, which led to even more technology. In the early 90s, I set up my IBM PS1 Consultant PC, Windows 3.1, 150mb hard drive, and became hooked on technology. Soon after, I was plugged into the Internet. Within weeks, my business was hacked. Thousands of dollars in orders and credit card information went out the window. Now, personal security meant self defense from a different kind of predator: identity thieves and criminal hackers.

My passion is personal security as it relates to violence and fraud prevention. It’s all encompassing. I talk about the things that mom and dad didn’t teach you. Lately, I’ve been discussing broad issues that no parent is prepared to discuss. Really, neither am I. But somebody’s go to do it.

I love technology. But it has a very dark side to it. And predators have rapidly figured that out. I’m not blaming technology for this. Just its users.

Social networking is changing the world. Everybody’s information is everywhere, and access is instant. Predators use these tools more than ever to stalk children online. Stalkers can anonymously harass and harangue women or men, and law enforcement’s hands are tied.

Anyone can post relatively anonymous rants and raves, saying anything they like with little or no repercussions. Simple online newspaper articles meant to provide information about some innocuous issue devolve into hateful rants against the author or the source, thanks to the first few comments on the thread. A single comment can lead people in this dangerous direction. Newspapers need eyeballs, so they rarely police these comments, and the public puts up with them. Hate, racism, sexism and overall ignorance permeate every online newspaper and social network. Not a day goes by that I don’t see something entirely inappropriate for public consumption.

With social media, everyone gets a say. The KKK used to be a bunch of cross burning hillbillies. Terrorists lived in caves. Militias and skinheads were small groups that held an occasional rally. Now, they have an international platform, which they use to promote their agendas and recruit believers. Lots of people have very bad things to say and it’s hurting a lot of people. Words incite. What we say leads to action. We become what we think about. If we are fed hate, we act hatefully.

Most school shooters have read the manifests of what occurred at Columbine. Many serial killers study other serial killers. Every story we read about the Craigslist Killer and others like him reveals a bag with a knife, duct tape, rope, and wire ties. They all consume this information.

Coming from a personal security perspective, I am seeing lots of bad things happening to good people. Bad things are being said and bad things are happening. Totally unacceptable and hateful rants have become acceptable, when 10 years ago those kinds of rants would have been unheard of. Let’s get this straight, I’m no puritan. I’m certainly no saint. I’ve been there, done that, and have plenty of skeletons in my closet. I’m capable of saying anything and doing almost anything, and nothing offends me. I’ve lived a hard life and danced with the devil on plenty of occasions.

The meteoric rise of Perez Hilton is a direct sign of what’s wrong with social media and web 2.0. Web 2.0 can be used for good, or for very bad. Perez Hilton is a hateful person with an agenda. He says horrible things and uses social media as a platform to distribute his agenda no differently than a terrorist. What’s worse is millions of people follow him. For him, its not “all in fun”, its hate.

We all need leaders to take charge. Everyone needs direction on some level. Perez Hilton leads a flock of misguided and lost souls. And he empowers them no differently than Hitler, Mussolini, Pol Pot, Saddam, Stalin, David Koresh or Jim Jones did.

Hurtful, hateful ranting isn’t freedom of speech. It’s irresponsible and it’s bad karma. It will only lead to hurt and hate. Its okay to have beliefs, but when those beliefs have a tonality of hate and you express hate in your words, the problem mushrooms.

I spend more energy not saying what I want to say. My mother and father taught me tact. And it’s taken a lifetime to apply it, believe me. I use social media to spread what I hope is a better message, tactfully. I hope you rise against what is happening here and spread a better word. Lead. Don’t be led.

Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Speaker discussing Hate on CNN

Identity Theft Expert and Laptop Computer Security: CTO of MyLaptopGPS Reiterates that a Mobile Computer is Stolen Every 12 Seconds

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(BOSTON, Mass. – April 13, 2009 – IDTheftSecurity.com) The single most important thing a laptop computer owner should assume is that he or she could be the next victim of laptop computer theft, according to Dan Yost, chief technology officer of laptop computer security firm MyLaptopGPS. A laptop computer is stolen every 12 seconds, noted Yost, who pointed out that the single most effective laptop theft deterrent is laptop tracking technology such as MyLaptopGPS’, which is powered by Internet-based GPS.

“A mobile computer is stolen every 12 seconds,” said Yost, who invited readers to follow MyLaptopGPS’ laptop computer security blog and laptop computer security posts at Twitter. “Once laptop owners process and accept this fact, they will realize that their machines could very well be next. Laptop computer owners who comprehend this will see their instincts and common sense doing an amazing job of helping to protect their assets. They’ll be far ahead of the curve.”

Yost’s expertise has been featured twice in CXO Europe. Furthermore, in December of 2008, he and widely televised and quoted identity theft expert Robert 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.

The single most effective action any laptop computer owner can take to protect a machine is to equip it with laptop computer security technology, noted Yost, who added that simple strategies and tactics help to further deter laptop thieves. These include, according to Yost, stowing a laptop away from outside view when leaving it in a locked vehicle and keeping a laptop carrying case’s strap close to the shoulder, placing a hand on the case itself at all times.

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. Since the beginning of 2008, 3,279,909 data records associated with laptop theft have been lost, according to the REDI at MyLaptopGPS’ website. A log of these high-profile laptop thefts is available.

“Once a laptop computer owner realizes his or her machine could be the next one stolen, many commonsense habits will become second nature,” said Siciliano, who endorses MyLaptopGPS and is CEO of identity theft protection firm IDTheftSecurity.com. “No tactic is foolproof, but aware laptop owners are much more likely to do the kinds of things that will keep their mobile computers out of thieves’ hands. And people whose mobile computers are out of laptop thieves’ reach are, frankly, people whose confidential data is much less likely to be within identity thieves’ reach, as well.”

YouTube video 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.

Anyone who belongs to LinkedIn® is encouraged to join MyLaptopGPS’ laptop computer security group there. They may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS, as well, and have the opportunity to read one of two reports tailored to the type of organization they run.

###

About MyLaptopGPS

Celebrating 25 years in business, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration since its founding in 1984. 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.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects everyone. CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, Robert Siciliano is a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board and of the consumer advisory board for McAfee. Additionally, in a partnership to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips for consumers to protect themselves, he is nationwide spokesperson for uni-ball in 2009 (uniball-na.com provides for more information). A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on “The Today Show,” “CBS Early Show,” CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX News, “The Suze Orman Show,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Tyra” 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, 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

http://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

http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent 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

Conficker flexes muscles, phones home

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Identity Theft Expert Robert Siciliano

The internets number one virus Conficker, called home and sent its next set of updates to its global botnet.

Conficker’s botnet, which includes anywhere from 3 to 15 million PCs, has a peer to peer (P2P) feature that allows each PC on the network to talk to one another. Each PC has the ability to become the command server. This characteristic allows Conficker to fluidly update each PC on the network.

The latest variant shows that Conficker is updating via P2P, as opposed to pinging a website for its updates. This makes Conficker “self reliant.”

A botnet is a robot network of zombie computers under the control of a single leader. The concept behind a botnet is strength in numbers. Botnets can attack websites, send spam, and log data, which can lead to data breaches, credit card fraud and identity theft, and ultimately clog a network until it shuts down.

CNET reports that researchers have observed Conficker making its first update, which they believe to be a keystroke logger, a form of spyware designed to log usernames and passwords. This new update also tells the zombies to seek other PCs that have not been patched with Microsoft’s update. The worm also pings websites including MySpace.com, MSN.com, eBay.com, CNN.com and AOL.com in order to determine whether that PC has Internet access.

The Register reports that Conficker is now pinging what’s known as a Waledac domain, which contacts a new server if the current one is blacklisted by ISPs for spamming. This allows the virus to download more updates.

In 2007 and 2008, the Storm Worm was thought to have infected over 50 million PCs. Waledac is using the same technology as the Storm Worm,which means two things. First, this may get ugly fast. And second, whoever is controlling Waledac must be the same criminal hackers that built Storm Worm.

All this means that Conficker is about as dangerous as a virus can be, with the best of the best technologies, both old and new. While the virus has yet to strike, it is definitely gearing up.

 

Identity theft speaker Robert Siciliano discusses criminals using viruses to hack credit cards.

To protect yourself, be sure you have updated Internet security software, and consider an identity theft protection service.

I’m excited to work with uni-ball in 2009 in a partnership to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips for protecting yourself. Check out uniball-na.com for more information

Is the security community selling fear?

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Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Expert

Cyber crime profits are running into the trillions.

Weekly, and often daily, I remind readers of how potentially screwed they are once they boot up their PCs and access the Internet. Identity theft is a real problem that messes up people’s lives. When someone’s PC is hacked and their passwords are compromised, account takeover can be financially devastating. Even though a financial institution may resolve the errors, victims still lose money.

Most are beginning to realize that the only secure PC is one that is powered off.

Many view these rants as selling “FUD”: fear, uncertainty and doubt. And selling fear is what gets people to buy your security product. Many have accused the Internet security companies of being fear mongers peddling their wares during the Conficker scare.

Fear-based selling has been going on since the beginning of time and will always be a part of the sales cycle. But am I really selling fear? Do those I work with sell fear? I don’t think so. But feel free to disagree with me.

The fact remains that there are scumbags out there, trying to figure out how to get you to part with your money in thousands of different ways, every day, all day. And if reminding readers of all these scams and then selling a solution to the problem is selling fear, then so be it. The question is, is the fear real or made up? Is there a legitimate scare that needs to be brought to light, and a solution that will fix it? Or is this just selling snake oil and false promises, and taking advantage of people?

Information Week states, “The computer security industry has failed computer users, and the Internet has become so unsafe that average users can’t protect themselves.” The Internet is not a safe place for everyday folk. The online world is like Iraq and Afghanistan (dangerous), the Taliban (criminals) are everywhere. Most people do not have the capacity to secure their networks or the technical know-how to surf safely. Studies show that 40% of web surfers haven’t updated their browser’s security, or their Windows-based computers don’t have their critical security patches updated.

The threats are real. The Washington Post reports that Senate lawmakers are advancing legislation to create mandatory computer security standards for government and private sector operators of critical infrastructure. This is legislation that will force standards in security,  ensuring that we keep the lights on, the fields plowed, the water clean, and the engines running.

If there was ever a time to be “fearful” and to make an investment in identity theft protection, Internet security software such as McAfee, or any other protective hardware or software as a result, now is that time.

Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Speaker discussing online security here

I’m excited to work with uni-ball in 2009 in a partnership to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips for protecting yourself. Check out uniball-na.com for more information.

Identity Theft Expert and Laptop Computer Security: CTO of MyLaptopGPS Explains Why Internet-based GPS is Best for Laptop Tracking

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(BOSTON, Mass. – March 30, 2009 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Stolen laptop computers almost always end up indoors and connected to the Internet, according to Dan Yost, chief technology officer of laptop computer security firm MyLaptopGPS. He further noted that these circumstances at once hamper other laptop tracking systems and call for Internet-based GPS, MyLaptopGPS’ brand of laptop trackingtechnology. 

“GPS technologies such as those found in car navigation systems are great for tracking cars and kids — both of which are often outdoors,” said Yost, who invited readers to follow MyLaptopGPS’ laptop computer security blog and laptop computer security posts at Twitter. “But stolen laptops are almost never outdoors. Thieves — or the unwitting buyers of the machines thieves steal — almost always take them indoors and connect to the Internet. This is where Internet-based GPS is best for determining the lost equipment’s whereabouts.” 

Yost’s expertise has been featured twice in CXO Europe. Furthermore, in December of 2008, he and widely televised and quoted identity theft expert Robert 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. 

The success rate for MyLaptopGPS is 99.6 percent; the theft rate for laptop computers equipped with the company’s technology is 0.4 percent, or 32 times lower than the average. MyLaptopGPS’ technology achieves this through six layers of security: 

1) Prevention: MyLaptopGPS-equipped mobile computing equipment clearly displays the technology’s presence on the machine. This is itself a major deterrent. 

2) Tracking: Internet-based GPS determines the whereabouts (via IP address) of a stolen machine shortly after the unintended user connects to the Internet. 

3) Recovery: Once the stolen machine is online, MyLaptopGPS software is able to retrieve important files silently and from a remote location. 

4) Destruction: MyLaptopGPS’ software also deletes these same files from the originating machine — again, silently and from a remote location. 

5) Tracing: MyLaptopGPS’ offers SafeTags™, police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods™, cell phones, BlackBerry™ devices and other mobile computing property. 

6) Identification: MyLaptopGPS’ SafeRegistry™ facilitates the inventorying of entire fleets of mobile computing devices. 

“Laptop computer security is inexpensive, but a stolen laptop can cost a fortune,” said Siciliano, who endorses MyLaptopGPS and is CEO of identity theft protection firm IDTheftSecurity.com. “The choice is obvious, and with a success rate approaching one hundred percent, MyLaptopGPS is the go-to solution for organizations of all kinds looking for an affordable, effective deterrent against laptop theft.” 

YouTube video 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. 

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. Anyone who belongs to LinkedIn® is encouraged to join MyLaptopGPS’ laptop computer security group there. They may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS, as well, and have the opportunity to read one of two reports tailored to the type of organization they run. 

### 

About MyLaptopGPS

Celebrating 25 years in business, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration since its founding in 1984. 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. 

About IDTheftSecurity.com

CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, Robert Siciliano is a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board and of the consumer advisory board for McAfee. Additionally, in a partnership to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips for consumers to protect themselves, he is the 2009 nationwide spokesperson for uni-ball (uniball-na.com provides for more information). 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

http://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

http://www.idtheftsecurity.com 

Brent 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: Unsecured Mobile Computers Facilitate Noted Increase in Risk of Data Breaches Following Layoffs

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(BOSTON, Mass. – March 23, 2009 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Research recently released by the Ponemon Institute indicated that nearly 60 percent of employees stole data from their former employers. One of the easiest points of entry for unscrupulous, exiting employees is the employer’s mobile computing equipment, according to widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano. He noted that an economic recession therefore makes laptop tracking and data retrieval technology as essential as ever, and pointed to affordable solutions from laptop computer security firm MyLaptopGPS.

“Data is floating all over the place,” said Siciliano. “Disgruntled workers about to leave their employers for whatever reasons seem to know where this data is, and they apparently use it illegally in many instances. Important databases left on laptop computers facilitate a great deal of the chaos, and a smart organization understands that it can go a long way in thwarting unscrupulous, former employees’ machinations simply by securing its fleet of mobile computing equipment.”

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.

During the 12 months immediately preceding February of 2009, 59 percent of 945 people who had quit their jobs or been laid off or fired stole the their former employers’ data, according to research from the Ponemon Institute (titled Jobs at Risk = Data at Risk and reported in Network World and other publications). Additionally, Ponemon findings indicated, 67 percent drew on their former employers’ confidential data to secure new jobs. Alarmingly, one-fifth of respondents to Ponemon’s survey identified themselves as working in corporate information technology.

“When one-fifth of IT workers are pilfering their former employers’ data for personal gain, management needs to take notice,” said MyLaptopGPS’ chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to follow MyLaptopGPS’ laptop computer security blog and laptop computer security posts at Twitter. “Technologically savvy decision-makers outside the IT department must take a participatory role and take ownership of the organization’s mobile computing equipment, a type of asset particularly susceptible to foul play. Despite falling profits, affordable investments in laptop security technology are essential.”

The success rate for MyLaptopGPS is 99.6 percent; the theft rate for laptop computers equipped with the company’s technology is 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. They also have the opportunity to read one of two reports tailored to the type of organization they run.

MyLaptopGPS combines Internet-based laptop 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 employs laptop GPS to silently retrieve and then delete 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.

YouTube video 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’ rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company’s commitment to top-notch software products and services for 25 years.

About IDTheftSecurity.com

Identity theft affects us all. Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report‘s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to 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, Entrepr
eneur, 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.

Visit Siciliano’s Web site, YouTube page, and blog.

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
http://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
http://www.idtheftsecurity.com

Brent Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
Zoominfo profile
LinkedIn profile
Brent Skinner’s Blog
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.com
http://www.STETrevisions.com

Keyword Tags:
identity theft, laptop gps, laptop theft

A Day In The Life of A Scammer

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Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Expert

How can I get you to believe me? What can I say or do to convince you I’m legit? What methods should I use to pull it off?

I don’t have a job. I’m essentially unemployed. However I do have a career. And it involves figuring out ways to get others to pay me. Every day I perform tasks to bring eye balls to what I’m offering, selling or trying to get. What is this vocation? Scammer.

I work all over the world, I travel and meet interesting people. I like what I do, every day is a new and exciting opportunity.

There’s a sucker born every minute. Today I’m looking for you. And I’ll find you.

All day, every day my one goal is to get you to part with your hard earned dollars and here is ONE DAYs worth of reports of my activities:

Scammers Hawk Man’s House On Craigslist
Man who owns a rental home in Dennisport found scammers offering up his home for rental on the Web site …

Online Scammers Creating Fake Local News to Attract Your Clicks …


Transferring money for someone else
If you agree to take part, the scammer could use your account details to clean out your savings.

Great way to steal an identity. But there are ways to protect yourself.

Scammers customize news to deliver you malware
The scammers are using IP address geolocation techniques to figure out what city the recipient lives in and are localizing the fake bomb news to that …

Scammers using Twitter To Get Your Information
The SC Department of Consumer Affairs is warning twitter users to be on the lookout for scams, particularly phishing scams.

Scammers target animal lovers in classified ads
This time, the scammers lure in their victims with the offer of cute pets to tug at their heartstrings. “A lot of them get placed online,”

Officials say scammers taking advantage of people seeking jobs in …
State officials are warning about scams affecting those seeking jobs during the current economic downturn. State officials are warning about scams …

Stimulus Money Scammers Target Families
As soon as the government’s big stimulus package was approved, scammers got on the internet and started trying to get their hands on the money. …

Art Dealers Accused of Rigging Appraisal
He was the consummate con man. He created this image that he had a huge collection of wonderful paintings. The impression given, and taken, was that he was …

Scams abound, costing locals tens of thousands The …
The victim is approached by the con man holding a wallet or bag containing cash. The con man shows the money to the victim and asks if it belongs to her, a way of breaking the ice to set up the scam…

More than 1000 women conned by rogue marriage agency
ONE woman was conned into offering her life savings, while another was duped into sleeping with a man by a rogue marriage agency specializing in foreign …

Lightning rod scam zaps local elderly couple
Officials fear the lightning rod installer may be scamming other elderly couples so they’re urging

Residents Effected By Scammers Washing Checks
“They take that check thats made out to CPL has your signature on … they wash off the amount and the to thats where it becomes check washing. …

I worked hard today. Its a hard way to make an easy living. But it was fun and always funny to see you get all bent out of shape when I read about you in the news. Tomorrow is another day, and another scam.

Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Speaker discussing Scams Here

I’m excited to work with uni-ball in 2009 in a partnership to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips for protecting yourself. Check out uniball-na.com for more information