10 Things You Should Understand About Identity Theft

Although identity theft is a fairly modern concept, its roots lie in the ancient times, when espionage and impersonation was a part of the power struggle between the different kingdoms and nations. Nevertheless, the coining of the term ‘Identity Theft’ happened in 1964, when it was used to address a case of Identity related fraud. According to a recent study done by an American research agency Javelin Strategy and Research Inc., there are more than 13 million cases of identity related frauds that happen in the US each year. This means that unlike popular belief, no one is actually safe from this menace. Hence, it is extremely important that you try to gather as much knowledge regarding identity related fraud to escape the clutches of the identity perpetrators. Listed below are a few things you should know regarding identity impersonation and frauds.

1. Your Credit Card No. Isn’t Required

Even if you’ve managed to keep your credit card details safe and hidden, there are still several ways how the thieves can get to it. This means that no matter where you’re at, you should leave no door open for the perpetrators to get hold of your personal information. Try not to leave any important documents scattered around your place and make it a habit of locking them up when you leave your house. If you want to buy identity theft protection service, make sure you buy it from reliable companies.

2. Frauds Can Happen At ATM Terminals

ATM terminals can be some of the most risky places and can be used as bait by the identity thieves. They often tamper the ATM card slots with scanners, so whenever you use your cards at the terminal, all the details regarding your card and account gets registered. Some perpetrators have also been known to gather the security no. from the camera feed. Hence it is important that you cover the keypad before entering your PIN.

3. Avoid Paper Bills

Paper bills not only affect the environment but also pose a threat to your personal details. Most bills also display your personal information like name, address, date of birth and other sensitive information, which can be easily stolen. If you do not receive a particular bill or receive it later than you expect, there are high chances that they’ve gotten into the hands of the Identity thieves. Opting for e-statements and bills not only saves precious paper but also keeps your precious information from getting into the wrong hands.

4. Fake Search Engine Results

Search engine manipulation is also one of the most dreadful tools of the identity thieves. They often use fake webpages and websites that will appear at the top of the results and will require you to enter some personal details. Not many people are aware of this scheme and often end up divulging their sensitive information that results in an identity theft.

5. Beware of Unknown Wi-Fi Hotspots

We all love free internet, but little do we know that the identity thieves can also use fake Wi-Fi hotspots to steal the personal details. So if in case your smartphone, tablet or laptop shows some generic names for available hotspots such as Airport or Hotel Wi-Fi, there’s highly a chance that these are fake and are aimed at retrieving some sensitive personal information.

6. Debit Cards Shouldn’t Be Used During Checkouts

While the media is promoting the use of Debit cards, we all must be aware that debit cards have a really poor protection against any frauds. Whenever doing some shopping, make sure that you use a credit card instead of your own account card. The reason is simple; the credit card is funded by the providers and doesn’t involve your personal income or bank account. So even if the details are taken from a credit card, they can be easily protected from fraud as compared to your band debit cards.

7. You Can File For A 90-Day Fraud Alert In Case

Even if you find yourself victimized by identity theft, not all is lost. In case you feel your personal information has been compromised, there is always a 90-day period during which you can check on all your details and request a fraud alert. It provides you a detailed credit report, which is totally free of charge and helps pinpoint the fraudulent transaction. In case you fine any discrepancies you can also freeze your account and prevents anyone from accessing it.

8. Sign Your Cards As Soon As You Receive Them

Most new cards need to be activated before and one must also sign on the back of the card to protect it from any unauthorized use. Make sure you use a permanent marker or a sharpie to do your signatures so they cannot be overwritten or erased by the thieves. Leaving the activation sticker is also a good trick as one would need to make a call to the card providers to activate the card.

9. Even Military Personnel Aren’t Safe

We all must understand that identity theft is a common problem and can be faced by anyone. Even military and police officials have been targeted by the identity thieves by presenting fake retirement or saving schemes, so there is no reason to get careless with your personal information. Most thefts occur simply due to the lack of attention and failure to protect your sensitive information. Hence, one must always check the validity and genuineness of any special programs for those who served in the defense.

10. Online Statements Must Be Checked Regularly

Unless you like surprises, it is always better to be pre informed regarding any unauthorized or shady transactions. Checking your online statements not only helps you keep a track of your monthly expenses but also highlights any transactions that can possibly be a result of identity fraud.

Although it sounds like something that only targets the wealthy, Identity theft should never be taken lightly by anyone. There is countless number of ways how perpetrators can get hold of your personal information. Hence, it is essential that you gather proper information and with a little care and caution, you can stay one step ahead of the identity thieves.

It’s Time to Upgrade Your Machinery – Here’s Why…

There are lots of different factors that contribute to the success of a company: its facilities, employees, marketing stratagems, and, importantly, its machinery. These things combine to make or break a business, constituting the difference between a phenomenal performance and a bottom-of-the-barrel showing.

However, there is one issue that often prevents enterprises from accessing the very best of them: capital. To hire the finest staff and facilities, and fund a premier marketing campaign, you need to have enough money to engage them, and many smaller businesses simply can’t compete with their larger competitors.

Yet sometimes the cost and the benefit have to be weighed objectively. Rather than seeing a simple outgoing, you need to view instead the potential benefits, and how they compare to the risk you’ll run.

Machinery is a great case in point. If you’re unsure of whether or not you really need that upgrade, here are three reasons that you should consider it…

#1: Superior Machinery Will Increase Your Efficiency

One of the primary goals for any business is to be as efficient as possible. Upping your speed and output has myriad benefits, and most of them will help you to either cut costs or increase your turnover. From speeding up your processes and saving you money on both energy and manpower, to reducing the number of staff required to perform each task, you’ll soon discover that improved efficiency is a very good thing for your enterprise.

#2: Superior Machinery Will Put You Ahead of Your Competitors

Of course, a business is not judged on its own performance alone. When clients or customers are choosing a service, they don’t view it in isolation, but rather in comparison to its competitors. The most effective way to secure their business is to be the cream of the crop, and one of the simplest ways to propel your company to the top is by investing in the best machinery. Not only will this allow you to work more quickly, and thus better meet customer demand, but you’ll also be able to provide a superior degree of workmanship.

#3: Upgrading Your Machinery Will Show That You’re a Business on the Rise

A large part of a business’ success derives from its image. The image that you convey to your clients and peers will have a major impact on how they treat you, and the more up-and-coming you appear, the more opportunities will come your way. Although you might not be able to offer the highest wages, you’ll find that you’re able to attract a superior class of employees by simple virtue of the progressiveness of your venture. Equally, clients are always eager to place orders and send their business to companies that are doing well for themselves, and being able to advertise your upgraded services will do a world of good for your enterprise.

Working With An Accountant: What Benefits Can It Bring to Your Business?

There are a lot of entrepreneurs out there who are attracted to the idea of running a business because of the freedom and creativity it enables. Not only do you get to move forward with your own ideas, but you’re also able to set your own schedule. However, for many of these individuals, tax affairs are often the last thing on their minds. This is a crucial area of your business, though, and if you aren’t able to afford the time required to manage this, then you should consider working with an accountant instead.

Sleep Easier at Night

Your time is best spent doing what you’re good at. While we’d recommend any business owner be aware of their company’s financials, it becomes increasingly difficult when you stop being a one person operation. Having an accountant whose job it is to fill you in on all the details will be a great time-saver. You’ll be able to sleep easier at night knowing that any important documentation is being handled by a professional. The last thing any business owner needs is another deadline to get stressed over.

Benefit from Their Knowledge

While you may initially feel like hiring an accountant is an unnecessary expense, you’ll soon realize that in the long-term you could end up saving a significant amount of money. It’s one thing to have the knowledge to fill the forms out correctly and meet the deadline, but it’s another to be able to take advantage of any laws that could mean you’re entitled to pay less tax. Specialists like Just Accountants are trained to know the ins and outs of the system. This is a complex and ever-changing set of rules that is almost impossible to keep up with for someone outside the field.

Move Your Business Forward

Finally, by hiring an accountant you won’t just be getting someone who can handle your paperwork. You’ll also be getting someone who can offer an objective insight into your business, be it through forecasting the results of a future proposal or letting you know if your projected targets are realistic. This is crucial in the early development stages of a company. Choices you make here can have lasting effects so you’ll need all the information you can get in order to make the right decision.

Don’t Pay! 6 Ways to Protect Yourself from Ransomware

 Ransom is an ugly word. It conjures up images of violent kidnappings, dark basement rooms, and cut-and-pasted letters demanding financial compensation. Most Americans are fortunate enough not to come face-to-face with real-life kidnappers in their daily lives, but kidnapping is a sad fact of life in many parts of the world. Goodness knows how many terrified families have received ransom notes demanding something in return for their loved one’s release.

Even if you’ve never received a “real” ransom letter, you may be at risk of another kind of ransoming that, while not as viscerally frightening as kidnapping, is disruptive and scary in its own right. It’s called ransomware, and it’s one of the many types of malware that can threaten your electronic equipment and personal information.

What Is Ransomware?

According to computer security experts, ransomware is a highly varied type of malware that encrypts victims’ files or otherwise renders them inaccessible until the victim pays the perpetrator. Depending on the perpetrator’s country of origin, level of sophistication, and other factors, the ransom can range from a few dollars to more than $600 — a hefty sum indeed. Outside of rare circumstances, the money demanded in ransoms is limited by the intrinsic value of the infected computer system, as “kidnappers” who charge too much risk driving their victims to simply cut their losses and purchase a new device.

Ransomware infects computers like any other type of malware, through spam, phishing emails, website downloads, payloads from “parent” malware files (such as trojans), and other devious methods. Once active, ransomware programs typically use display messages to notify victims that they’ve been infected and communicate instructions for paying to unlock the system. Once perpetrators receive payment, they (usually) follow through on their end of the bargain.

But why pay to fix a problem you didn’t ask for? Follow these tips to protect yourself against ransomware.

1. Keep Your System Software Up to Date

Make sure your system’s most important software programs, including the operating system itself, are up to date. To stay on top of the latest patches and version releases, subscribe to each publisher’s email newsletter and activate system alerts. When a new patch or version becomes available, download it as soon as possible — for instance, overnight or during a break in your day. Since ransomware often exploits system vulnerabilities addressed by new patches, it’s absolutely critical to stay one step ahead of potential “kidnappers.”

2. Back Up Important Files Regularly

Make sure you backup your files on a regular basis, every week if possible. A complete file backup makes it easier to walk away from a compromised system than digging deep into your pockets to pay a hefty ransom that only serves to release files that belonged to you in the first place. (Talk about frustrating!)

3. Don’t Visit Sketchy Websites

This almost goes without saying, but it’s worth repeating: Don’t visit websites that you don’t trust. Even websites that may appear to be innocuous can be set up to deliver ransomware to your computer system. By the time you realize what’s happened, it could be too late. Always check a link’s destination before clicking.

4. Don’t Open or Interact with Suspicious Emails

Again, this is basic stuff, but it bears repeating. Email is a top delivery method for malware, including ransomware. When you encounter emails from questionable or unfamiliar sources, or receive messages from trusted people that don’t quite seem “right” (maybe the subject line is oddly urgent or the language stilted), follow the old maxim for dealing with spoiled food: When in doubt, throw it out; into your Deleted folder, that is.

5. Visit Trusted Websites Via Bookmarks

Sophisticated hackers frequently disguise malicious websites as trusted URLs, ensnaring unsuspecting web surfers who navigate directly to those sites (by typing the URLs directly into their browsers). In essence, typing in your preferred website’s URL whenever you visit them is like visiting an entirely new website each time. Bookmarking trusted sites and accessing them only through your browser’s bookmarks section is the best way to ensure that you visit the right site every time.

6. Keep Your Anti-Malware Software Up to Date

New threats are constantly emerging, and your anti-malware program is working hard to stay ahead of the curve. Whenever a new update becomes available, download it at your earliest convenience. If you find that your chosen program isn’t effectively identifying and neutralizing system threats, take a few hours to research alternatives.

Have you ever been victimized by ransomware?

The Cost of Leaving Security Behind

One of the reasons that the Apple operating system was perceived to be so safe throughout the late nineties and early 2000s is that the user base was relatively low. The use was also limited to professional settings, so there wasn’t likely to be much more than a work email address from a Mac user. Of course, times have changed and now Mac finds itself just as vulnerable as every other operating system.

Small businesses tend to perceive themselves as the ‘Macs’ of the security world. They are successful, but on a niche level and therefore not really worth the effort of hacking. Nothing could be further from the truth.

How Attacks on SMBs Work

Cyber-attacks are typically conducted on a short or long term scale. The hacker looks for what he or she can get in the moment, then prods for potential openings. This isn’t a great strategy against large companies that may have employed an IT department to secure the network and its secrets. Smaller companies, however, tend to localize their network security in the form of antivirus software. As a result, long term attacks have great success against smaller businesses without the resources to defend for long periods of time.

What ‘Compromised’ Really Means

When Dennis Nedry hacked into the Jurassic Park security system, he replaced the administrative desktop with some graffiti and prevented access to the network through a password screen. This was the definition of ‘compromised’ that Hollywood set in June of 1993. Until the Sony breach, and then the Target and Home Depot breaches, it was our only way of understanding how hacking works. It’s subversive, that’s true, but the goal of hacking is largely information access. Hackers want data they can sell, like customer information or trade secrets.

In this sense, a network compromise represents a serious financial loss to your business. During a hacking, you either lose trust with your customers or data about the products you are building that give you a competitive edge. If that doesn’t wake you up to the reality of cyber attacks, consider that an infected compute can damage more than your own network.

Bot Nets and How They Affect You

A new challenger to the social network scene, ‘Ello,’ found itself to the be the target of a DDoS attack in late September of 2014. The network was gaining more users when the attack hit, bringing the site and its services down for 35 minutes while the team investigated the source of the problem. Bot nets are like armies, sometimes referred to as ‘zombie computers,’ and they are used to carry out an attack elsewhere on the Web. So a hacker may steal resources you use in your business to conduct an attack on another business. The result is losses on both ends, and hackers have a multitude of ways to inject these viruses into your system.

To put things into perspective, Amazon (which is a large company) loses $66,000 every minute it is not in operation. What’s your company’s number?

How to Fix the Problem

The first step is to backup your files religiously. It’s not enough to designate Tuesday as backup day, you need to automate a schedule that accesses your most important files from each terminal and backs those up to a central server that is off site. This is commonly referred to as ‘the cloud,’ and it’s a useful method to keep your files safe from attack.

The next step is to designate secure password use, meaning passwords for each terminal that are better than ‘password123.’ In this regard, it is a good idea to set employees up with a password management program to help them track the passwords they use. Also encourage employees to vary the passwords they use for each service, even if they protest.

Securing each terminal really comes down to training. Make sure that employees understand where to download securely, monitor their usage and follow up with real infractions that encourage better use. Restrictions are the best approach, because it’s easiest to restrict low level employees and grant priviliges as you go up the chain. Internet security software can help you manage firewalls, terminal access, and automated scanning to try and make this task possible.

Security is everyone’s concern, and everyone should understand how to do their part.

7 Essential Tips to Protect Your Business Against Hackers

Posted on January 21, 2016 .

Hackers can cause serious issues for a workplace and the issues they present are more dangerous than ever before. So, how do you ensure your business has it right when it comes to protecting itself from the wrongs that hackers do – we take a closer look.

Be Aware

Know what the current hacking threats are in today’s society. If you know what could happen, then you might be able to keep your website from invasion. There are sites online that will help you stay informed; The Hacker News is one such site. Take what you learn and then use that information to be extra careful going forward.

Make Access Control Strong

If a hacker is able to gain access to your website’s admin level, they will have a lot of information at their fingertips. Make sure that user names and passwords are set up so that they are strong and cannot be infiltrated. Also, your database prefix should be set automatically to “wp6.” Make it different so that someone will have a hard time figuring it out. If a user incorrectly attempts to get access to the site a certain number of times in a certain period of time, lock them out. Finally, do not give login information over email in case a hacker is able to get into the user’s email account. Setting up a workspace professionally can have notable benefits in this regard.

Keep Things Current

Software companies lose money when they provide updates. Therefore, when they do release an update, it is because it provides valuable information. Many people still do not install these updates right away, however. Sometimes the update is related to a security issue, which means that not installing the update leaves you vulnerable. Hackers have the ability to search many websites in a short period of time, trying to find a way to get into them. Also, hackers talk. If one finds his way in, others will, too.

Install Apps for Security

While WAF is better, there are security applications available that can make a difference. There are some that do not cost any money and others that you need to pay a fee for. You can even get plugins at no cost that will make the identity of your CMS invisible, like the one Acunetix WP Security has released. This tool helps you avoid hackers that go through the Internet, searching for certain WordPress sites that they can get into.

Make Admin Pages Invisible

Search engines should not be able to index your admin pages. Therefore, the robots_txt file will make it less likely that search engines will put them up. When they are indexed, they are easier to locate. If you want to do this for your site, check out this guide from SEObook.com.

Keep File Uploads to a Minimum

File uploads are a problem. Even if the system really looks through them, there can still be a bug that gives a hacker an “in” to your site. In order to avoid this, do not allow direct access to uploaded files. Instead, put them somewhere other than the root directory. Utilize a script to get to them when you need to. Your web host can assist you with this process.

Back Up Often

Sometimes, you can do everything right and still have a problem. Do your best to back up your work as often as possible. Back up in many different places as well. You don’t want to lose something that you worked hard on.