One You Blog

What are the questions I need to ask when conducting a personal security analysis?

When you are conducting a personal data security analysis you need to look at some basic questions:

* What information is freely available to the public?
* Is this information enough for someone else to pose as me?
* Am I giving away critical data like my employer, banking, or demographic data?
* Would I feel uneasy with a stranger knowing this about me?

Once you have answered these you will know if you are giving away too much.

*   *   *

Consider All Your Profiles When You Do Security Analysis

When you look at the security of one of your online profiles it is practical to look at each one individually but you need to consider them on the whole.

A person who is looking to steal your identity will not limit themselves to just one site.  They will use any and all available information to get what is yours.  That means in order to prevent your ID from being stolen you need to look at things on the whole.

What should you look for?  The same things you look for in each individual site.

*   *   *

Online Dating and Identity Theft: A Guide to Caution

You decided to try online dating.  It can be a lot of fun, if you don’t get burned in the process.  Aside from worrying about sexual deviants and possible serial killers you have to be worried about having your identity stolen.

Some people are creating phishing profiles designed to ensnare the lonely.  How can you spot one?  Just look for a girl (usually these profiles are female) that is too good to be true.

Does she look like a super model, love Stargate SG1 and the Denver Broncos?  Proceed with caution.  Beware if she is also, “open to experimentation” and lists beer as her favorite food.  You’ve found a honey pot trap.

*   *   *

How to Encrypt Your Wireless Network with WPA

WPA is a newer standard, one that will keep you safer then the previously mentioned WEP. If you have only newer hardware that can support WPA it should be your security of choice. If you do not know how to set it up, these links can help you out.

Belkin

Linksys

Netgear

Now, you can get secure.

*   *   *

How to Encrypt Your Wireless Network with WEP

WEP may be considered an older security standard, but for many homes it will still be a valid choice. If you have a home with a mix of older and newer systems (or just older systems) it may be your only choice.  Here are some of the WEP setup instructions for popular router models.

Linksys

Belkin

Now you can enjoy more secure browsing.

*   *   *

What A Job Ad Should Never Ask You For!

With identity theft on the rise and a large new vulnerable population (the unemployed) emerging there seems to be no end to job related scams.  In order to help you keep safe while you search let’s look at the list of things a job ad will never as you for:

1. A Social Security number.  It may be a legit request when you get to the background check but not right away.
2. Your bank information.  Unless you have already been hired, and are filling out the payroll deduction forms this is not their business.
3. A credit card number.  You shouldn’t have to give this out, or buy anything to obtain work.
4. Personal data about those close to you.Can we say pyramid scheme?

Safe and happy job searching!

*   *   *

How Much Should You Trust Your Banks IT Security

A lack of trust in financial institutions has become common.  The question is, should you trust them with your data?  Sadly, financial institutions are a prime target for crackers.  They are also breached with some regularity.  Not that those breaches are always to a core system, mind you.  Not that this is really a pleasant thought.  Bank breaches are a lot like fireworks.  One in the wrong spot is one tied many.  There are somethings that you can do to minimize the risks of having your information taken during a breach.

1. Don’t give your bank any more information than you need to.  Most people do this naturally, but be cautious.
2. Opt out of all mailing lists and affiliation/information sharing programs to reduce the number of places your bank is strong your data.
3. Beware of any suspicious calls from “Your bank” in search of (or “verifying”) account information.
4. Shred receipts and statements once you are done with them.

Best luck.

*   *   *

Choosing a Quality Shredder

Some astute, or cheap, people will point out to you that getting a shredder is not a fool proof security measure against identity theft.  After all if a nefarious character wanted your information they could just tape it back up right?  Well that depends?

If you buy a shredder without knowing what you are looking for then you can end up with a shredder that just makes paper linguini.  That is not what you want.  When buying you should use a cross cut shredder.  They create confetti sized diamonds of paper which are much harder to reassemble.

You may also want to look for large capacity and a fit over your existing garbage can. Believe me, half rotted fruit will deter a lot of scammers.

(Image Credit)

*   *   *

Webcam Hijackings

If you have a web cam then you have a potential security threat in your home.  A webcam can be controlled remotely if your system has a virus.

Granted the chances of your camera being controlled remotely are slim but you should be aware of the possibility.  Learn the warning signs here.

How can having your webcam hijacked compromise your data security?

• The person watching see anything that passes the camera, including your daily routine.
• The virus that activated the camera may not be the only one in your system.

Just keep an eye out for those signs.

(Image Credit)

*   *   *

The Porn Name Game

If you have spent time in a public high school or just about any university in the past 20 years then you know about the porn name game.  You pick two traits, usually something like the name of your first pet and the street you live on, and that is the name. It can be fun with your friends.

Some evil phishes however, are now passing this seemingly harmless game around on twitter. I know, you are wondering how this game is a threat to your security. Well, lets look at the information you have to give. Names of pets and streets are often common security questions on sites. Give someone that, and they could re-set your passwords.

Slightly more obvious versions of the game involve using your mothers maiden name, which can be used both on sites, and on things like credit applications.

If you decide that you must play anyway, just fudge the facts. Noone has to know that Desdemona Fifth or Jamie Madison, isn’t the right answer. They just might think you have odd taste in pet names.

(Image Credit)

*   *   *