Robert Siciliano » Blog

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Laptop theft leads to identity theft

Ever lose a mobile device? Have one stolen? Know someone who has? Device loss and theft is a common issue when it comes to identity theft and results in data breaches. Some studies have shown as many as 2.5 million laptops are stolen annually, which equates to a laptop stolen every 12 seconds.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/11/18/laptop-theft-leads-to-identity-theft/

Socint: disseminating cybercrime through social intelligence

People talk—A LOT. They can’t stop talking. Talking, getting something off your mind and out there feels good. Talking takes the pressure off one’s mind; our mouths are like relief valves for our heads. The problem has always been that people blurt out whatever is on their mind and say things that often get them in trouble. And yes, I’ve done it too.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/11/18/socint-disseminating-cybercrime-through-social-intelligence/

Apple Makes Life Harder for iPhone Thieves

You probably know that iPhones are high on the wish list of thieves all over the country—so much so that data from the New York City Police Department reveals that iPhone and iPad thefts have soared 40 percent compared with the same period last year, according to CNET. A total of 11,447 cases of stolen Apple devices were reported to the city’s police, an increase of 3,280 over the last year.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/10/28/apple-makes-life-harder-for-iphone-thieves/

Friday, November 29, 2013

Standard door frames make burglary easy

Stop what you are doing. Walk over to your front or back door. Open it. Look down at the doorjamb where the holes are—you know, where your doorknob and deadbolt locks (hopefully they are Schlage) go into the frame. Those 3/4-inch-ish holes are surrounded by what’s called a strike plate. The strike plate has two screws in it, and if you were to remove them they’d probably be smaller than 3/4-inch ones.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/11/15/standard-door-frames-make-burglary-easy/

4 Ways to Share Paid Hotspots

There are a number of scenarios you might be in where friends, family and colleagues need to jump on a (read: your) wireless connection, but they’d rather not pay a connection fee. So if you have the goods right in front of you and they can connect for free, they may buy you a cookie.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/11/01/4-ways-to-share-paid-hotspots/

Rihanna’s Home Targeted by Burglars

Chances are, if you own a $12 million home like Rihanna, someone with bad intentions is going to want a piece of it (or something in it). But you don’t need to be rich to be the target of a burglary. Millions of less extravagant homes are burglarized every year.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/10/31/rihannas-home-targeted-by-burglars/

Thursday, November 28, 2013

The Legal Right to Delete Stupidity

Anyone who is online and has ever posted something or sent something or liked something has a regret or two. And if you don’t have a regret, you’re arrogant and pompous and think way too highly of yourself and your musings. Anyway, recalling a digital boner isn’t always easy. And now, when you hit enter or send, it’s pretty much a lost cause. But a new California law aims to make it a tad easier…but honestly, I think it will be a false fix and make people think they have more control while again, they don’t.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/10/30/the-legal-right-to-delete-stupidity/

Mobile, wearable and now…implantable technology?

The laptop was the first portable internet-connected device that freed up millions to create a mobile workforce. Next was the smartphone, which didn’t really take off until Apple opened it up to developers and allowed the creation of applications that made the smartphone what it is today. Apple did it again with the tablet, and now Android tablets and smartphones have an even bigger stake in the game than ever before.

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/11/15/mobile-wearable-and-nowimplantable-technology/

5 ways your identity is stolen

Chances are good that in the coming year, you will be asked to provide your or a family member’s Social Security number (SSN) at least a few times. And because of all you’ve heard about identity theft and all the advice like “never give out your Social,” you will hesitate, ask why the person needs it and be told, “I don’t know why we need it, but I can’t move forward with your application/registration unless you provide it.”

http://robertsiciliano.com/blog/2013/11/15/5-ways-your-identity-is-stolen/

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Location-tracking turns your smartphone into your stalker

Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity, is one of many privacy experts who recommend not only disabling tracking features unless they are in use and keeping privacy settings and permissions "locked down," but also for users to be careful about what they share, what information they provide and what they download.

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/mobile-phone/3481097/location-tracking-turns-your-smartphone-into-your-stalker/

McAfee Spotlights the "12 Scams of Christmas" to Keep Consumers' Digital Lives Safe

To help consumers stay alert for greedy Grinches as they surf the web for holiday travel deals and seek out gifts for their loved ones, McAfee has identified this year's top "12 Scams of Christmas":

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/mcafee-spotlights-the-12-scams-of-christmas-to-keep-consumers-digital-lives-safe-2013-11-12

Fast-growing Internet virus ransoms computers

"Paying the fine will only be providing criminals with a credit card number," said Robert Siciliano, an online security expert with McAfee.

http://hamptonroads.com/node/696449

Thursday, November 21, 2013

McAfee Study Finds Nearly Half of Canadians Have Encountered Malicious Activity While Shopping Online

According to a McAfee-commissioned study from November 2013, 46 per cent of Canadians say they have encountered malicious activity while shopping online1.

http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/mcafee-study-finds-nearly-half-050100035.html

Protect your home from holiday-season break-ins

“Burglars are opportunists looking for a score, and the holidays are a perfect time for it,” says Robert Siciliano, a security expert.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/11/07/4444739/protect-your-home-from-holiday.html#.UnueOfkm3Hk

Fast-growing Internet virus ransoms computers

"Paying the fine will only be providing criminals with a credit card number," said Robert Siciliano, an online security expert with McAfee.

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2013/11/11/7532111.htm

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Fastest-growing Internet virus ransoms computers

"Paying the fine will only be providing criminals with a credit card number," said Robert Siciliano, an online security expert with McAfee.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/11/11/fastest-growing_internet_virus_ransoms_computers.htm

How to Avoid Online Identity Theft

For your computers, get a comprehensive antivirus product that blocks viruses, spyware and phishing attempts and provides a firewall, says Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304200804579163753859797002

Why You Shouldn't Share Your Good Credit Score on Facebook

Congratulations on such a great score," Siciliano explains. That's also why it's a good idea to avoid sharing information about recent purchases from Amazon and other online retailers on your Facebook or Twitter accounts, although that option often exists.

http://news.yahoo.com/why-shouldnt-share-good-credit-score-facebook-154650263.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CforHFSnBwAeWTQtDMD

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

High Tech Old School

Every move you make...

Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity, noted recently on the McAfee blog that apps like, "Foursquare, Facebook and Yelp allow you to check in' at places using your mobile phone, and then share your location with friends or on social networks...It can actually be a nifty tool...like when you are trying to find directions to a place: the map begins your directions where you are, since it knows your location. Some businesses even provide discounts or freebies as a reward for checking in."

http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=01EC3B8E-A663-57E0-733137795C3817A4

Seniors can sext too!

Just under a quarter - 24per cent - of the 1,258 individuals aged 50 to 75 surveyed by software security company McAfee said they had used their cell phone to send 'intimate' text messages, emails or photographs to someone.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2475235/Senior-sexting-1-4-sent-intimate-messages-phone.html

Monday, November 18, 2013

The NSA and Your Privacy

With all the recent leaks by Snowden and others about the NSA and how it has been spying on so many American citizens, we wanted to find out how people around the country felt about this.

http://www.jdjournal.com/2013/09/30/the-nsa-and-your-privacy/#

Fastest-growing Internet virus ransoms computers

"Paying the fine will only be providing criminals with a credit card number," said Robert Siciliano, an online security expert with McAfee.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/11/11/fastest-growing_internet_virus_ransoms_computers.htm

5 Ways Your Identity is Stolen

So what do you do? Your kid is sick, he needs meds, and the doctor's admin can't help you unless you cough up a SSN.

http://www.atmmarketplace.com/blog/11531/5-Ways-Your-Identity-is-Stolen

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Tech Support Scams: Another Breed of Identity Theft

Most people know they shouldn't give out personal information over the phone. But what if the person on the other end of the line is tech support, calling to help solve your computer problems?

http://www.identityprotection.com/education/id-theft-101/tech-support-scams-another-breed-of-identity-theft

Protecting Your Home From Burglars During the Holidays

"Burglars are opportunists looking for a score, and the holidays are a perfect time for it," says Robert Siciliano, a security expert whose work with major businesses has earned him the title "the Lifesaver."

http://www.wwnytv.com/house/?feed=bim&id=231762031

Social networking site Ask.fm linked to 9 teen suicides

Robert Siciliano, a McAfee cyber security expert says Ask.fm is the new favorite sparring site for cyberbullies who want to tear people down without showing their face. Read more: http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/23900730/social-networking-site-askfm-linked-to-9-teen-suicides#ixzz2kxnfyet0 Follow us: @myfoxdc on Twitter | myfoxdc on Facebook

http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/23900730/social-networking-site-askfm-linked-to-9-teen-suicides#axzz2k4g6n6j

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Un quart des seniors américains s'envoient des sextos

« Les consĂ©quences peuvent aller d'une simple amitiĂ© brisĂ©e Ă  un risque d'agression », rappelle Robert Siciliano, expert en sĂ©curitĂ© chez McAfee.

http://www.01net.com/editorial/606504/un-quart-des-seniors-americains-senvoient-des-sextos/

Friday, November 15, 2013

Are You as Secure as a Fourth Grader?

Security is the big picture. Security is in the finest details. Security is software and hardware. Security is awareness, intelligence and vigilance. Security is obvious, is obscure and is theater. Security is a journey and not a destination.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/are-you-as-secure-as-a-fo_b_4250886.html

Over 50 and Oversharing: How Boomers Use Technology

Grandma and Grandpa are sexting? Yup, says a new survey of 50- to 75-year-olds conducted by security firm McAfee. The research suggests older social media and smartphone users are also oversharing at an alarming rate, putting them at greater risk for identity theft.

http://blog.credit.com/2013/10/over-50-and-oversharing-how-boomers-use-technology/

Thursday, November 14, 2013

The Legal Right to Delete Stupidity

Anyway, recalling a digital boner isn't always easy. And now, when you hit enter or send, it's pretty much a lost cause. But a new California law aims to make it a tad easier...but honestly, I think it will be a false fix and make people think they have more control while again, they don't.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/the-legal-right-to-delete_b_4181506.html

Les seniors raffolent des sextos

Selon Robert Siciliano, les jeunes font davantage attention lorsqu'ils transmettent des informations personnelles sur la Toile tandis que les plus personnes plus âgées ne réalisent pas la gravité de leurs actes. "Les conséquences peuvent aller d'une simple amitié brisée à un risque d'agression", explique-t-il au Daily Mail.

http://www.7sur7.be/7s7/fr/1520/Sexe-Relations/article/detail/1729353/2013/10/25/Les-seniors-raffolent-des-sextos.dhtml

Armoured cars the new Hollywood bling

But Robert Siciliano, a New York-based security consultant, disagreed, pointing out that a 25-cent bullet will penetrate a non-armoured vehicle "pretty efficiently."

http://www.enca.com/life/armoured-cars-new-hollywood-bling

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Soon This Kiosk (Not A Human) Might Inspect Your Purse

Security specialist Robert Siciliano, a Huffington Post blogger, said if the Qylatron's detection success rate was greater than 95 percent, "that's very good." Bomb-sniffing dogs are expensive, he pointed out, and humans present pros and cons.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/22/qylatron-security_n_4140852.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-tech&ir=UK+Tech

Every move you make...

Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity, noted recently on the McAfee blog that apps like, "Foursquare, Facebook and Yelp allow you to check in' at places using your mobile phone, and then share your location with friends or on social networks

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2013/101813-every-move-you-275004.html?source=nww_rss

Are Your iMessages Safe? Researchers Claim Apple Can Read Your Messages

Security expert Robert Siciliano added, though, that there "will never be any guarantee" that these companies don't have access to your messages, regardless if they make assurances like the ones Snapchat or Apple has.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/security-researchers-claim-apple-read-imessages/story?id=20613602

Monday, November 11, 2013

5 things to know about home security systems

Still, Robert Siciliano of BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com, which rates security systems, advises against it: "You want that call made to protect you."

http://money.cnn.com/2013/10/01/real_estate/home-security-systems.moneymag/index.html

15 Security Tips for Back And Forth To School

The security-minded folks at Schlage locks want America's families to know their options as their kids head back and forth to school.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/15-security-tips-for-back_b_4163553.html

ATM Skimmers Found At Banks In Boston And Peabody

“ATM skimming is about a billion dollar a year business for the bad guys,” says identity theft expert Robert Siciliano of BestIDTheftCompanys.com.

http://www.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php/sid/217686974/scat/7ec3e5693f22907e

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Why You Might Lose All Your Data Soon

As consumers spend more time on their laptops and other digital devices, they are creating more files and other digital assets, but very few Americans are backing up their devices.

http://business-news.thestreet.com/philly/story/why-you-might-lose-all-your-data-soon-0/1

5 Rules For Using Coffee Shop WiFi

In order to compete with the likes of the chain coffee shops and now fast food joints, just about every coffee shop or small restaurant is supplying its clients with free WiFi. Unfortunately, there are people who don't understand the rules of life as far as "give and take" in that you've got to give a little to get a little; they, unfortunately just take. They're WiFi-sucking vampires who have no class and sit there for five hours and buy nothing.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/5-rules-for-using-coffee_b_4156854.html

Is Apple Reading Your iMessages?

Security expert Robert Siciliano added, though, that there "will never be any guarantee" that these companies don't have access to your messages, regardless if they make assurances like the ones Snapchat or Apple has.

http://www.eastidahonews.com/2013/10/is-apple-reading-your-imessages/

Over 50 and oversharing: Boomers embrace tech

"Thanks to social media, societal norms have undergone a seismic shift in the past five years," said McAfee's Robert Siciliano. "What was once considered private or even taboo is not only fair game, it’s expected. But this can have serious consequences from the ending of friendships to exposure to physical harm."

http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/over-50-and-oversharing-boomers-embrace-tech

Saturday, November 09, 2013

How to spot ATM card reader "skimmers"

Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com (www.idtheftsecurity.com), told consumer resource Bottom Line Personal magazine before consumers use an ATM with an extended card-reader, they should follow these safety measures:

http://www.wdam.com/story/19566147/how-to-spot-atm-skimmers

Are your iMessages safe? Researchers claim Apple can read your messages

Apple has long said that it cannot read or see the messages you send using its iMessage service, but new evidence from security researchers seems to fly in the face of that claim.

http://www.whas11.com/news/Are-your-iMessages-safe-Researchers-claim-Apple-can-read-your-messages-228531661.html

Why You Might Lose All Your Data Soon

As consumers spend more time on their laptops and other digital devices, they are creating more files and other digital assets, but very few Americans are backing up their devices.

http://www.womencitizen.com/technology-22/why-you-might-lose-all-your-data-soon-1053.html

Awesome Woman Fights Back Against Online Bullies

How’s this for a terrifying thought? Receiving an email from a friend that reads, “You’re Internet famous!” when you weren't intending to be

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/when-embarrassing-facebook-photos-go-viral--a-cautionary-tale-205506194.html

Friday, November 08, 2013

Thursday, November 07, 2013

Home Invaders May Not Just Be After Your Valuables

A home invasion is a living, breathing, complete and utter nightmarish situation that no one should ever have to go through. Imagine you’re in bed, two a.m. rolls around, and two scumbags pry open your back door and rustle you and your family out of bed with guns and machetes and shoot and kill your dog.

http://besthomesecuritycompanys.com/2013/home-invaders-may-not-just-be-after-your-valuables

Preacher Charged with Burglary

A pastor from Tennessee was caught on a security camera trying to break into the home of one of his parishioners. It’s not the prison-heading pastor’s first pass with the po-po; it seems he’s got a nasty drug habit that’s seemingly hard to break, and he’s been busted before.

http://besthomesecuritycompanys.com/2013/preacher-charged-with-burglary

5 Ways Your Identity is Stolen

Chances are good that in the coming year, you will be asked to provide your or a family member's Social Security number at least a few times. And because of all you've heard about identity theft and all the advice such as "Never give out your Social," you will hesitate, ask why the person needs it, and be told, "I don't know why, but I can't move forward with your application/registration unless you provide it."

http://www.atmmarketplace.com/blog/11531/5-Ways-Your-Identity-is-Stolen?utm_source=NetWorld%20Alliance&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EMNAAMC11062013

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Die gefährlichen Protz-Panzer der Promis

Anders sieht das Robert Siciliano, Sicherheitsberater in New York: Schon eine 25 Cent teure Kugel könne einen herkömmlichen Wagen „ziemlich effizient“ treffen.

http://www.focus.de/auto/ratgeber/unterhaltung/hummer-war-gestern-die-gefaehrlichen-protz-panzer-der-promis_aid_1128809.html

Ein neuer Trend in Hollywood?

Unlike the Robert Siciliano, security consultant sees in New York: Even a 25 cent bullet could hit a conventional expensive car "pretty efficient". For stars who earned several million a year, it is not unusual to spend a lot of money for their safety.

http://www.sn-online.de/Nachrichten/Welt-im-Spiegel/Uebersicht/Gepanzerte-Autos-in-Hollywood-so-beliebt-wie-niemals-zuvor

Should Schools Police Social Media?

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

What is Business or Commercial Identity Theft?

Business or commercial identity theft happens when thieves use an existing business’ name to get credit, or they may bill a business’ clients for products and services. Sometimes the Social Security number of a company’s officer or another representative is required to commit business identity theft.

http://www.sheqmedia.com/index.php/ct-menu-item-23/558-what-is-business-or-commercial-identity-theft

Awesome Woman Fights Back Against Online Bullies

How’s this for a terrifying thought? Receiving an email from a friend that reads, “You’re Internet famous!” when you weren't intending to be.

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/when-embarrassing-facebook-photos-go-viral--a-cautionary-tale-205506194.html

How The Government Intercept Electronic Data

Electronic spying is as normal as breathing. And when a 27-year-old American traitor with little life experience (he was 15 when 9/11 hit) blows the lid off of a current spy program, it’s time to define why and what needs protecting.

http://anniejenningspr.com/jenningswire/specialty/technology/how-the-government-and-bad-guys-intercept-electronic-data/

Top 5 Home Security System Scams

When a home security salesman comes a-knockin’, beware, pay attention and know what you are getting into. He might not be who he says he is, or he might have tactics under his belt that will cost you big time.

http://besthomesecuritycompanys.com/2013/top-5-home-security-system-scams

Does Identity Theft Protection Really Work?

Do identity protection service really work? How effective are their scanning/monitoring methods? Can they truly protect consumers? The answers may vary. Identity theft protection is designed to protect you from new lines of credit being opened in your name—and along with the recovery/restoration component, it’s designed to clean up the mess.

http://bestidtheftcompanys.com/2013/09/does-identity-theft-protection-really-work/

Monday, November 04, 2013

Get Me Online 7 ways to get Wi-Fi at home or on the go

“Cable is strong, fast and works 99 percent of the time,” says Robert Siciliano, a digital-life expert for security-software maker McAfee. “It is usually secure as long as the connection is protected with a password.”

http://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wi-fi-service-providers.html

Open Enrollment Is Phishing Season

But that tactic typically only works with company-issued devices, says Robert Siciliano, an online security expert at security vendor McAfee.

http://www.govinfosecurity.com/open-enrollment-phishing-season-a-6135

How to Protect Yourself From SMiShing and Vishing

"You could receive an email or text message from someone posing as your credit card company, asking you to confirm your account numbers or passwords," says Robert Siciliano, an identity theft expert with BestIDTheftCompanys.com.

http://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/protect-yourself-smishing-vishing-141426729.html

Sunday, November 03, 2013

Why You Shouldn't Share Your Good Credit Score on Facebook

"If I'm a bad guy and I see a credit score from a major credit bureau that was just tweeted or shared, the next thing for me to do would be to go your Facebook page, find your email address and send you an email that looks like it's coming from an entity that you might have previously done business with," says Robert Siciliano, an online security expert.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-shouldnt-share-good-credit-155109114.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CYA8FlSLwkAp0TQtDMD

Hollywood’s hot new trend? Armoured cars

But Robert Siciliano, a New York-based security consultant, disagreed, pointing out that a 25-cent bullet will penetrate a non-armoured vehicle “pretty efficiently.”

http://www.gulf-times.com/us-latin%20america/182/details/367918/hollywood%E2%80%99s-hot-new-trend%3F-armoured-cars

What Everyone Needs to Know About Protecting Personal Data

To accomplish this, Robert Siciliano, identity theft expert with BestIDTheftCompanys.com, suggests doing two things.

http://blog.sparefoot.com/4469-protecting-personal-data/?utm_campaign=sf_blogs&utm_medium=Argyle%2BSocial&utm_source=twitter&utm_term=2013-10-25-10-47-15

6 Tips on Securing Your Home From Those You ‘Trust’

There are going to be times in your life when you will need to simply trust people who you let into your home for various reasons. People such as:

http://besthomesecuritycompanys.com/2013/6-tips-on-securing-your-home-from-those-you-trust

Identity Theft Sextortion on the Rise

It’s certainly a bizarre world when malware technology is used to hack into a computer user’s device, which is then used to overtake her webcam and use that same cam to snap photos of her while she’s changing her clothes in her bedroom.

http://bestidtheftcompanys.com/2013/10/identity-theft-sextortion-on-the-rise/

How to Erase the Data on Your Phone Before Selling It

Looking to upgrade to a better and newer smart phone? It has become standard practice to upgrade to a newer mobile device every one to three years.

http://blog.hotspotshield.com/2013/10/23/how-to-erase-data-on-phone/

Friday, November 01, 2013

[AUDIO] McAfee Online Security Expert Robert Siciliano

[AUDIO] McAfee Online Security Expert Robert Siciliano looks at problems baby boomers are having online.

https://twitter.com/WSJRadio/status/395879239502671872

What is ‘Passpoint’ WiFi & Why Should You Care

According to the WiFi Alliance, there are more than a million WiFi hotspots worldwide. In addition, a report by market research company Informa Telecoms and Media (Informa.com) reports that Wifi hotspot numbers are set to grow to 5.8 million globally in the next four years.

http://blog.hotspotshield.com/2013/10/24/benefits-of-wifi-passpoint/

Protecting Your Business's Data From Organized Crime

Organized crime rings are using brains, not brawn, to target small businesses and steal critical data. Protect your business by putting these 11 security measures into place.

https://www.openforum.com/articles/protecting-your-businesss-data-from-organized-crime/?extlink=of-social-twt-o