credit card hacking news
A Few Important Considerations Relating To Cyber Security And Your Data
How many times have we heard about cyber security problems? Mastercard information and identify thieved, viruses spreading, everyone is falling victims of cyber security crimes. The more that we depend on computers and internet, the higher possibility that we are putting ourselves at risk.
Cyber security is pretty much wanted to be improved and buttressed, most especially since the majority of activities are moved by technology today. Email, cellphones and instant messengers are big parts of our communications. While, technology like mp3s, mp4s, and digitised entertainment are rather in demand. Transportation would use GPS and you can even do online shopping and pay for your internet.
Cyberspace is exploited for our wishes. But how safe is our info stored in PCs? Cyber security’s function is to prevent, detect and fight off any attacks to our systems that could put our personal and working information in jeopardy.
The risks of storing too much information in our computers are increasing over the years. These are bad news especially if your are managing your finances online, storing personal data or any work-related activities. Viruses and hacking is so common, that we should take mandatory cares to stop it from occuring to us.
According to Consumer Reports, published in 2006, there is about 1 out of 3 computer users who have fallen victims of viruses, spyware or phishing. These cyber security attacks costs consumers to spent $7. 8 billion in years 2005 and 2006 for computer repairs, parts and replacements.
How do you defend yourself from these cyber security breaches? How do you protect your data? To protect your personal and work-related data, here are some easy steps that you could do.
• Use and regularly update your anti-virus software. Viruses are among the major issues, they could slow down computers, send information to other units and fully make your system useless. If you already have an antivirus software installed in your computer, then you would need to keep in updated.
• Malicious software alert. Another enormous problem is the malware or the adware. These are computer software that could partially control or intercept your computer functions. This program is anonymously installed on PC, particularly if you’re often downloading something from the Net. The good thing is that anti-virus softwares are also offering spyware detection.
• Any PC programme that’s being new can be removed or uninstalled. Too many unnecessary programs can even make your computer vulnerable to security attacks. Since you are not using them anyway, then it is better to uninstall them.
• If you are not the only person using your computer, then it would be best to separate your documents from the other users of the computer. This would forestall any person from gaining access to, changing, removing your files. Some would have two PCs, one for private and the other one for work-related information and info.
Use passwords, but avoid writing passwords in sheets of paper for straightforward reference. When choosing passwords, choose those that are easy to remember and personalized. If you have delicate files, there are encryption programs that would enable to shield your data.
• When deleting documents, make sure that you have completely removed it from the system. There are times when hackers can still restore the information. So make sure that it is totally removed.
These cyber security measures needs to be taken seriously and are essentially extremely simple to do. These would help you protect data and information, that tool you for a long time and effort to finish.
Credit Card Hackers Detained
public wireless hot spots and sites?
I have a question regarding people hacking into your computer or accessing your information at public wireless hot spots and sites. I have read a lot of info about how people can access passwords and codes at wireless hot spots because the connections are “unsecured.” What does this mean exactly?
1. Does it mean that I should not be on (in real time) any banking or shopping sites because hackers could access my info in real time?
2. OR does it mean that regardless of what site I’m on, e.g. just reading the news… hackers could access passwords, codes or credit card information stored in the computer?
3. does it make a difference if I tell the computer not to “remember” the passwords and codes when I use them at home (e.g. over a secure network)?
4. and I’m assuming that if I am using a secure network, at home… then information is NOT available.
I’m not very computer savvy… so please explain answers clearly. Btw, I use firefox and windows vista.
THANK YOU!
These sites answer your questions as provided below. It won’t matter what browser or what system you are using. It does make it more convient that you use firefox in that you’ll have an easier time ensuring that you have the proper add-ons installed. (Besides that, I LOVE firefox! lol)
Here are three quick tips for enjoying the convenience of public WiFi and helping to protect your privacy.
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Use a firewall
If your computer uses Windows Vista or Windows XP and you’ve installed Service Pack 2, you have a built-in firewall that’s turned on by default.
You can configure Windows Firewall to provide better protection when you’re using a public wireless network. For more information, see Understanding Windows Firewall or Connecting to Wireless Networks with Windows Vista. If your computer doesn’t use Windows Vista or Windows XP, see Firewall FAQ.
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Hide your files
When you use public WiFi, network encryption is often out of your control. Check the privacy statement on the network’s Web site to learn about the type of encryption they use. (If they don’t have a privacy statement, you’d be better off not using the network.)
If you keep personal or financial information on your computer, consider investing in an operating system, such as Windows XP Professional, that includes the tools to protect your information through encryption.
To learn more, see Encrypt Your Data to Keep it Safe.
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Don’t type in credit card numbers or passwords
These measures provide some protection against casual hackers and identity thieves who prey on wireless networks. But if criminals are determined enough, they will eventually find a way to get around any security system.
If you want to be safe, avoid typing any sensitive information, such as your credit card number or any other financial information, while you use a public wireless network.
Tip
Tip: If you must enter credit card numbers while using a public wireless network, make sure there is a locked padlock icon at the bottom right corner of the browser window, and make sure the Web address begins with https: (“s” for secure).
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Turn off your wireless network when you’re not using it
If you’re not surfing the Internet or sending e-mail, but still using your computer in an area where there is a public wireless network, disable your wireless connection. If you’re using an external WiFi card you can remove it. If you’re using an internal WiFi card, right-click the connection and click Disable. For more information see, Managing your network connections.
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7 tips for working securely from wireless hotspots
Wireless hotspots are changing the way people work. These wireless local area networks (LANs) provide high speed Internet access in public locations—as well as at home—and require nothing more than a notebook PC with a wireless card. From coffeeshops to restaurants, airports to hotel lobbies, hotspots are ubiquitous. They are the de facto connection method for travelers and remote workers to access the Internet, their e-mail, and even their corporate networks.
Hotspots range from paid services, such as T-Mobile or Boingo, to free connections at your local coffee shop or library. But they all have one thing in common: These are all open networks that are vulnerable to security breaches. And that means it’s up to you to protect the data on your PC. Here are a few tips to make working in public locations more secure.
1.
Try to choose more secure connections. It’s not always possible to choose your connection type—but when you can, opt for wireless networks that require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a certificate. The information sent over these networks is encrypted, which can help protect your computer from unauthorized access. The security features of different networks appear along with the network name as your PC discovers them.
2.
Make sure your firewall is activated. A firewall helps protect your mobile PC by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks all incoming information, and then either blocks the information or allows it to come through. All Microsoft Windows operating systems come with a firewall, and you can make sure it’s turned on.
To activate the Windows XP Firewall
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. display:none
2. In Control Panel, double-click Network Connections. display:none
3. In the Network Connections window, under Network Tasks, click Change Windows Firewall Settings. display:none
4. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, on the General tab, ensure that On is selected. display:none
To activate the Windows Vista Firewall
1. Click Start and then click Control Panel. display:none
2. In Control Panel, select Network and Internet. display:none
3. Under Windows Firewall, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off. display:none
4. Ensure that On is selected. display:none
3.
Monitor your access points. Chances are, there are multiple wireless networks anywhere you’re trying to connect. These connections are all access points, because they link into the wired system that gives you Internet access. So how do you make sure you’re connecting to the right one? Simple—by configuring your PC to let you approve access points before you connect.
Configure Windows XP Access Points
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. display:none
2. In Control Panel, double-click Network Connections. display:none
3. In the Network Connections window, right-click Wireless Network Connection, and then click Properties. display:none
4. In the Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box, on the Wireless Networks tab, make sure that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is selected. display:none
5. Under Preferred networks, make sure that the name of the network that you want to connect to is highlighted, and then click Advanced. display:none
6. In the Advanced dialog box, click Access point (infrastructure) network only, and then click Close. display:none
7. Click OK. display:none
Configure Windows Vista Access Points
Windows Vista takes the guesswork out of connecting to hotspots because you are automatically prompted to approve new connections. In addition, after you approve a connection, you assign it a profile for future use. display:none
4.
Disable file and printer sharing: File and printer sharing is a feature that enables other computers on a network to access resources on your computer. When using your mobile PC in a hotspot, it’s best to disable file and printer sharing because when enabled, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers. Remember, though, to turn this feature back on when you return to the office.
Disable file and printer sharing in Windows XP
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. display:none
2. In Control Panel, click Security Center. display:none
3. In the Security Center window, click Windows Firewall. display:none
4. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, click the Exceptions tab. display:none
5. On the Exceptions tab, under Programs and Services, clear the File and Printer Sharing check box and then click OK. display:none
Disable file and printer sharing in Windows Vista
1. Click Start and then click Control Panel. display:none
2. In Control Panel, select Network and Sharing Center. display:none
3. Under Sharing and Discovery, turn File Sharing and Printer Sharing to off. display:none
5.
Make your folders private. When the folders on your mobile PC are private, it’s more difficult for hackers to access your files.
To make a folder private in Windows XP:
1. Click Start, and then click My Computer. display:none
2. In the My Computer window, double click the drive where Windows is installed, and then double click Documents and Settings. display:none
3. Double click your user folder, right-click the folder that you want to make private, and then click Properties. display:none
4. In the Properties dialog box, on the Sharing tab, click Do no share this folder, and then click OK. Repeat the steps above for each folder that you want to make private. display:none
To make a folder private in Windows Vista
Windows Vista not only makes folders private by default, but it also requires passwords for shared folders. As a result, you’re already covered! But if you want to double check, simply right click on the folder in question, and select Properties. On the Security tab, you can review the set permissions. display:none
6.
Encrypt your files. You can protect your files further by encrypting them, which requires a password to open or modify them. Because you must perform this procedure on one file at a time, consider password-protecting only the files that you plan to use while working in a public place.
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Encrypt files using Windows XP.
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Encrypt files using Windows Vista.
7.
Consider completely removing sensitive data from your notebook PC. If you’re working with extremely sensitive data, it might be worth taking it off your notebook PC altogether. Instead, keep it behind the corporate firewall and use your company’s VPN to access it when necessary. This way, you have multiple safeguards in place.
A few simple precautions can help make working in public places more secure. And by selecting the best connections and adjusting settings, you can enjoy productive and safe work sessions no matter where you are.