I received an email about a year ago on 7 things to stop doing on Facebook. I will mention three of them and give real situations of friends and families who have almost been victimized by criminals because they failed to follow the necessary security protocols.
1) Using a Weak Password. A cousin of mine who was a first time user of Facebook, made the crucial mistake of using his social security number as his password. It was a misfortune that someone got a hold of his wallet and coincidentally tried his SS number to log on to his account. It was a good thing that is was his wife, and so he quickly changed his password, and hid his wallet in a locked safe.
2) Mentioning That You’ll Be Away From Home. A good friend of mine posted on his wall that he and his family are really excited to go on a 5-day Australian vacation after checking out Australia business directory. On the first day they were away, a neighbor called and said that there was a parked van in front of their house. He called the local police station immediately and had someone sent over. The van left just before the cop parked his car.
3) Permitting Youngsters to Use Facebook Unsupervised. This experience is probably the scariest of all. My 5-year old nephew has a Facebook account that he shares with his mom who is a nurse. She is usually at his side as he writes random messages to friends and family members. However, in the course of preparing dinner one night, a message from a stranger popped out as her child was chatting with another cousin. Good thing she caught it on time. She never found out who the message was from, but now she lets her son write emails instead.
Security Issues with Modern Calling Cards
The calling card, like most other technology-related tools and accessories, has seen strong development and growth of its related services in recent times. It’s no longer a simple small piece of plastic that carries information like your remaining minutes on it – nowadays, calling cards are highly advanced in their technology, some coming with various extra features like magnetic strips allowing them to be swiped in machines that recognize them (as opposed to having to type in a PIN code). And while this is all good for the most part, the new technology incorporated into modern calling cards has the potential to become problematic if you’re not careful.
If you’re using a phone card that’s swiped against a machine and has a persistent account on it – that is, it’s not a one-time use card but a rechargeable one that’s tied to you in some way – you’re opening yourself to potential identity theft. You should be very careful about where you use your card, and only swipe it against machines you’re sure are legitimate and won’t compromise your details.
Usually, a prepaid phone card would be the wiser solution to the security-concerned ones. It makes it much more convenient to manage your card’s account too, as you don’t have to worry about the recurring bills and other similar factors commonly associated with contract calling cards. In the end, it boils down to personal choice, but you should always give security its due priority.
Spyware and its threats
The internet use and its threats are constantly evolving and developing. Some best web hosting companies actively create databases of contact details of people spending time on the internet and to grab the details (such as the IP address) of people visiting specific websites, called spyware. E Web Guru is one of the best web hosting companies in India.
Spyware is any technology that allows collecting useful information about a person or organization without their knowledge. It sometimes called a spybot or tracking software. Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus, that can copy and share data and programs from one computer to the other, or as the result of installing a new program. Spyware can cause problems in the system of a computer and can cause all kinds of problems from slowing down the machine to sending out files from the PC of a user to another PC without the owner of the machine realizing it.
Removal of spyware from computers is by using a good virus scanner and spyware-removing device. It is best to install a spyware detection program on your PC. Top spyware removal or anti-spyware software is Spyware Doctor, XoftSpySE, Spyware Detector, Spy Sweeper, Antispyware 2007, STOPzilla, and PeratoLogic Anti-Spyware.
Despite experience with computers and the Internet, many consumers are neither aware of spyware nor of spyware removal tools available to them. Due to this lack of knowledge, they have not taken adequate steps to protect themselves. Providing consumers with more knowledge and control over information exchange can best protect their privacy.
Protect Yourself Against Malicious Calling Card Providers
The business of calling cards has certainly been highly lucrative, judging by the number of companies opening up on the market by the month. Consumers seem to be enjoying the situation as well, as the benefits a good calling card holds for those who use it are certainly considerable, if the card is picked correctly. However, as a security-conscious consumer, you must always bear in mind the risks associated with using a phone card. Don’t let the attractive-looking benefits rob you blind even if you’re actively protecting your other weak spots.
For one thing, be extremely cautious with your personal information – something which should be of second nature to you if you’re a seasoned consumer already, but still, in some cases, it can be very difficult to distinguish between a legitimate business asking for your details and a phony one. Never go beyond the most basic details, and if you’re ever asked to divulge more than that, make sure you inquire why this is being done – it’s very important for you to be aware of the terms of that company’s business.
Something else to keep in mind when choosing your phone card is the payment method – it’s preferable to make your payments in cash whenever possible, as phone cards open up a whole new layer of vulnerability that thieves could exploit to get to you. It’s certainly not wise to pay with an online payment provider to companies that aren’t very well-known.
Tips in Choosing a Calling Card
Compared to the international call rates you will incur through the usual telecommunications network provider, international phone cards are more affordable and practical. In addition, making domestic and international phone calls are more convenient if you use international phone cards. Whether for business, leisure or travel purposes, an international phone card will certainly be beneficial. Nevertheless, choosing a calling card still necessitates making wise and intelligent shopping decisions.
In choosing an international phone card, check the integrity and credibility of the phone card company. Companies that have sustained their business for more than 5 years are preferable. Read about the history of the company. You may also check their customer service. If you have friends or relatives who have tried using a particular international phone card, ask for comments and reviews. Ask if they have a hotline number that you can call anytime you need help or assistance. Make sure their hotline number is toll-free so that you do not have to incur additional charges, especially if you are making an international call. No matter how credible the company is and no matter how beneficial the phone card is, a poor customer service still defeats the purpose. You can also check out their promotions and freebies. Some companies offer free test calls with a 100% payback guarantee if you are not satisfied with the quality of your test call.
Web browsers and web hosting companies
With the advent of various web browsers, website hosting companies are vying to prove their one-upmanship by providing a wide variety of flavors of web hosting services to woo the customers.
It’s a known fact that internet in future is the destination for all the marketing requirements, hence the web hosting companies are leaving no stone unturned in this cut throat competition to gain their foot hold in this billion dollar industry.
These companies provide a wide variety of choices to the customer to choose from ranging from one time activity to continuous partnership wherein the website gets maintenance on behalf of the clients. This in turn generates another source of income to these companies.
The websites are custom made to suit individual preference and requirements. Some may want a personalized site while the other would be looking at having many options made available and would want to have it as interactive as possible.
These companies help generate plans provide attractive color schemes and creative ideas coupled with the best of rates in the industry so that they would be able to have a strong foothold in the industry.
Akin to the cell phones, where at one point of time even receiving a phone call had a bomb charge, today various providers are vying to provide the best of service at the least of charges. Even the website hosting companies have made it a reality to think of having a website, voila it comes to creation for you regardless of the budgetary constraints or lack of knowledge to maintain it. All one has to do is type web hosting companies and hit enter!