Robert Siciliano » Blog

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Despite hopeful initiatives, demise of passwords years away

These are not the first efforts to get beyond passwords, said Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity. "The National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) has been at this for well over a decade," he said. "The pain is finally getting bad enough, the criminals are getting good enough and the public is no smarter, so in the next five and more likely 10 years we should see significant change." -

http://www.macworld.co.uk/digitallifestyle/news/?newsid=3426560&pagtype=allchandate

Security fail: Phones, tablets and other devices vulnerable to hackers and viruses

"Mobile phones and tablets are not on the consumers' radar when it comes to digital security," says Robert Siciliano, McAfee's Internet security expert. McAfee is a provider of computer security software and solutions.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865573225/Security-fail-Phones-tablets-and-other-devices-vulnerable-to-hackers-and-viruses.html

Facebook Hacked; No User Data Compromised

Robert Siciliano, a security expert at the anti-malware firm McAfee, told ABC News. "In this case it was a zero-day vulnerability -- it was a brand-new virus -- that they couldn't protect against."

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/facebook-hacked-month-user-data-compromised/story?id=18515870

Cyberbullying extends to workplace, bedroom

"Technology definitely fuels the best of a relationship and the worst of a breakup," says Robert Siciliano, McAfee security analyst. "Airing dirty laundry often leads to exposing deep secrets and intimate photos never meant for public consumption."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/02/16/cyberbullying-workplace-romantic-couples/1887801/

Playing it safe at a hotel

Personal security expert Robert Siciliano and Mike Kelly, chief executive of On Call International (a company that helps travelers with emergency travel assistance), offer these general hotel safety tips:

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-hotel-safety-20130217,0,1729296,full.story

Monday, February 25, 2013

'Spoofing' likely cause of 911 calls from phone line belonging to Katie Couric's late husband Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/spoofing-katie-couric-911-calls-article-1.1264844#ixzz2LxyK5JLC

“The service manipulates the phone system,” said Robert Siciliano, an online security expert with McAfee. “It essentially tells the caller ID that another number is calling you.” Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/spoofing-katie-couric-911-calls-article-1.1264844#ixzz2Ly1HCm8y

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/spoofing-katie-couric-911-calls-article-1.1264844

Despite hopeful initiatives, demise of passwords years away

These are not the first efforts to get beyond passwords, said Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity. "The National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) has been at this since 2010, but many private companies have been at this for over a decade," he said.

http://www.csoonline.com/article/728824/despite-hopeful-initiatives-demise-of-passwords-years-away

Seven Tips for a Cyber-Safer Valentine’s Day

Gray” is the new fraud. When it comes to credit card fraud, so-called “gray charges”—sneaked onto credit cards after a legitimate online transaction—are eclipsing straight-up fraud, Siciliano said.

http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2013/02/13/seven-tips-for-a-cyber-safer-valentines-day?page=4

Saturday, February 23, 2013

13 Digital Security Tips For 2013

Whether you are an individual or a small business, the following applies:

http://anniejenningspr.com/jenningswire/specialty/technology/13-digital-security-tips-for-2013/

How to Combat Identity Theft

Robert Siciliano, a Boston-based McAfee online security expert and CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, has used BillGuard for his personal accounts since it launched in 2010. He recommends the service but cautions against complete reliance on it or any outside provider.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/combat-identity-theft-170000308.html;_ylt=A2KJjb1gHhpRjmwALmr_wgt

Save Money on Used Electronics

Chances are, you may be tempted to buy a used electronic device from a private seller. You may even luck out with a winner. But in this age of identity theft, here's a list of to-dos from Robert Siciliano, McAfee online security expert, so that you don't buy any unforeseen problems with your equipment:

http://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-01-2013/save-money-on-used-electronics.html

Friday, February 22, 2013

I Just Sext’d to Say, ‘I Love You’—But Please Don’t Show Your Friends

Should a scorned lover decide to, well, expose you to the masses, it’s often far more devastating than flashing a couple pics to friends or even (gasp!) doing the deed on Facebook. As Robert Siciliano, online security expert for McAfee, told Quartz, “There are dozens of ‘ex’ porn sites.”

http://bostinno.com/2013/02/07/i-just-sextd-to-say-i-love-you-but-please-dont-show-your-friends/#ss__294264_221346_0__ss

¡Cuidado! Enviar imágenes íntimas a tu pareja puede ser muy peligroso

Según un estudio elaborado por la firma tecnológica de seguridad McAfee, titulado “Amor, Relaciones y Tecnología 2013”, existen graves peligros al compartir datos personales en las relaciones de pareja.

http://contenido.com.mx/2013/02/cuidado-enviar-imagenes-intimas-a-tu-pareja-puede-ser-muy-peligroso/

The dangers of identity theft

In the movie "Identity Thief," Jason Bateman plays a victim to the identity-stealing antics of Melissa McCarthy's character. He travels across the country to wrest his identity back, and hijinks ensue.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit/dangers-identity-theft.aspx

Should I Give Them My Data?

We’ve heard lots and lots about data breaches in the last decade. And with the term “cloud” becoming more prevalent (which, incidentally, just refers to a computer server connected to the internet), people are asking how secure their data is on the various websites they agree to host it.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/21/should-i-give-them-my-data/

6 Ways You Are Vulnerable On Wi-Fi

Whether you are on your home or office network or seeking out a free connection on public Wi-Fi, there are known risks that can be managed simply by using a free VPN.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/21/6-ways-you-are-vulnerable-on-wi-fi/

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Identity theft: Not as funny as in the movies

"This form of credit card fraud occurs when a thief gains access to your credit or debit card number through criminal hacking, dumpster diving, ATM skimming or perhaps you simply hand it over when paying at a store or restaurant," says Robert Siciliano, identity theft expert with BillGuard, a financial security service.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/identity-theft-not-funny-movies-080033875.html

Cómo evitar que tu ex despechado cobre venganza virtual en tu contra

Siciliano también recomienda instalar software antivirus en tus electrónicos personales, especialmente en los teléfonos y tabletas Android, para proteger mejor cualquier información confidencial que tengas guardada.

http://mexico.cnn.com/tecnologia/2013/02/10/como-evitar-que-tu-ex-despechado-cobre-venganza-virtual-en-tu-contra

Mag je wachtwoorden delen met je partner?

“We plaatsen onszelf in een risicovolle wraakpositie” zegt Robert Siciliano, beveiligingsexpert bij het bedrijf.

http://www.zdnet.be/article/147404/mag-je-wachtwoorden-delen-met-je-partner-/

Expert Advice: How to Store Your Data Securely

If you're juggling multiple accounts, passwords, and devices, it's especially hard to keep up with the endless tangle of information. Personal security expert Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, offers some tips for a digital checkup.

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130208213206-16412956-expert-advice-how-to-store-your-data-securely

Identity theft not as funny as in the movies

"This form of credit card fraud occurs when a thief gains access to your credit or debit card number through criminal hacking, dumpster diving, ATM skimming or perhaps you simply hand it over when paying at a store or restaurant," says Robert Siciliano, identity theft expert with BillGuard, a financial security service.

http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2013/02/10/16900495-identity-theft-not-as-funny-as-in-the-movies?lite

REVENGE AGAINST EX RUNS ON THE WEB

"There is a good chance - explains the research conducted by Robert Siciliano - that your partner if you have the password , to implement this type of revenge tactics.

http://www.leggo.it/news/social/la_vendetta_contro_gli_ex_corre_sul_web_pubbicate_foto_e_password/notizie/213327.shtml

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

How to Combat Identity Theft

Robert Siciliano, a Boston-based McAfee online security expert and CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, has used BillGuard for his personal accounts since it launched in 2010. He recommends the service but cautions against complete reliance on it or any outside provider.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225211#

Could Your Partner Give Up Your Password? New McAfee Survey Says 'Yes'

“Today, sharing passwords has become a sign of commitment, a signal of love and devotion, like a varsity sweater or friendship ring,”

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/432339/20130207/mcafee-cyber-security-passwords-data-protection-data-theft-mobile-devices-data-leaks-survey-partner.htm#.URLzRaXuWSo

Unlocking a trend, repairing the cracks

SARASOTA - Politely put, Stephen Matthews' Cellular Clinic is designed to coax iPhone and Android smartphones into doing more work for less money.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130204/ARCHIVES/302041012?p=all&tc=pgall

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What’s a Wireless “Sniffer” and Why Should I Care?

A sniffer is a software program used by IT administrators to monitor network usage, investigate network problems, investigate network misuse and abuse, identify configuration issues and determine the state of a network’s security.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/18/whats-a-wireless-sniffer-and-why-should-i-care/

BillGuard is Personal Finance Security

If I had a dime for every time I’ve been asked, “How do I protect my credit card number?” I’d be living on my own island in the Pacific. My response has always been, “Use your card whenever and wherever and don’t worry about it, but pay close attention to your statements,” because that’s really all you can do.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/14/billguard-is-personal-finance-security/

5 Ways to Ensure Online Privacy for Kids

Congress and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken special steps to ensure that children under 13 years of age don’t share their personal information on the Internet without the express approval of their parents.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/12/5-ways-to-ensure-online-privacy-for-kids/

Monday, February 18, 2013

Do You Really Pay Attention to Your Billing Statements?

Do you take a close look at all your bills and statements every month? Do you look at all the charges? Are you familiar with each charge—where, when and to whom?

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/11/do-you-really-pay-attention-to-your-billing-statements/

Unlocking a trend, repairing the cracks

"Those guys are everywhere," said Robert Siciliano, a Boston-based security analyst who works as a consultant to MacAfee Online.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130204/ARCHIVES/302041012?p=all&tc=pgall

New app Bync raises online privacy concerns

Bales said there were no formal complaints about security issues. Robert Siciliano is a spokesman for BillGuard, a service that alerts consumers to small, unwanted credit card charges. In industry parlance, they are called "grey charges."

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=215131

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Data in the Dumpster

Unfortunately, incompletely wiped smartphones routinely show up on ebay, Amazon and other national sellers which have hundreds of thousands of active listings daily. Robert Siciliano, a personal security and identity theft expert, purchased 20 different devices from Craigslist users in early 2012 and found that three of the devices had never been wiped.

http://mobileenterprise.edgl.com/news/Data-in-the-Dumpster-84579

Safer Internet Day: 10 Tips to Protect Yourself Online

But it turns out that's not necessary (even though we did that in this video!). ABC News spoke to Google Security Princess Parisa Tabriz (that's her official title) and McAfee's Security Expert Robert Siciliano about some of their top security tips. There's no better day than today to heed their advice.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/safer-internet-day-password-online-shopping-internet-safety/story?id=18404839

Protecting personal information in case of a breakup

When a relationship ends badly, every racy photo or text you shared with your ex becomes a potential security problem.

http://www.kctv5.com/story/20959337/protecting-personal-information-in-case-of-a-breakup

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Scorned exes may well share intimate content

Nearly all (94pc) of adults in the US believe their data and revealing photos are safe with their partners, but 13pc of adults have had their personal content leaked to others without their permission, a new survey suggests.

http://www.siliconrepublic.com/strategy/item/31329-scorned-exes-may-well-share/

BillGuard is Personal Finance Security

If I had a dime for every time I’ve been asked, “How do I protect my credit card number?” I’d be living on my own island in the Pacific. My response has always been, “Use your card whenever and wherever and don’t worry about it, but pay close attention to your statements,” because that’s really all you can do. But due to most people not carefully checking their statements, my sage advice has fallen on deaf ears.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/14/billguard-is-personal-finance-security/

5 Ways to Ensure Online Privacy for Kids

Congress and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken special steps to ensure that children under 13 years of age don’t share their personal information on the Internet without the express approval of their parents.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/12/5-ways-to-ensure-online-privacy-for-kids/

Friday, February 15, 2013

Protect personal photos in case of a breakup

"Sharing passwords is seen as a sign of love and devotion, a sign of commitment," said Robert Siciliano, McAfee's online security expert. "When the relationship goes south, change those passwords right away."

http://www.ksat.com/lifestyle/Technology/Protect-personal-photos-in-case-of-a-breakup/-/2597106/18401802/-/78hjjxz/-/index.html

Do You Really Pay Attention to Your Billing Statements?

Do you take a close look at all your bills and statements every month? Do you look at all the charges? Are you familiar with each charge—where, when and to whom?

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/11/do-you-really-pay-attention-to-your-billing-statements/

Do You Share Passwords with Your Partner?

Do you? I do and I’ve been doing it since I said “I do.” And if you are married or at least in a committed lifelong relationship, knowing each other’s passwords is probably expected.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/02/10/do-you-share-passwords-with-your-partner/

Thursday, February 14, 2013

13 Digital Security New Year’s Resolution Tips for 2013

The best thing about the “New Year” is committing to new or old resolutions and starting fresh. Whether you are an individual or a small business, the following applies:

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/01/31/13-digital-security-new-years-resolution-tips-for-2013/

The Social Media Identity Theft of a School Director Via Twitter

We’ve seen this before and it never ends good. This time it’s resulting in an identity theft charge for Ira Trey Quesenberry III, an 18-year-old student at Sullivan Central High School.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/01/31/the-social-media-identity-theft-of-a-school-director-via-twitter/

How Small Businesses Can Evaluate Their Security Risks in the New Year

Evaluating risk vs. reward is a process most people go through on a daily basis. For example, you are about to make a left-hand turn but a car is coming.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/01/28/how-small-businesses-can-evaluate-their-security-risks-in-the-new-year/

Seven Tips for a Cyber-Safer Valentine’s Day

5. Rethink the nudie shots. You don’t have to be a celebrity to be publicly humiliated over naked photos.

http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2013/02/13/seven-tips-for-a-cyber-safer-valentines-day?page=6

Seven Tips for a Cyber-Safer Valentine’s Day

And while everybody knows about “phishing,” the increased use of mobile devices has made “SMShing”—phishing through text messages--an increasing threat, said Robert Siciliano, CEO, IDTheftSecurity.com and online security expert for McAfee.

http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2013/02/13/seven-tips-for-a-cyber-safer-valentines-day?page=2

Get Smart─Lock Down Your Apps

Apps are what make smartphones smart. Without apps, smartphones would just be regular feature phones. Apps are what make our smartphones into our most personal computers. And like our computers, we need to protect our smartphones and apps.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/01/26/get-smart%E2%94%80lock-down-your-apps/

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Keeping Data Safe After a Break-Up

When a relationship ends badly, every racy photo or text you shared with your ex becomes a potential security problem.

http://fox4kc.com/2013/02/04/keeping-data-safe-after-a-break-up/

A Chinese hacker might be logging into your online accounts. But then again, it’s probably your boyfriend.

It’s not just disgraced politicians and careless celebrities any more: Real people are having naked photos of themselves pop up online. Some 13% of American adults have had personal data posted online without their permission, and around half of those were smutty photos.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/chinese-hacker-might-logging-online-220054895.html

Everyone’s afraid of Chinese hackers, when they should really be afraid of their significant others

There are a few reasons for concern here. First, there’s where photos leaked by exes tend to end up—and it’s “much more public” than Facebook, says Robert Siciliano, online security expert for McAfee. “There are dozens of ‘ex’ porn sites,” he tells Quartz.

http://qz.com/51287/everyones-afraid-of-chinese-hackers-when-they-should-really-be-afraid-of-their-significant-others/

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Protect personal photos in case of a breakup

All your private information, shared as a sign of love and trust, is suddenly vulnerable. A vengeful ex-lover could leak it online, use your passwords to cyberstalk you or exact other forms of digital revenge.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/Technology/Protect-personal-photos-in-case-of-a-breakup/-/4882254/18401802/-/jxrh0iz/-/index.html

10 Tips to Protect Yourself Online

Today is Safer Internet Day. We know, it sounds super-corny, like a training day in lab safety, but if you think back over the last year you can appreciate the importance of a day dedicated to protecting yourself online.

http://news.yahoo.com/safer-internet-day-10-tips-protect-yourself-232418764--abc-news-topstories.html;_ylt=A2KLOzIFLxFRU2MAKVHQtDMD

Do You Share Passwords with Your Partner?

o you? I do and I’ve been doing it since I said “I do.” And if you are married or at least in a committed lifelong relationship, knowing each other’s passwords is probably expected.

http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/love-relationships-technology-survey

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Build a Better Password: Secrets to Protecting Your Identity

Creating an easily accessible password is a common mistake for a lot of people. Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, said that many people use first names as passwords, usually the names of spouses, kids, other relatives, or pets, all of which can be deduced with a little research.

http://www.backgroundcheck.org/build-a-better-password-secrets-to-protecting-your-identity/

Infographic: Password Protecting Your Relationships

All's fair game in love and war, according to McAfee, which today released a study detailing the pitfalls of sharing personal data in relationships.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2415072,00.asp

How to protect your digital data from a vengeful ex

"Sharing passwords is seen as a sign of love and devotion, a sign of commitment," said Robert Siciliano, McAfee's online security expert. "When the relationship goes south, change those passwords right away."

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/04/tech/mobile/breakup-data-precautions/index.html?iref=allsearch

Monday, February 04, 2013

US Teens Are Up to No Good Online Compared to European Teens

Teens are spending more and more time online these days and while the Internet offers a variety of benefits it can also serve as a dangerous space –and not just in America.

http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/exploring-the-digital-divide

Internet Security Isn’t Getting Any Prettier

Malicious software (malware) is, in many ways, very well understood. Security experts know how it works and why. Cybercriminals’ motivations are pretty straightforward—making money from malware and related attacks.

http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/internet-security-isnt-getting-any-prettier

Save Money on Used Electronics

Chances are, you may be tempted to buy a used electronic device from a private seller. You may even luck out with a winner. But in this age of identity theft, here's a list of to-dos from Robert Siciliano, McAfee online security expert, so that you don't buy any unforeseen problems with your equipment:

http://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-01-2013/save-money-on-used-electronics.html