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Robert Siciliano

Security Analyst

Safr.me

Member since

04 Feb 2009

Location

Boston

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Robert's opinions

Virus Hijacks Online Banking Session

Online banking is great. I highly recommend it. But if you aren’t careful to keep your computer secure, getting hacked can turn your online banking session into a nightmare. OddJob Trojan is the latest in malware and yet another reason to beef up your computer’s security. OddJob hijacks online banking sessions, keeping users’ accounts open after th...

05 June 2011 /security /regulation

Card Not Present Fraud Burdens eTailers

More than 90% of online purchases are made with cards, whether they are credit, debit, or gift cards. A virtual payment that takes place online or over the phone, without physical inspection of the card, is considered a “card not present” or CNP transaction. In a CNP transaction, it is not possible to examine a card’s security features or signatur...

02 June 2011 /security /regulation

Scammers Spoof College Websites

Reed College’s entire website was recently copied and replicated, but with the fictitious name “University of Redwood.” The Wall Street Journal reports, “Officials at Reed suspect the site is part of a scheme to collect application fees from prospective students in Hong Kong and Asia.” Presumably, scammers could simply collect a fee and then issue...

19 May 2011 /security /regulation

4 Tips to Avoid bin Laden Scams

After Osama bin Ladens Death a flurry of internet scams hit the internet. Most notably scam emails with links to pictures, videos and phony Facebook messages with links to videos that don’t exist. When clicking these links your PC can be infected with a RAT which is a remote access Trojan and all your information may end up in the hands of a crimin...

10 May 2011 /security /regulation

Most Unwanted Criminals Dumpster Divers Sly Spies

There is no shortage of bad guys, identity thieves, and hackers trying to separate you from your money. They range from previously discussed pickpockets, Trojan viruses, and ATM skimmers to dumpster divers, spies, and wireless hackers. Dumpster Diver Dan is a liar who poses as a garbage man and turns trash into cash. Dan dives into dumpsters and t...

08 May 2011 /security /regulation

Most Unwanted Identity Theft Criminals

Here is a tongue-in-cheek list of the most unwanted identity thieves, describing the various techniques thieves use to steal your information. It’s clever and, unfortunately, very real. Pauly the Pickpocket & Sally Sticky Fingers work as a team to lift wallets and mobile devices from pockets and purses, often in broad daylight. Sally creates a...

08 May 2011 /security /regulation

My Top 5 Mobile Commerce Apps

The day when your wallet becomes a relic, like an 8-track tape, isn’t here quite yet. But we are getting close. Thinning out your wallet isn’t just nice for your pants pocket. It’s also a good way to minimize your risk for identity theft, should your wallet ever be lost or stolen. As long as you’re keeping your smartphone safe and secure, the follo...

28 April 2011 /security /regulation

Mobile Phone Operating System Insecurity

As more online retailers introduce mobile ecommerce applications, criminal hackers are taking notice. Existing mobile operating systems are under attack and, like standard PC operating systems, they sometimes fail to provide the necessary security to support a payment application. Current research is primarily geared towards securing mobile paymen...

26 April 2011 /security /regulation

Phishers Using Holidays and Social Media to Target

Recent reports of “The Oak Ridge National Laboratory, home to one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, has been forced to shut down its email systems and all Internet access for employees since late last Friday, following a sophisticated cyberattack.” The sophisticated cyber attack was reported to be the lowly unsophisticated phishing ema...

24 April 2011 /security /regulation

Pickpockets, a Dying Breed

If there were a criminal hall of fame with an award for the coolest criminal, it would have to go to the pickpocket. Pickpockets are sneaky creatures who manage to function exactly one degree below the radar. Pickpockets whisper through society, undetected and undeterred. They are subtle and brazen at the same time. They are like bed bugs, crawling...

22 April 2011 /security /regulation

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