Join Robert Siciliano in his fight against identity theft. See how he applies two of his personal and professional tenets — be proactive and know your options — to the latest research on criminal exploits. Learn the story behind the statistics to keep your computer and your identity protected.
We hear an awful lot about hackers breaking into systems and taking down networks or stealing millions of data records. The general understanding we have for hacking is bad guys want to disrupt things to make a point or to make money. But how do they really use our personal information against us? Whether you Read more…
Tags: Cybercrime, Hackers, idenitty theft, internet security, mobile security, pc security, scammers
The number of households in the United States that rely solely on mobile phones continues to increase. As of July 2011, 31% of households had mobile phones and no landlines. Additionally, almost one in six households used mobile phones exclusively or almost exclusively, despite still having a landline. This is the first time that adults Read more…
Tags: cybercriminals, mobile security, scammers, smartphone security, tablet security
Gone are the days when you had to click to “accept” a download or install a software update in order to become infected. Now, just opening a compromised web page could allow dangerous code to install on your device. You just need to visit or “drive by” a web page, without stopping to click or Read more…
Tags: identity theft, internet security, malware, scams, web security
Most of us are aware of spam, and while we may think it’s just an annoyance, what’s really dangerous about it is the fact that most spam are phishing attempts. Phishing is when cybercriminals attempt to fraudulently acquire your personal information, such as passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy person or Read more…
Tags: identity theft, phishing, phishing scams
Tax season is now upon us, and more than ever, we are opting for the convenience of filing taxes online (81% of us did in 2012). While filing online may be faster and more convenient, there is also some risk that you need to be aware of. During 2012, the IRS discovered $20 billion of Read more…
Tags: identity theft tax scams, scams, Tax Preparer Scams, tax returns, tax scams, taxes, taxpayer warning
The word friend is defined as “one who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect and affection; an intimate associate.” But that definition seems to have gone out the window with the advent of social networks. Studies show 50% of people will accept a Facebook “friend” or LinkedIn invitation from a total stranger. So Read more…
Tags: facebook, identity theft, phishing, scams, social networking
The word botnet or bot is short for robot network. A botnet is a group of Internet-connected personal computers that have been infected by a malicious application (malware) that allows a hacker to control the infected computers or mobile devices without the knowledge of the device owners. When malware is launched on your computer or Read more…
Are you guilty as charged? Whenever I bring this up in a group setting, it astonishes me how many people raise their hands. I wonder if they realize that they are putting all the personal information contained on their mobile device at risk. The unfortunate reality is that everyone loses things, and our devices can Read more…
Tags: Android, android antivirus, Android security, android security app, anti-phishing, anti-theft, anti-virus, antivirus, app protection, BlackBerry, identity theft, internet security, McAfee SiteAdvisor, Mobile, mobile antivirus, mobile app, mobile PIN, mobile security, mobile security app, phishing, QR codes, safe searching, Symbian, tablet security, web protection
A good friend of mine called me recently to ask what I knew about scams from online sales. He had placed an ad on CraigsList for something he was trying to sell and had asked for $150 for the item. He had received a call from a woman and she offered to send him a Read more…
Tags: computer security, cybercriminals, fraud, Hackers, identity theft, internet security, online scams, pc security, scams
Once you own a smartphone or tablet, you are not likely to give it up. But it is essential that you can understand where the risks are and steer around them as you enjoy your mobile digital life. With the growth in mobile exploding, it is only natural for cybercriminals to move towards that device Read more…
Tags: Android, android antivirus, Android security, android security app, anti-phishing, anti-theft, anti-virus, antivirus, app protection, BlackBerry, identity theft, internet security, malicious apps, McAfee SiteAdvisor, Mobile, mobile antivirus, mobile app, mobile malware, mobile security, mobile security app, phishing, QR codes, risky app, safe searching, Symbian, tablet security, web protection
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