Tag: scams

Today’s Biggest Cyber Security Concern is Identity Theft

Today’s largest cyber security concern is Identity Theft . Cyber thieves use many different methods (hacking, use of spyware for intercepting information, etc.) in stealing personal or financial information from their victims, mostly from the computers.

The latest of these nefarious activities even sports a name: phishing (pronounced like ”fishing”). The thief sends a simple e-mail that looks like it came from a genuine site (mostly from financial institutions as Citibank, eBay, PayPal, Best Buy and others), telling you there is a problem with your account.

They would then ask you to click on a certain link in the e-mail, and you are taken to a site that looks like that of your bank. They will ask you to fill out again your Social Security or credit card numbers, and other confidential numbers.

The following are some ways to minimize the risk of your sensitive information and identity from being stolen:

Do business with reputable companies Some attackers may try to trick you by creating web sites that appear to be legitimate. Don’t visit any site that is using third party links. Open a new browser and type the address yourself if you want to visit a site.

You can also check privacy policies to see how the company in question use and distribute information. Many companies allow customers to request that their information not be shared with other companies.

Maintain a security mindset – always be skeptical of unfamiliar sites and links, suspicious e-mails and IM messages.

Anti-virus software and firewall As standard practice, use and maintenance of an anti-virus software and firewall will protect your computer from attacks that may steal or modify information in your computer. Make sure that you keep your anti-virus program and firewall up to date.

Fighting identity robbery As precautionary steps, regularly check your credit reports for strange transactions or transactions you do not recall, unusual charges on your bills, bills for products and services you do not have, or worse, unexpected denial of your credit card.

Once the identity robbery has been confirmed, calls to appropriate companies and agencies have to be done immediately. Have your credit card accounts closed right away so future charges will be denied.

Contact the Social Security Administration if your SSS card number has been accessed or the DMV if your driver’s license or car registration papers were taken. This is to warn these agencies to watch out for unauthorized use of your personal ID information. Of course, you need to file a criminal report with the local police.

For U.S. citizens, you need to contact the main credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to see if there had been any unexpected or unauthorized activity. Have fraud alerts placed on your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened without verification. File a complaint with the FTC and IFCC.

The biggest cyber security concern is identity theft . Every member of the family needs to be aware of the dangers online. Thieves used to come in through the windows and doors, now they can come in through the computer. When all the members of the family are aware that the largest cyber security concern is identity theft then it will be harder for criminals to take info.. Free reprint available from: Today’s Biggest Cyber Security Concern is Identity Theft.

Build Good Cyber Security Protection Habits

Cyber security protection is not at all that difficult. Once you have incorporated it into your system then it is just like riding a bicycle or can be as normal as walking. All you need is to learn how you can make it work well and build a good habit to make cyber security consistent.

By doing this you can have a better chance of keeping your confidential information protected from attacks from virus or from hackers. This way you can keep your sensitive data safe from other persons who would like to access them and use them for personal gain or protect them from applications that can erase or corrupt your files.

Identify how your information can be accessed and who would be the likely people who can gain from accessing your confidential records. It’s like identifying the usual suspects in a criminal line-up. I’m not saying that the people you know cannot be trusted but it helps to be extra cautious. Your brother might not do something untrustworthy but his friends might and if they have physical access to your computer then your files are at a risk of being hacked.

Protect your computer with a strong password. Use combination’s of letters and numbers, upper case and lower case, and even use codes. Avoid using the usual birthdays, social security numbers, bank PINs, account numbers, favorite superheroes, favorite food, etc. Use unique passwords and make one up for every system that requires authentication. Do not use the same password in all your confidential files.

To protect your computer from outside hackers, the best thing would be to disconnect your computer from the network when you’re not using it. No anti-virus application or firewall system provides complete protection. The best way would be to remove yourself from the network when you are not using your computer to reduce the risk of being attacked.

When you do surf the web, make sure that you have your firewall on and your anti-virus application turned on. Also make sure that your security settings are at there highest level. Your emails, web browsers and even other applications have specific settings which increase the security allowing them to block attacks from virus, malware and spyware. Study the security settings and select one which permits you to maximize the use of the application but at the same time offer you a good deal of security to keep your files protected.

Also, do not forget about power surges and other technological problems. Even though, the virus and hacker threats are real and sometimes the priority, people forget that sometimes power surges or breakdown of computer hardware can cause loss of data or have files corrupted and rendered inoperable.

To have added protection therefore, it would be wise to install some uninterrupted power supply that protects you from power surges and permits you to back up or shut down your computer preventing possible corruption of files and applications.

And speaking of backing up, it would be great if you would regularly back up your files just in case the unthinkable happens. May these be personal files or files you need for work, having a good back up is always a great thing to have.

Once you have a system you will produce a good habit in cyber security protection which can help lower the risks of losing files or your confidential information being hacked. Identity theft is growing fast and the best defense is knowledge about cyber security protection .. Free reprint available from: Build Good Cyber Security Protection Habits.

How To Find Fairly Priced Concert Tickets

Price is an important factor when purchasing the best concert tickets. You can be assured that the higher the price of the ticket the better seats you will be getting.

There are incidents when tickets of some concert events would sky rocket as the date approaches but this is not always the case. These events are usually very popular. It is to your advantage that you can still buy reasonable ticket price even when the event nears; you just need to know where to buy.

You have to be very careful when you decide to buy concert tickets on the very day of the event because there are many impostors who will sell you the best concert tickets at a very expensive price. The moment they see that you are worried or panicking that you might not get a seat for the concert, they will sell you tickets under the table.

It is most unfortunate that the ticket you buy from these cheaters turns out to be fake tickets. This is one big risk if you prefer buying stuffs illegally.

You don’t need to panic if you make last minute decision to go to a concert. All you have to do is search the internet for authorized vendors that sell legal concert tickets at reasonable price.

Just Google it by typing the concert name in the search engine. You will be surprised to find several results for you to choose from. Most of the time, these vendors sell the best concert ticket at affordable price.

These vendors are legitimate so you need not fear whether you are getting a real ticket or not. It is better to be safe than sorry. It is still best not to buy anything from unreliable source.

Just take the time to research in the Internet online and you will definitely find a vendor that sells the best concert tickets at the right price. Definitely, you will save yourself from the hassle and embarrassment going to a concert with fake tickets.

Check out more of this writer’s tips on items such as recessed lighting fixtures and wireless electrical switches.

Keep Your Defense Against Bank Identity Theft Strong

One of the unique challenges of living in a digital age is the risk of bank identity theft. Every day more and more people are choosing to shop on the internet and transfer money in the same fashion. The internet has opened new possibilities for every person in the world but it has also introduced us to new dangers. There are a number of things you can do to protect you and your family from bank identity theft.

Identity theft is a problem of epidemic proportions. Just in America alone there has been $52 billion stolen each year. It’s average and everyday people who suffer from this digital crime.

First, make sure you are shredding any type of identifying document. If something has your birth date on it or your social security number, do not just merely toss it into the wastebasket. Shredding is the only truly safe way to keep your personal account information away from the greedy hands of thieves.

Any time which you find yourself shopping online, make sure that you are using a secure web site. The majority of major web sites can be trusted but never make that assumption. Always read the terms and agreements portion and find out if the web site offers a secure connection which will keep thieves from getting your information and brining you to financial ruin.

Always make sure that your anti-virus and and anti-spyware are up to date and are working properly. Computer viruses can creep into your computer and access your personal information. These horrid and unfortunate things can scan your entire computer and then post all of the information found within on the internet.

Your local credit union or bank can also help you in the fight to stay protected. Most banks offer some form of identity security which you can take advantage of. They can help give you more ideas on how to keep yourself protected. It is your responsibility to keep yourself and your family protected from bank identity theft.

Bank identity theft is alive and well. Let us help you make sure you never become a victim of such theft. When you shop online make sure that the website is secure with a little lock in the URL. We have more information for you.. Unique version for reprint here: Keep Your Defense Against Bank Identity Theft Strong.