Robert Siciliano Security Analyst at Safr.me
According to a recent report from Verizon, data breaches are on the rise. There were 760 data breaches recorded in 2010, compared to 140 breaches in 2009. However, there were approximately four million records stolen in 2010, as opposed to 144 million stolen in 2009. This means there were fewer large-scale data breaches compromised of multimillion...
02 July 2011 /security /regulation
In a perfect world there would be no sickness, nothing would ever break, everyone would get along, yummy food wouldn’t make you fat, and there’d be no crime. However, there are forces over which you and I have no control and we have to struggle simply to maintain balance. In a perfect world, a bank wouldn’t need you or me to help detect fraud. Acc...
17 June 2011 /security /regulation
For the past decade, much of banking has taken place online, after hundreds of years of traditional banking. Banks have streamlined their processes, but must also cope with fraud. With banks absorbing billions in losses, consumers also pay. In a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. residents, 60% responded that dealing with fraud is the banks’ responsibili...
13 June 2011 /security /regulation
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
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
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
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
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
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...
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
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