Robert Siciliano » Blog

Thursday, May 30, 2013

During a Robbery: Fight or Comply?

Many of us are told that, when we’re attacked, we should let it happen so that the situation doesn’t get any worse. In some cases that may be your only option. But some studies have shown that fighting back is a better option. Showing resistance and making it difficult for your attacker to do their job often helps you get to safety.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/16/during-a-robbery-fight-or-comply/

Your W-Fi Router Might Be Easy to Hack

Recently I became aware that many if not most home Wi-Fi routers are very easy to hack by cyber criminals. I thought, my mom has Wi-Fi, and so probably does your mom. So here is a letter you can share with your loved ones—be they tech-savvy or not, to protect them from the hidden dangers lurking in their homes

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/16/your-w-fi-router-might-be-easy-to-hack/

Beware of Slimy Alarm Sales Calls

Call them con men, grifters, scammers or thieves. Or simply call them liars, because lying is what they do best. They stare you in the eyes, do it via email or over the phone, and lie through their teeth. They do it casually and with such conviction that we have no reason not to believe them.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/14/beware-of-slimy-alarm-sales-calls/

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

What’s the difference between using Proxy vs VPN?

If you live in or travel to a country that controls what websites their citizens can and cannot visit then you might not have access to sites like Facebook or YouTube. In this case you may have considered using a proxy or a VPN.But what’s the difference?

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/14/whats-the-difference-between-using-proxy-vs-vpn/

Are you Hackable or Uncrackable? “Password Day” is Today!

Yes, such a day exists and it’s today, May 7th 2013. Intel and McAfee are working to make sure consumers increase their security awareness and front line of digital protection by asking everyone to change their passwords today.

http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/password-da

Weak Passwords Can Cost You Everything

If your computer or mobile was hacked or your passwords were cracked and your data was lost or if all the websites you have an account with were hacked and all that information was the hands of a criminal, how devastated will you be?

http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/weak-passwords

Monday, May 27, 2013

Spearphishing – Sophisticated and dangerou

The conference had ended three days ago, so John wasn’t surprised when a message popped up from LinkedIn: “Great to meet you all this weekend. - See more at: http://hacksurfer.com/amplifications/36#sthash.3hqLLuhK.dpuf

http://hacksurfer.com/amplifications/36

Common Facebook Mistakes for Graduates

It is that time of the year again, spring is officially here and a new bath of eager youths are about to enter the workforce.

http://gothamsocialmarketing.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/common-facebook-mistakes-for-graduates/

Is it Safe to Email Credit Card Info?

Is it safe to email or text credit card information? I want to buy some electronic items from a friend with a connection to a great deal

http://www.creditcardguide.com/creditcards/erica/is-it-safe-to-email-credit-card-info-2564/

Sunday, May 26, 2013

What’s the difference between using Proxy vs VPN?

If you live in or travel to a country that controls what websites their citizens can and cannot visit then you might not have access to sites like Facebook or YouTube. In this case you may have considered using a proxy or a VPN.But what’s the difference?

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/14/whats-the-difference-between-using-proxy-vs-vpn/

4 Completely Different Ways to Share Photos

Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, people took pictures of the Tyrannosaurus Rex with film-based cameras that required them to drop their pics off at a Fotomat for processing. Then, instant pics in the form of Polaroid cameras came along and the term “instant gratification” was born. Today, most of us snap pics on phones because cameras are just another device that we don’t want to carry.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/12/4-completely-different-ways-to-share-photos/

Mobile is the New Desktop

Everyone I’ve spoken to agrees on one thing – mobile devices are the future and companies should be throwing themselves into the deep end when it comes to connectivity. The innovators and forward thinkers are seeing huge gains by embracing the future, but in study after study, virtually no one has faith that the technology is secure. - See more at: http://hacksurfer.com/amplifications/34#sthash.MtTG7aIj.dpuf

http://hacksurfer.com/amplifications/34

Friday, May 24, 2013

Graduates: 10 Things Not to Do on Social Networks

You’ve done it. You’ve graduated at last. Your whole life is in front of you. Now is the time to make plans, embrace the world, take responsibility, make a statement, do some good and make this place better than how you found it.

http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/10-things-for-grads

How to Dispute Fraudulent Credit Card Charges

No matter where you use your credit card, the last thing you want to find on your statement is a fraudulent charge.

http://www.gobankingrates.com/credit-card-rates/how-to-dispute-fraudulent-credit-card-charges/

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Beware of Unknown Credit Card Subscriptions

The sales industry is fascinating. When it’s done well, you receive great value and both parties leave the transaction feeling happy. But the tactics some merchants use are downright manipulative and often veer into illegal territory.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/16/beware-of-unknown-credit-card-subscriptions/

During a Robbery: Fight or Comply?

Many of us are told that, when we’re attacked, we should let it happen so that the situation doesn’t get any worse. In some cases that may be your only option. But some studies have shown that fighting back is a better option. Showing resistance and making it difficult for your attacker to do their job often helps you get to safety.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/16/during-a-robbery-fight-or-comply/

4 Completely Different Ways to Share Photos

Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, people took pictures of the Tyrannosaurus Rex with film-based cameras that required them to drop their pics off at a Fotomat for processing

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/12/4-completely-different-ways-to-share-photos/

Beware of Slimy Alarm Sales Calls | BHSC

During a Robbery: Fight or Comply? | BHSC

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Bloomberg Admits Its Reporters Snooped on Clients Using Terminals Since 1990s

News and information company Bloomberg LP is apologizing after admitting its reporters used their access to client account information from its trading terminals to collect information for stories.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/bloomberg-hot-seat-snooping-client-information/story?id=19167923#.UZEjCbUm2Sr

10 Ways to Prevent an Abduction

A recent article I wrote, titled "A Predator is Always a Predator," discussed the 750,000 registered sex offenders in the U.S., the thousands more unaccounted for, the thousands more who've never been caught, and the fact that predators live amongst us.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/10-ways-to-prevent-an-abd_b_3254723.html

Protect Your ‘Medical Identity

You know the drill: Each time you visit a new doctor or hospital, you’re asked to provide personal data, including your social security number, address, health insurance information, and sometimes even your credit card number.

http://www.arthritistoday.org/arthritis-treatment/getting-medical-care/your-role-as-a-patient/medical-identity-theft.php

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Robbery by appointment: Bosma case

Robert Siciliano, a personal security expert based in Boston, said too many people display blind trust when dealing online.

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/2874016-robbery-by-appointment-bosma-case/

Anderson Cooper Swatted

Anderson Cooper, the CNN anchor and host of AC 360, was "swatted" on Tuesday night, making him one of the first East Coast victim of the Hollywood craze. "Swatting" involves anonymous 911 prank callers reporting false violent accusations or other dangerous offenses at another person's address. Authorities dispatch an immediate response to the "victim's" home.

http://www.irealtytimes.com/articles/3130/20130508/anderson-cooper-swatted-horrible-prank-911-killed-chris-brown-fbi.htm

Sunday, May 19, 2013

What are My Risks with My Mobile Device?

Mobile technology is the new frontier for fraudsters. Today, there are more wireless devices than American people. Mobile devices connect to the Internet and have much of the same information and capability as a personal computer.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/11/what-are-my-risks-with-my-mobile-device/

What is malware and why should I be concerned?

“Malware” is a shortened version of the words malicious software. It is defined as: a generic term used to describe any type of software or code specifically designed to exploit a computer/mobile device or the data it contains, without consent.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/10/what-is-malware-and-why-should-i-be-concerned/

10 Ways to Prevent an Abduction

A recent article I wrote, titled “A Predator is Always a Predator,” discussed the 750,000 registered sex offenders in the U.S., the thousands more unaccounted for, the thousands more who’ve never been caught, and the fact that predators live amongst us.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/10/10-ways-to-prevent-an-abduction/

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Anderson Cooper Swatted: Horrible Prank 911 Call To Police

Anderson Cooper, the CNN anchor and host of AC 360, was "swatted" on Tuesday night, making him one of the first East Coast victim of the Hollywood craze. "Swatting" involves anonymous 911 prank callers reporting false violent accusations or other dangerous offenses at another person's address. Authorities dispatch an immediate response to the "victim's" home.

http://www.irealtytimes.com/articles/3130/20130508/anderson-cooper-swatted-horrible-prank-911-killed-chris-brown-fbi.htm

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Why there’s a risk in those online classifieds

Personal security expert Robert Siciliano offers these tips for staying safe when meeting someone through a service such as Craigslist and Kijiji:

http://www.therecord.com/news/canada/article/933133--bosma-search-why-there-s-a-risk-in-those-online-classifieds

Passwords: You're Doing it Wrong

If you won't take it from me, beloved family, consider this Password Day (yes, apparently it's a thing) statement from McAfee's Robert Siciliano: "74% of Internet users use the same password across multiple websites, so if a hacker gets your password, they now have access to all your accounts.

http://www.cio.com/article/733001/Passwords_You_re_Doing_it_Wrong._Here_s_How_to_Make_Them_Uncrackable.?source=rss_news

Anderson Cooper 'Swatted' as Celebrity 911 Hoax Hits East Coast Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/anderson-cooper-swatted-celebrity-911-hoax/2013/05/08/id/503413#ixzz2TWVmeEKD Urgent: Should Obamacare Be Repealed?

"The service manipulates the phone system. It essentially tells the caller ID that another number is calling you," Robert Siciliano, an online security expert with McAfee, told the Daily News. "The fact that it’s not being used more widely is surprising." Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/anderson-cooper-swatted-celebrity-911-hoax/2013/05/08/id/503413#ixzz2TWW4B1cQ Urgent: Should Obamacare Be Repealed? Vote Here Now!

http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/anderson-cooper-swatted-celebrity-911-hoax/2013/05/08/id/503413

Robert Siciliano: Your Wi-Fi Router Might Be Easy to Hack @HotspotShield

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The 4 Types of Credit Card Disputes

Love’m my credit cards. I get points, mileage and one place to view all my spending. Who doesn’t love that! But I hate having to go through the misery of disputing charges. In my own research, I’ve determined four types of credit card disputes to look out for.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/09/the-4-types-of-credit-card-disputes/

5 Must-Have Security Apps for the Business Traveler

Prior to a trip it’s not uncommon for many of us to load up our smartphone with the latest time-killer games, social or travel apps.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/09/5-must-have-security-apps-for-the-business-traveler-2/

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Passwords: You're doing it wrong. Here's how to make them uncrackable

For years now I've harangued relatives about their shoddy password practices. Either they use easily-hacked passwords or forget the passwords they've created--sometimes both.

http://www.computerworld.com.sg/tech/security/passwords-youre-doing-it-wrong-heres-how-to-make-them-uncrackable/

Scam targets eBay auction losers

Call them con men, grifters, scammers or thieves. Or simply call them liars, because lying is what they do best. They stare you in the eyes, do it via email or over the phone, and lie through their teeth. They do it casually and with such conviction that we have no reason not to believe them.

http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post.aspx?post=802849d0-ccb6-4a37-9be7-7698d83edde7

How do you create a strong password and easy to remember

To Robert Siciliano McAfee, the figure recorded for the study UK should be revised upwards. According to him, at least 74% of users would use the same password to access all of their online services. And the worst part is that these passwords are easily broken using a "dictionary attack".

http://www.developpez.com/actu/55153/Comment-procedez-vous-pour-creer-un-mot-de-passe-fort-et-facile-a-retenir-McAfee-propose-des-conseils-pour-sa-journee-du-mot-de-passe/

Sunday, May 12, 2013

The 4 Types of Credit Card Disputes

Love’m my credit cards. I get points, mileage and one place to view all my spending. Who doesn’t love that!

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/09/the-4-types-of-credit-card-disputes/

5 Must-Have Security Apps for the Business Traveler

Prior to a trip it’s not uncommon for many of us to load up our smartphone with the latest time-killer games, social or travel apps.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/09/5-must-have-security-apps-for-the-business-traveler-2/

Setting off a False Alarm Can Cost You

If you have a home alarm system, you may be guilty of setting it off accidentally. Sometimes we open a door or window that sets it off, while other times we mess up the secret code.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/09/setting-off-a-false-alarm-can-cost-you/

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Passwords: You're doing it wrong

For years now I've harangued relatives about their shoddy password practices. Either they use easily-hacked passwords or forget the passwords they've created—sometimes both.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2038067/passwords-youre-doing-it-wrong-heres-how-to-make-them-uncrackable-.html

Graduates: 10 Stupid Things You Don't on Facebook

You've done it. You've graduated at last. Your whole life is in front of you. Now is the time to make plans, embrace the world, take responsibility, make a statement, do some good and make this place better than how you found it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/graduates-10-stupid-thing_b_3226403.html

Think before you post if you like your career

Friday, May 10, 2013

Is That Mobile Application Invading My Privacy?

Facebook now offers “Home.” Facebook says “With Home, everything on your phone gets friendlier. From the moment you turn it on, you see a steady stream of friends’ posts and photos.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/08/is-that-mobile-application-invading-my-privacy/

Yes, There are “Mother’s Day” Scams

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, cybercriminals are working up ways to take advantage of this time when you’re online looking to buy flowers, candies, perfumes, jewelry or whatever gifts for mom might be hot this year.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/08/yes-there-are-mothers-day-scams/

Identity theft speaker: 8 members of NY cybercrime cell were indicted in $45 mil operation @McAfee - YouTube

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

What are My Risks with My Mobile Device?

Mobile technology is the new frontier for fraudsters. Today, there are more wireless devices than American people.[1] Mobile devices connect to the Internet and have much of the same information and capability as a personal computer.

http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/risks-for-mobile-devices

10 Facebook Mistakes For Graduates To Avoid

McAfee Internet Security Expert Robert Siciliano shared his list of 10 mistakes graduates should avoid on social networks in a post on McAfee blog, pointing out that the security company’s Love, Relationships, and Technology study found that 13.7 percent of respondents aged 18 through 24 knew someone who lost their job due to images or messaged that were publicly posted.

http://allfacebook.com/10-facebook-mistakes-for-graduates-to-avoid_b116705

IF You See Something You Say Something!

After the Boston Marathon bombing, many began wanting answers as to who would do this horrific act. My first thought was how do we protect ourselves and our families?

http://www.examiner.com/article/if-you-see-something-you-say-something?cid=rss

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Are you Hackable or Uncrackable? “Password Day” is Today!

Yes, such a day exists and it’s today, May 7th 2013. Intel and McAfee are working to make sure consumers increase their security awareness and front line of digital protection by asking everyone to change their passwords today.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/07/are-you-hackable-or-uncrackable-password-day-is-today/

Monday, May 06, 2013

Burglaries Often Happen When People Are Home

You might be sleeping, doing laundry in the basement, or simply watching TV, and you may accidentally walk into a burglar at work. The burglar may be just as surprised to see you as you are to see him.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/burglaries-often-happen-w_b_3200811.html

Remote Workers Increase Your Chance of a Cyber-Attack

“It’s the bring your own devices into the workplace that are a big problem today, whether it’s tablets, laptops or mobile phones,” said Robert Siciliano, a spokesperson for McAfee and an online security expert. “They have the IT director’s head spinning.” - See

http://hacksurfer.com/amplifications/2#

How Do I Restore My Identity Once It Has Been Stolen?

The Federal Trade Commission offers invaluable tools for restoring your identity if it has already been compromised

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/04/how-do-i-restore-my-identity-once-it-has-been-stolen/

Home Security Expert Robert Siciliano @BHSCcm

Saturday, May 04, 2013

How to Protect WiFi When Flying

When getting on a flight that’s three to five hours (or more), many business professionals wrestle in their heads whether to spend the $12.95 on airplane WiFi, take a nap or watch the movie—or, if their company is paying for it, they might do all three.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/02/how-to-protect-wifi-when-flying/

A Predator Is Always a Predator

With the 750,000 registered sex offenders in the U.S., the thousands more unaccounted for, and even the thousands more who’ve never been caught, know that predators live amongst us.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/02/a-predator-is-always-a-predator/

Do I Need to be Concerned About Cybercrime?

The short answer is yes! You should be concerned. And even if you’re not concerned for yourself, with the Internet all of us are interconnected so cybercrime does not just affect one person or one group, but all of us.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/05/02/do-i-need-to-be-concerned-about-cybercrime/

Friday, May 03, 2013

To VPN or Not to VPN, That is the Question!

This question revolves around whether or not you want or need to head out into the wild, wild web wilderness exposed. By “exposed” I mean letting anyone within 300-500 feet of your device peek at the wireless data packets floating through the airand seeing all your raw data, or revealing who and where you are, what you like and don’t like, or revealing your IP address if you decide to comment on a blog or news article.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/04/30/to-vpn-or-not-to-vpn-that-is-the-question/

New Alarm Systems are Cost Effective and High Tech

Alarm systems used to be clunky and expensive to install, and all they did was set off a siren when a door or window was smashed in. Today, alarms are wireless and can even adjust your thermostat!

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/04/30/new-alarm-systems-are-cost-effective-and-high-tech/

5 Signs You Are About to be Scammed

Smart people are scammed every day because they think it can’t happen to them or they just aren’t aware of the scams. And the scammers have gotten very good at disguising their scams, so it’s often hard to recognize them.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/04/30/5-signs-you-are-about-to-be-scammed/

Thursday, May 02, 2013

What Should I Know about Mobile Cybercrime?

The Internet has dissolved the geographical boundaries and technological limitations that have constrained organized cybercrime in the past. We now live with cybercrime syndicates based in the US, Russia, Asia and all over the globe. When hackers in the US are sleeping, the ones in China are flexing their fingers on their keyboards, and the ones in Eastern Europe are waking up. Cybercrime never stops.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/04/28/what-should-i-know-about-mobile-cybercrime/

Burglaries Often Happen When People Are Home

You might be sleeping, doing laundry in the basement, or simply watching TV, and you may accidentally walk into a burglar at work. The burglar may be just as surprised to see you as you are to see him.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/04/25/burglaries-often-happen-when-people-are-home/

5 Steps to Securing Portable Devices

If it’s portable, it is subject to being lost or stolen—and the data contained can be accessed or the applications running may have access to additional information, resulting in your data being compromised. The good news is, you don’t need to be an IT professional to put systems in place, download security programs or create certain habits to protect your device and, inturn, protect your information.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/04/25/5-steps-to-securing-portable-devices/