Archive for September, 2009
09-30-09 | Katie | No Comments
We all know at least one of those people. You know the ones, they mean well, but they just can’t seem to close their mouths. These people seem to hemorrhage information as they go about their day-to-day lives. The question is how do you keep chatty Cathy from sharing your personal information?
1. Limit the flow. Do not share anything that could cause problems with this person.
2. Put family and friends on alert to also restrict their flaws to this person.
3. Change any passwords or pins that blabby may know, or that are based on information he or she may give out.
Granted, it’s not ironclad, but it will help.
* * *
09-29-09 | Katie | No Comments
Coping with Identity Theft
Check out the video if, it is very insightful. If you have been a victim then this short film can help you out.
* * *
09-29-09 | Katie | No Comments
Can someone make an educated social security number?
Well, yes actually. With some basic information like where you live and when you were born, to give you an idea.
Your first three digits are based on your filing zip code. The next two are issues non-sequentially and your third set in numerical order.
You still don’t believe that it is true, well researchers at Carnegie Mellon have already done it, in 10 guesses or less.
That means it is more important than ever to keep your basic data safe.
* * *
09-29-09 | Chris | No Comments
As of late, more and more ID theft news stories have hit the newspaper, internet, and television. Even if you don’t know much about ID theft or feel that you are immune (which is not the case) you can learn a thing or two from all of these stories.
1. Livingston Co. woman charged with identity theft
2. A growing white-collar crime
3. Identity theft against college students often starts online
* * *
09-24-09 | Chris | No Comments
The past few days have been busy in terms of identity theft news stories. If you have been a victim or just want to learn more about ID theft, take the time to read some of these pieces. You are sure to learn a thing or two about yourself, as well as what other Americans are dealing with.
1. ID theft victim catches tormentor
2. CBI agent talks to seniors about protection from identity theft
3. NY man sentenced in identity theft scheme
4. Identification theft a disease in health care
5. Shred Monster Hopes to End I.D. Theft
* * *
09-22-09 | Katie | No Comments
If you want to lock your smart phone, and your iPhone happens to be your smart phone of choice, then you need to get a hold of a good lock out software. Here are some choices.
- 1 Password (4.99 Currently)
- eWallet Secure Password Manager (9.99 Currently)
They will both keep your data secure so that even if your system has been stolen then you can still keep your password crackers at bay.
* * *
09-22-09 | Katie | No Comments
If you have decided to buy lock out software for your laptop, then you need to look for a few key features in order to keep your system truly safe. Here are some general guidelines one what to look for in your laptop locking software.
1. Will the software allow for lengthy or complex passwords? A system that only allows for a 6 or 8 didget password will be easy to crack for any professional.
2. Will it allow passwords with nonstandard letters? 2#@&686 is way harder to crack then 2327686. This may not always be possible, but it is a good thing to look for in your software.
3. Does it have a bypass? You want the answer here to be NO. If you can bypass it with the manual, or instructions found online then you may not even have lockout software to beging with, anyone who wants in will just bypass.
There you have it, three non-brand specific criteria for choosing laptop lockout software. Happy shopping.
* * *
09-21-09 | Chris | No Comments
Was your identity stolen? If so, you probably ask this question all the time: why me? It is not uncommon to wonder why you were the victim of this ruthless crime. Of course, the answer as to why this happened can depend on many factors.
Were you reckless with your personal information? This can include anything from sharing your social security number to shopping online from a public computer. Think back over the past few months and try to pinpoint anything that may have resulted in your identity being stolen.
No matter what, don’t sulk. As soon as you realize you have become a victim of identity theft you need to take the proper steps in rectifying the situation. The longer you wait the better chance there is that your problem will grow. Do you really want that to happen?
There are many reasons why you may have become a victim of identity theft. This is a bad situation, but it is what it is. If your identity is stolen don’t delay in finding justice and restoring your good name.
* * *
09-21-09 | Katie | No Comments
If the average phone user has their handset (the phone) stolen what they need to worry about is someone running up their bill. After all most standard phones do not store much more than your numbers, and those custom ring tones. If however you have a smart phone you may be in a whole new world of trouble. So, should you lock your smart phone, yes. Think about it. Your smart phone has the possibility to store a whole lot of personal data.
Have you ever banked on your smart phone? Either via the web or an app this can be a dangerous scenario if your phone falls into the wrong hands.
Does your phone automatically sign into your email? You would be surprised how much a would be identity thief can find out with access to your email.
Does your phone have remote access to your companies internal systems? A company phone may have remote access to the VPN (an encrypted passageway used to store secure data).
Those are three compelling reasons to lock it. Most phones have a simple password lock system that can help to keep an unwanted user out. At least for a while. Don’t worry, a while is all that you need. The goal is not infinite protection, but to give you an opportunity to report the phone as stolen and get it shut down.
* * *
09-18-09 | Katie | No Comments
Earlier we took a look at why you might want to get lockout software for your laptop. Today we are going to look at which type of software you will want to get.
Tracking software allows you to get a message with the current location of your system when it is breached. Usually either at a regular interval or triggered by an event. Lockout software protects your data, with encryption are in some cases deletes it after a certain number of failed attempts.
The one that is right for you depends on your goal. If retrieval is your only priority the location software will be fine. If your data (like a banking logon or access to your companies VPN) then data deletion may be your best option.
It can be painful, but not as painful as what the wrong person could do with access to that data.
* * *
