How to Safely Access The Internet On The Road
You probably take for granted that no one else is able to see when you are using the Internet. A Virtual Privste Network (VPN) allows you to create a secure connection as a shield for your browsing activity from others on public Wi-Fi, and more. VPN is a technology that creates an encrypted connection over a less secure network. An example is an unsecured Wi-Fi network that is used by hotels, airport terminals, hotels, coffee shops, and other free Wi-Fi areas.
The protection provided by a VPN offers many advantages. It prevents anyone on the same Wi-Fi hotspot (or anywhere else) from intercepting your Web traffic. This is especially handy for travelers and for those using a public Wi-Fi network. VPNs also cloak your computer’s actual IP address, making it harder for advertisers (or spies and hackers) to track you online
Over 100 million Americans have their personal information placed at risk of identity theft every year. One of the major reasons of identity fraud is a result of entering personal information such as user names and passwords, credit cards purchases on unsecured Wi-Fi locations.
Checking In at a Hotel? Beware of Credit Card Fraud
Criminals seeking credit-card and other personal data are targeting hotels
A few years ago, computer criminals were focusing their efforts on U.S. retailers with specialized software that exploited gaps at the cash registers. Now, they are turning to the lodging industry, taking advantage of uneven security at hotels and the hotel-based restaurants, spas and gift shops typically owned by other companies, people familiar with the incidents said.
Cardholders aren’t responsible for unauthorized purchases, but they must scrutinize their bills for fraudulent charges.
To read the complete article in the Wall Street Journal CLICK HERE
Identity Theft – A Brief Tutorial
Happy New Year!
2015 was a challenging year on many fronts, not the least of which was the concern around Identity Theft.
Over 100 million Americans have their personal information placed at risk of identity theft every year. Every day there is a new report of a security breach hitting a retailer, credit card provider, and even the government. Yesterday, Time Warner Cable reported that was it was recently notified by the FBI that “some of our customers’ email addresses, including account passwords, may have been compromised.“.
The most common cause of identity theft occurs when someone obtains personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, birth dates, social security numbers, drivers’ licenses, and credit cards.
Passwords
– Do not use the same password for e-mail, social networks (Facebook), online banking, retail sites (Amazon), online backups, etc.
– Do not use easy to guess passwords such as birth dates, spouses and childrens’ names.
– Change your passwords every few months.
– Use a strong and unique password for each frequented online website. A password made up of a phrase such as “IDon’tLikePasswords$$$” combines capital letters, small letters and symbols and is easy to remember. Personalize for a particular site by taking a few letters from the site and adding it to the password. An Amazon password would be “IDon’tLikePasswords$$$Ama.” Your email password would be “IDon’tLikePasswords$$$
Credit and Debit Cards
– Use credit cards when possible. At least you can challenge a charge if your credit card account is hacked. If you use your debit card, funds are transferred immediately and it can be difficult to get your money back.
– Delete saved credit card numbers. To safeguard against data breaches, remove credit card numbers on file with retailers and enter them with each purchase. We have read about data breaches from major retailer data banks.
Social Security numbers and birth dates
– Make birth dates (year) private on Facebook. Hackers glean personal information, such as age and location, from social media accounts in an effort to piece together social security numbers. By keeping birth dates private and opting to mail birthday wishes, identity thieves have one less resource.
– Avoid including social security numbers online (emails, text messages, filling out forms). Social security numbers are the major source for hackers. When asked for identification, offer other means of proof..
Virus and Malware Protection
– Remove old anti-virus and anti-malware software and install updated versions. Keep devices safe and secure with the latest software and security patches as soon as they are available. Keystroke logging malware can invade devices with weak security and capture credit card information.
Wi-Fi Hotspots
– Do not access any sites requiring passwords from unsecured wi-fi locations such as hotels, airports, coffee shops, parks, etc. An unsecured wi-fi network is one that does not require a network code.
These are just a few ways you can minimize your risk of identity theft. Several months ago interviewed Steve Weisman, one of the country’s leading experts on scams and identity theft, on my BlogTalkRadio program. The first interview featured a discussion on Why You Should Be Concerned About Identity Theft, and the second, What You Need to Do If You Are A Victim of Identity Theft Each of the programs are about 15 minutes long. Both interviews were among my most listened to shows of the year.
If you missed them, click on the links below to listen to the interviews.
Why You Should Be Concerned About Identity Theft
What You Need to Do If You Are A Victim of Identity Theft
There seems to be a report of a new data breach or threat almost daily. Check the article about Time Warner above. Be diligent!!
If after listening to the interviews, you want to discuss any of the points covered, please do not hesitate to contact me.
What You Need To Do If You Become a Victim of Identity Theft
The response to my recent BlogTalkRadio program “Why You Should Be Concerned About Identity Theft,” was overwhelming. My guest, Steven Weisman and I discussed some of the reasons and ways that identity theft occurs.
Many of you wanted to know what to do if you were a victim of identity theft. This week, Steve returned to discuss what you should be doing if you find that your identity has been stolen. Here are several of the topics that Steve and I covered.
– The importance of filing a police report
– Initiate a credit freeze
– How to correct your credit report
– How to deal with debt collectors
– What you should be doing about your passwords
In case you missed the interview, you can hear the complete program by clicking on the blogtalkradio logo below.
Why You Should Be Concerned About Identity Theft
Have you been a victim of Identity Theft?
Are you concerned about all the reports of personal information being stolen from corporate data bases?
According to most sources, approximately 15 million United States residents have their identities used fraudulently each year.
Close to 100 million additional Americans have their personal identifying information placed at risk of identity theft each year.
Steve Weisman, one of the country’s leading experts on scams and identity theft, offers the following tips for cleaning digital house:
– Make birthdates private on Facebook. Hackers glean personal information, such as age and location, from social media accounts to piece together social security numbers. By keeping birthdates private and opting for snail mailed birthday wishes, identity thieves have one less resource.
– Delete saved credit card numbers. To safeguard against data breaches, remove credit card numbers on file with retailers and enter them anew with each purchase.
– Swap generic passwords with tailored phrases. Use a strong and unique password for each frequented online website. A password made up of a phrase such as “IDon’tLikePasswords$$$” combines capital letters, small letters and symbols and is easy to remember. Personalize for a particular site by taking a few letters from the site and adding it to the password. An Amazon password would be “IDon’tLikePasswords$$$Ama.”
– Remove old anti-virus and anti-malware software and install updated versions. Keep devices safe and secure with the latest software and security patches as soon as they are available. Keystroke logging malware can invade devices with weak security and capture credit card information.
Recently, I interviewed Steve on my BlogTalkRadio program. To hear the complete interview, click on the image below.
New American Express Cards
If you own an American Express card, you will receive a new card within the next few days with a new security feature, Chip technology, which adds an additional level of security to your Card transactions when used at chip-enabled terminals. According to American Express:
You may continue to use your existing Card until your new Card is received. However as a security measure, your current Card will be deactivated soon afterward. To avoid interruption to your spending, please activate your new Card immediately upon receipt and begin to use it for future purchases. *Please note: if you are currently or imminently traveling, rest assured you may continue to use your current Card until your return.
For your convenience, your account number will remain the same. There is no need to update your Card information with any merchants who automatically bill to your Card. Please note that your Card will have a new security code and expiration date that must be used where requested in future purchases.
To gain a greater understanding of chip technology, American Express has posted a Frequently Asked Questions site. Click Here to access the site.