Watch Karen's story on Good Morning America about how her identity was stolen, and how she caught (literally) the thief on the streets of San Francisco.
Showing posts with label security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label security. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Plan to Attend One of Our Free Seminars
If you work or reside in the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois, you might want to join us in our free public seminar held at Musser Public Library from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on any of the following Tuesday evenings:
- May 12th or 26th;
- June 9th or 23rd;
- July 7th or 21st; or
- August 4th or 18th.
Musser Public Library is located in downtown Muscatine, Iowa at 304 Iowa Avenue.
RSVP at least 2 days before attending any seminar!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Symantec’s VP Talks About the Impact of Conficker Worm
CBS correspondent Lesley Stahl met with Steve Trilling, Symantec’s VP of Security Technology and Response, to talk about the impact of Conficker worm. Watch the video here.
Click on video to learn more
about the dangers of the Conficker worm.
about the dangers of the Conficker worm.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Simply Your Life; Secure Your Future
Because you deserve more from life, we've taken our premium services and bundled them into a single elite offering that will truly Simplify Your Life.
Our exclusive iSimplify Service gives you more of what you need most - your time. We do that by eliminating the time consuming and frustrating hassles with your computer. We'll take complete care of your computer, so you can spend your valuable time on more important things.
The iSimplify Service also gives you real peace of mind knowing that you are well protected against the disastrous effects of identity theft. We provide you and your family with true identity protection so you can leave those worries behind.
Click here to experience the freedom of a simplified life.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Parry Aftab: 5 Things Parents Need to Know about Facebook and MySpace
The following was aired on Good Morning America today, July 16, 2008, and was posted on the website at ABC News.
For the majority of teens and tweens, networking online isn't just a game, it's a necessity. But parents worry their children don't fully grasp the ramifications of posting personal information online.
There are ways to protect your child. Cybersecurity expert Parry Aftab, who is also the executive director of WiredSafety.org, tells you the five things your child needs to know to keep safe on sites like MySpace and Facebook.
Find Your Teen's Profile
The first thing parents should do is find their child's profile, according to Aftab. Many kids have more than one online profile, so you have to find out how many your child has and where they are. You are entitled to know and the best way to find out is by asking your kids, she said.
You don't want a confrontation. You just want to make sure your kids are safe. Giving them a day to clean up their profile will allow them to cleanse it if they have information or pictures posted that tell too much about themselves, she said.
To see the full story in video and text at ABC News, just click the link below.
For the majority of teens and tweens, networking online isn't just a game, it's a necessity. But parents worry their children don't fully grasp the ramifications of posting personal information online.
There are ways to protect your child. Cybersecurity expert Parry Aftab, who is also the executive director of WiredSafety.org, tells you the five things your child needs to know to keep safe on sites like MySpace and Facebook.
Find Your Teen's Profile
The first thing parents should do is find their child's profile, according to Aftab. Many kids have more than one online profile, so you have to find out how many your child has and where they are. You are entitled to know and the best way to find out is by asking your kids, she said.
You don't want a confrontation. You just want to make sure your kids are safe. Giving them a day to clean up their profile will allow them to cleanse it if they have information or pictures posted that tell too much about themselves, she said.
To see the full story in video and text at ABC News, just click the link below.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Three Sets of Tips and Tactics to Keep You Safe
1. Massive Internet security flaw uncovered, July 9, 2008
By Joseph Menn | Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
joseph.menn@latimes.com
2. Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
Brian Gardner, June 24, 2008
www.HackerScan.org/identity-theft/
About Hacker Scan organization:
3. Law Enforcement Resources:
By Joseph Menn | Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
Security researchers on Tuesday said they had discovered an enormous flaw that could let hackers steer most people using corporate computer networks to malicious websites of their own devising.
For bad news, that's pretty impressive. But there are two pieces of good news: First, no bad guys are known to be using the flaw yet. And second, in a possibly unprecedented display of industry cooperation, virtually every major software company affected is issuing patches to fix the problem.
System administrators will have 30 days to apply those patches -- from the likes of Microsoft Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc., Red Hat Inc. and others -- before the details of the flaw are disclosed at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas.
Security experts -- including the man who discovered the flaw, Dan Kaminsky of security firm IOActive Inc. -- hope that the patches are broad enough that evil types won't be able to reverse-engineer them to exploit the vulnerability.
"We got lucky in this particular bug, because it's a design flaw," Kaminsky said in an interview. "It shows up in everyone's network, but the fix is a design fix that doesn't point directly at what we're improving."
US CERT, the Computer Emergency Readiness Team at the Department of Homeland Security, issued an alert Tuesday on the scope of the problem. CERT made the initial discovery seem like child's play.
"It took a couple of hours to find the bug," said Kaminsky, "and a couple of months to fix it." Kaminsky said he stumbled across the hole in the so-called DNS system for steering people to the websites they are seeking "by complete and total accident." Smaller DNS flaws have been used before to "poison" the servers that send people to the numerical address of the website name they enter.
But this failing is at least one order of magnitude bigger, and perhaps several.
"This is about the integrity of the Web, this is about the integrity of e-mail," Kaminsky said. "It's more, but I can't talk about how much more."
For bad news, that's pretty impressive. But there are two pieces of good news: First, no bad guys are known to be using the flaw yet. And second, in a possibly unprecedented display of industry cooperation, virtually every major software company affected is issuing patches to fix the problem.
System administrators will have 30 days to apply those patches -- from the likes of Microsoft Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc., Red Hat Inc. and others -- before the details of the flaw are disclosed at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas.
Security experts -- including the man who discovered the flaw, Dan Kaminsky of security firm IOActive Inc. -- hope that the patches are broad enough that evil types won't be able to reverse-engineer them to exploit the vulnerability.
"We got lucky in this particular bug, because it's a design flaw," Kaminsky said in an interview. "It shows up in everyone's network, but the fix is a design fix that doesn't point directly at what we're improving."
US CERT, the Computer Emergency Readiness Team at the Department of Homeland Security, issued an alert Tuesday on the scope of the problem. CERT made the initial discovery seem like child's play.
"It took a couple of hours to find the bug," said Kaminsky, "and a couple of months to fix it." Kaminsky said he stumbled across the hole in the so-called DNS system for steering people to the websites they are seeking "by complete and total accident." Smaller DNS flaws have been used before to "poison" the servers that send people to the numerical address of the website name they enter.
But this failing is at least one order of magnitude bigger, and perhaps several.
"This is about the integrity of the Web, this is about the integrity of e-mail," Kaminsky said. "It's more, but I can't talk about how much more."
joseph.menn@latimes.com
2. Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
Brian Gardner, June 24, 2008
www.HackerScan.org/identity-theft/
About Hacker Scan organization:
Hacker Scan is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and informing the public about Internet Security including: identity theft, network security, and security software.
Identity Theft topped the Federal Trade Commission's list of consumer complaints in 2002 costing consumers $343 million during that year. Approximately 500,000 Identity Theft victims filed a police report in 2001 alone.
Identity Theft is the act of using someone else's personal information (e.g. account numbers, driver's license, insurance card, or Social Security number) without their knowledge and using the assumed identity to commit fraud or theft. Often, the personal information is used to get loans or open credit card accounts. Some victims of Identity Theft have lost job opportunities, been refused mortgages and been left with destroyed credit and reputations.
Identity Theft victims and financial experts have offered many precautions to help protect against this crime, including:
Identity Theft topped the Federal Trade Commission's list of consumer complaints in 2002 costing consumers $343 million during that year. Approximately 500,000 Identity Theft victims filed a police report in 2001 alone.
Identity Theft is the act of using someone else's personal information (e.g. account numbers, driver's license, insurance card, or Social Security number) without their knowledge and using the assumed identity to commit fraud or theft. Often, the personal information is used to get loans or open credit card accounts. Some victims of Identity Theft have lost job opportunities, been refused mortgages and been left with destroyed credit and reputations.
Identity Theft victims and financial experts have offered many precautions to help protect against this crime, including:
- Keep track of personal information and only share that information with a company that is known and trusted. Read and understand the fine print in every document.
- Protect your Social Security number and mother's maiden name. Avoid giving personal information out over the phone. Avoid posting your Social Security number online, on your checks, outside of envelopes, on driver's license, etc.
- Minimize the number of identification information and financial cards carried in a wallet.
- Sign all new credit cards upon receipt. Write "Check ID" after your signature as a note to shopkeepers to ask for identification.
- Keep new and canceled checks in a safe place and report lost or stolen checks to the issuing financial institution immediately.
- Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank counters, public trash receptacles, or unattended gas pumps. Save them to match against your monthly bills, and then shred them.
- Buy only from secure Internet sites. Look for the closed lock icon to appear at the bottom of your browser or "https" to display in the URL to check the site's security status.
- Shred any documents that have any personal information or credit account numbers on them before discarding, including tax returns and unwanted credit card offers.
- Report all lost or stolen credit cards. If you applied for a new credit card and it has not arrived in a timely manner, call the bank or credit card company that is issuing the card.
- Follow up with creditors if bills do not arrive on time. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has changed your billing address to cover his/her tracks.
- Notify credit card companies and financial institutions in advance of any change of address or telephone number. Make sure to contact the sender if your statements are not received in the mail by their usual time.
- Monitor your credit. Check your credit report regularly from the three national credit reporting agencies for any unfamiliar changes, such as new accounts, inquiries, or public records.
- Review your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement annually to check for fraud. If you haven't received one lately, you can call 1-800-772-1213.
Keeping an eye on your financial statements and regularly monitoring your credit report can help protect you against the extensive damage of Identity Theft.
3. Law Enforcement Resources:
You're not alone. Here are 2 cybercrime-fighting online resources rolled into one for your convenience. Please file this in a safe place for future reference. You never know when you'll need it!
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.IC3.gov) was established as a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (www.FBI.gov) and the National White Collar Crime Center (www.NW3C.org) to serve as a means to receive Internet-related criminal complaints and to further research, develop, and refer the criminal complaints to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement and/or regulatory agencies for any investigation they deem to be appropriate.
The IC3 was intended, and continues to emphasize, serving the broader law enforcement community to include federal, as well as state, local, and international agencies, which are combating Internet crime and, in many cases, participating in Cyber Crime Task Forces.
Since its inception, the IC3 has received complaints crossing the spectrum of cyber crime matters, to include online fraud in its many forms including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) matters, Computer Intrusions (hacking), Economic Espionage (Theft of Trade Secrets), Online Extortion (blackmailing), International Money Laundering, Identity Theft, and a growing list of Internet facilitated crimes. (And the list grows each day).
Since June 2000, it has become increasingly evident that, regardless of the label placed on a cybercrime matter, the potential for it to overlap with another referred criminal matter is substantial. Therefore, the IC3, formerly known as the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC), was renamed in October 2003 to better reflect the broad character of such matters having an Internet, or cyber, nexus referred to the IC3, and to minimize the need for one to distinguish "Internet Fraud" from other potentially overlapping cyber crimes.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.IC3.gov) was established as a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (www.FBI.gov) and the National White Collar Crime Center (www.NW3C.org) to serve as a means to receive Internet-related criminal complaints and to further research, develop, and refer the criminal complaints to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement and/or regulatory agencies for any investigation they deem to be appropriate.
The IC3 was intended, and continues to emphasize, serving the broader law enforcement community to include federal, as well as state, local, and international agencies, which are combating Internet crime and, in many cases, participating in Cyber Crime Task Forces.
Since its inception, the IC3 has received complaints crossing the spectrum of cyber crime matters, to include online fraud in its many forms including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) matters, Computer Intrusions (hacking), Economic Espionage (Theft of Trade Secrets), Online Extortion (blackmailing), International Money Laundering, Identity Theft, and a growing list of Internet facilitated crimes. (And the list grows each day).
Since June 2000, it has become increasingly evident that, regardless of the label placed on a cybercrime matter, the potential for it to overlap with another referred criminal matter is substantial. Therefore, the IC3, formerly known as the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC), was renamed in October 2003 to better reflect the broad character of such matters having an Internet, or cyber, nexus referred to the IC3, and to minimize the need for one to distinguish "Internet Fraud" from other potentially overlapping cyber crimes.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
My Online talk Show's Going Live July 5th!
I'm proud to announce that my talk show went online July 5th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Central Time.
To convert to your local time, click the link below:
www.TimeandDate.com/worldclock/converter.html
Free Call-in! Free Listen-in!
Join in the Discussion!
Free Gift to the First 100!!
Click www.BlogTalkRadio.com/StayingSafeOnline to share
your experiences, good and bad, about staying safe online.
To convert to your local time, click the link below:
www.TimeandDate.com/worldclock/converter.html
Free Call-in! Free Listen-in!
Join in the Discussion!
Free Gift to the First 100!!
Click www.BlogTalkRadio.com/StayingSafeOnline to share
your experiences, good and bad, about staying safe online.
Friday, May 9, 2008
First Two Key Questions about Computer Safety for Your Home or Business
The following is an excerpt from my report, "Twelve Key Questions about Computer Safety for Your Home
or Business". Email me to request your free copy.
Safety technology is only a part of an overall safety plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or simply use your computer to surf the Internet or email you friends and family, developing a comprehensive safety plan should be a very important part of your overall safety strategy. The best move is one of Prevention! Prevention! Prevention!
With that in mind, here are the twelve questions you need to be asking, or, at least, be thinking about if you're serious about preventing or stopping safety risks, threats, and attacks:
Safety technology is only a part of an overall safety plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or simply use your computer to surf the Internet or email you friends and family, developing a comprehensive safety plan should be a very important part of your overall safety strategy. The best move is one of Prevention! Prevention! Prevention!
With that in mind, here are the twelve questions you need to be asking, or, at least, be thinking about if you're serious about preventing or stopping safety risks, threats, and attacks:
- Do I have a solid safety policy? If you don't, begin immediately to get sample safety plans, policies, and best practices for your business and/or home.
- Where would I go for key information and news on keeping my information private? Search the Internet for managed safety services. Ask if they provide a free computer test to assess your computers level of vulnerability. Ask if they provide the latest tips to keep your privacy and protect your personal information and that of your business. Or simply - ask me.
To request your free copy of the 12 key questions,
simply email me at egibbs@myinvisusdirect.com
simply email me at egibbs@myinvisusdirect.com
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Free Sound Advice from an Attorney
A corporate attorney sent the following safety tips to employees where he worked. I'm privileged to share them with you.
Read them and print out a copy for your files in case you may need to refer to them someday. The tips sound like solid advice we should be following daily!
- Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "Photo ID Required".
- When you're writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
- Instead of your home phone number, put your work phone number on your checks. If you have a Post Office Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it later if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
- Place the contents of your wallet on a photo-copy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.
Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a Visa credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from Dept. of Motor Vehicle to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
5. We've been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the tollfree numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.
6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc. were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here's what is perhaps most important of all:
(I never even thought to do this.)
7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organiza-tions immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.
Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc. has been stolen:
- Equifax: 800-525-6285
- Trans Union: 800-6807289
- Experian (formerly TRW): 888-397-3742
- Social Security Administration (fraud line): 800-269-0271
Thursday, February 14, 2008
More Time! Financial Freedom! A Better Way of Life!
We are on a mission to secure the lifestyles of people everywhere who want more from life.
This is the hottest up-and-coming real business opportunity everyone is talking about.
Click here to listen to what these people have to say about this fun and exciting business!
Click here to listen to what these people have to say about this fun and exciting business!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Simplify Your Life with Hassle-Free Computing
Click on either image to enlarge and download as PDF file.
Monday, October 1, 2007
What Customers Had to Say
Thanks for your help today! Your technician diagnosed my computers problem first try. Michael knew exactly what was wrong and how to fix it. It was great how I gave him access to my computer and I did not even have to stay on the phone, I felt a little guilty that I was making myself a sandwich when Michael was hard at work. Thank you INVISUS and nice work! - David Skillings
I would like to thank Joel for his superb customer service and expertise in the technical support area. This virus had no chance with the knowledge and thoroughness Joel brought to the situation. I would forward him to any one of my clients. Thanks again!!! Laptop runs great! - Byron Talbert
Today, I received some very excellent tech support service from one of your company technicians. It was wonderful experience to receive such fine tech computer support. She was always courteous and displayed excellent skills and knowledge when assisting to resolve my tech problem. If this is an example of her daily accomplishments, she indeed is deserving of employee recognition. She represents your company outstandingly! Thank you INVISUS for being a fine customer oriented company and for employing people of this high caliber. - David Willis, Owner, Davco Online Sales
I somehow got a virus on my computer so right away I thought, “Who am I going to call?” Of course, INVISUS! I called up and spoke with Mike. I have been a subscriber to INVISUS a long time and have always had great technicians help me out. Mike was really GREAT in all the help he provided for me. He was working on the problem and trying to get my computer back to normal for at least 2 hours if not more. After it was back in working order he told me to run a few scans and he would call back Monday morning to see how everything was working. That he did, just when he said he would call. It is this exact reason why I stay with this service, not only is the software phenomenal but the customer service is the best I have ever had. Thanks! - Mark Pecho
I am very pleased with the great service I always get with INVISUS. Scott has helped me before, and when I have been near a basket case from worry, he has given me the calm assurance that he would fix everything for me, and he did! I am very grateful to have you watching out for my computer and me. It is well worth every penny I spent on it, and more! - Carol Baker
Sarah was awesome. She solved my problems with the anti-virus in record time and cleaned up the excess garbage in my computer at the same time. She is really a "keeper." I think she deserves a raise. Thanks again Sarah!!! - Jim Kniff
We just purchased the Invisus service yesterday and are already pleased! We were having problems and Clint was great! So polite and professional and didn't seem at all annoyed by, what I'm sure he considered to be, 'no-brainer' questions. I didn't feel at all pressured and his explanations were clear and easy to understand. We are feeling much more secure with this security system on our computer. Thank you very much INVISUS! - Cameron & Donna Pope
After a long period of "no problems," I had a bunch of issues this week on 3 of my 4 PC's, and so I had to call in more than once. Wait times were very reasonable. Service was excellent. Sarah and Chelsea were friendly, professional and had great follow-up. All issues were resolved in a prompt and thorough manner. Maybe you should start a 2nd business teaching other tech support outfits how to perform excellent customer service. (Let me know, I'll send you my wish-list of clients). Thanks. - Mindy Baransky
Hi! I appreciate the effort that Andrea gave to help this 64 yr old guy to get his computer protected with your suite of programs. My 5 yr old computer which was protected with this program for over 2 yrs quit, and she helped me install the program on my new computer and resolved the problems I was having. Many thanks for the younger generation growing up with a "Sippy Cup" in one hand and a computer mouse in the other. Once again, thank you and God Bless. - Dennis J. Miechruski “Jack"
Hi, I just wanted to say what an excellent job Bryce did today with getting my computer set up and running with your service. He connected directly to my pc and did all the work for me. Wow! - David Riebe
Through my own goof up I managed to delete INVISUS from my computer.
I felt vulnerable without it … so I called for help and was transferred to Tech Support. My technician was courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable. He took over my computer and worked quickly to protect my computer from viruses, spyware, and he installed the Invisus Firewall for me. He was fast and thorough. I can't speak highly enough about how he did his job. His work rated an Excellent Plus. - Bill Bradney
I felt vulnerable without it … so I called for help and was transferred to Tech Support. My technician was courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable. He took over my computer and worked quickly to protect my computer from viruses, spyware, and he installed the Invisus Firewall for me. He was fast and thorough. I can't speak highly enough about how he did his job. His work rated an Excellent Plus. - Bill Bradney
I would like to say that Clint was my computer angel. I was so worried that my computer had crashed; I cannot thank him enough for saving my computer. I would also like to say that all of you at INVISUS are so wonderful and so helpful. Thank you! - Kathy Nance
Thank you for your excellent support and service you provide. I am always so thrilled to work with everyone on the INVISUS team! Everyone is so polite, professional, and helpful when I call. It is rare to see excellent customer service in today's world but you provide it every day. You guys rock! - Fran Johnson
You guys did a great job today helping me install my additional subscription to my laptop. I love that I can call up customer service and right away they are willing to help me order an additional subscription and then within minutes be transferred over to technical support for them to set up the service for me. I couldn't have done it without you. In fact, you did it for me! - Nancy Tessier
This is the first time I have worked with Scott C. I found him to be very professional. I most appreciated his quickness is resolving my problem.
I had error messages that I would think he had heard many, many times before. However Scott let me talk completely and tell him the whole story before commenting. His tone of voice was that of a caring person and not that of a “know it all” even though he knew exactly what it was I was talking about.
I had error messages that I would think he had heard many, many times before. However Scott let me talk completely and tell him the whole story before commenting. His tone of voice was that of a caring person and not that of a “know it all” even though he knew exactly what it was I was talking about.
Thank you Invisus for hiring Super Talented Tech support people who truly care about us. - Tim Clark, LifeStyle Designer, AboveCeoPay.com
I just wanted to compliment your Tech Support service for helping me today. Doug took care of my problem remotely and that is the part that I love about Invisus. I never got that kind of support from the other major Anti Virus/Spyware companies. I am not a tech person and this level of service is priceless to me, it saves me Money and most of all FRUSTRATION when faced with a computer issue I cannot figure out. Doug was courteous and professional. Thanks! - Javier
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the help getting set up today. It was all new to me, but I wasn’t treated like I was some kind of idiot which I was afraid would happen. I appreciate the encouragement in the paperwork that says to call you first. After the service I received today I'll be sure to do that. Thanks, again! - Katy Ludwig
Your service technician was professional, respectful, patient, and fixed time consuming problems on both of my networked computers. I apologize for not remembering his name, but either way, if more people were like him, the world would be a better place!
Thank you! - Tony Brown, President, Highlands Professional Motorcycle Training Corp.
Thank you! - Tony Brown, President, Highlands Professional Motorcycle Training Corp.
My technician did a great job for me today. His willingness to "look around" and investigate various reasons as to why my computer was running slow made me feel that I made the right decision to use INVISUS. He helped set up access to my office server and gave [my firewall] "permission" so I didn’t have to turn my firewall off and risk exposure. Where could you get that kind of support included in a low month fee? Thanks again! - John Gebbie
I'm so-o-o glad I don't have to think about this very often, and just occasionally wonder if it's still working! And suddenly a problem arose, and it is really pleasing to find the help I needed so quickly and readily available. Thanks a million!! - Carolyn Allen
We would like to thank you for the help you gave us, and again we would like to say how happy we are to be with INVISUS. It is nice to know that we have great security for our computer. In closing we would like to say that all of your techs have always been great to deal with. They have been patient and courteous each time we have dealt with them.
Thank you, - Tom and Phyllis Mercier, Founding Member of the Partnership for Critical Infrastructure Security
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Wondering Why Your Computer Acts Weird?
Unwanted advertising software or "adware" has evolved from an annoyance into a serious threat to the future of Internet.
Why? Every day, thousands of Internet users are duped into downloading adware programs they neither want nor need. Once installed, the programs bog down the computers' normal functions, deluging users with pop-up advertisements, creating privacy and security risks, and generally diminishing the quality of the online experience.
Some users simply give up on the Internet altogether after their computers are rendered useless by the installation of dozens of unwanted programs.
Although it may be somewhat disguised, it's happening on MySpace, too!
Read about Adware's 'Dirty Little Secret'. Go to:
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Survey Shows Users of Social Networking Sites Tend to Reveal Their Personal Info
Social networking users could be putting themselves at risk of identity theft by giving away personal details too easily, research out today suggests. Two in five people who use the social networking site revealed personal information to a stranger, according to a snapshot survey. They gave email addresses, dates of birth, addresses and even phone numbers to an unknown user.
Technology firm, Sophos, set up a profile page on the website with a picture of a green frog called Freddi Staur – an anagram of I.D. fraudster. Sophos then sent 200 “friend requests” to Facebook users from the frog. It got reactions from 87 people, of which 82 gave away some of their personal information.
Of the 41% of respondents who leaked personal details, 87% gave their education or workplace, 84% listed their dates of birth and 72% gave one or more email address. Nearly a quarter (23%) even listed their phone numbers, Sophos found.
Facebook users can either accept or reject incoming “friend requests”. Users can also choose whether to let the sender see all their details or a limited part of their profile.
In most cases “Freddi” had access to the respondents’ photos of family and friends, likes and dislikes, hobbies, and other personal information.
Sophos senior technology consultant, Graham Cluley, warned: “What’s worrying is how easy it was for Freddi to go about his business. He now has enough information to create phishing emails or malware specifically targeted at individual users or businesses, to guess users’ passwords, impersonate them or even stalk them.”
Some of the respondents who did not accept Freddi’s friend request replied with messages such as “Who are you?” and “Do I know you?”. Even these brief replies gave Freddi access to the respondents’ Facebook profiles in most cases.
Sophos praised Facebook’s privacy settings, saying they were better than many of those offered by other social networking sites. The firm urged users to make full use of Facebook’s privacy features and to be wary of unsolicited messages received via the website.
Technology firm, Sophos, set up a profile page on the website with a picture of a green frog called Freddi Staur – an anagram of I.D. fraudster. Sophos then sent 200 “friend requests” to Facebook users from the frog. It got reactions from 87 people, of which 82 gave away some of their personal information.
Of the 41% of respondents who leaked personal details, 87% gave their education or workplace, 84% listed their dates of birth and 72% gave one or more email address. Nearly a quarter (23%) even listed their phone numbers, Sophos found.
Facebook users can either accept or reject incoming “friend requests”. Users can also choose whether to let the sender see all their details or a limited part of their profile.
In most cases “Freddi” had access to the respondents’ photos of family and friends, likes and dislikes, hobbies, and other personal information.
Sophos senior technology consultant, Graham Cluley, warned: “What’s worrying is how easy it was for Freddi to go about his business. He now has enough information to create phishing emails or malware specifically targeted at individual users or businesses, to guess users’ passwords, impersonate them or even stalk them.”
Some of the respondents who did not accept Freddi’s friend request replied with messages such as “Who are you?” and “Do I know you?”. Even these brief replies gave Freddi access to the respondents’ Facebook profiles in most cases.
Sophos praised Facebook’s privacy settings, saying they were better than many of those offered by other social networking sites. The firm urged users to make full use of Facebook’s privacy features and to be wary of unsolicited messages received via the website.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Cybercrime, Computer Hacking, and Spyware Attacks: Trend, Tragedy, or Opportunity?
The more I study and learn about the dark, criminal side of the Internet, the more convinced I become about the opportunity it presents to offer a base of services for my loved ones, friends, and acquaintances via direct security services and online education. That's why, as an Internet Safety Advocate and Educator, I devote the bulk of my time educating them and the public about the dark side and the protective steps they can take.
On a campaign for Internet safety awareness and protection, my mission is to bring critical awareness to individuals, families, and small business owners, and provide access to the necessary tools and ongoing expertise to secure their computer and help them stay protected. I have taken on this mission so that they can help take back the Internet, making it safe for themselves, their children, and their children's children.
Internet threats to our families, our businesses and our country have already reached epidemic proportions. And according to the federal government and leaders in the Internet and computer industries, it's only going to get worse. There's been a 543% increase in reported cyber-attacks in the United States since the year 2000.
And more than 27 million adults in the United States are now victims of credit and identity theft. This is a extremely significant problem for every Internet user. With almost 3 million new Internet users coming online every month in the United States alone, personal Internet security is the hottest new upcoming trend in the technology industry. There is an enormous need for the Internet security solution!
Ever wish you could have owned Microsoft or iPod stock from their early days? Do you have any idea how rich you would be today? Success in business has a lot to do with timing. You just need to be in the right place at the right time. Internet users are just now starting to realize the need to do something about protecting their online privacy and security. Everyone you know who uses the Internet is just now beginning to think about the whole security problem.
Soon, the demand for Internet security products and services will reach a frantic pace, and Internet security will become a fundamental part of using a computer. In the future, security-in-a-box will go away, and Internet security services will become a giant industry, much like phone, cable, power, and other utilities. Everyone will have their own personal Internet security service.
I encourage you to use this opportunity right now to get involved in the next great technology wave Internet protection services. Take advantage of this opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an entire new industry. You can only begin to imagine what the upside potential is by getting involved with an industry pioneer!
Four Strong Reasons to Become Involved:
- Become involved as you pioneer the future of Internet security with the first and only comprehensive Internet protection service for families and small businesses a truly revolutionary solution to an epidemic problem.
- Become involved with a pioneering company that is in the direct sales industry as well and is becoming the first and only Internet security company to leverage the power of network marketing.
- Become involved with a pioneering company that is becoming the most powerful name in Internet safety and protection, and will be recognized as the first company to successfully help the masses become aware of the threats and get the protection they need.
- For your family, your business, your community, and your country, become involved with a company that has launched the industry's first and only Campaign for Internet Safety Awareness and Protection. Together with your input, help protect 10 million families and small businesses from the terrible onslaught of global cyber-attacks against our personal privacy and security.
Although the Internet basically provides a positive and productive experience, cyber-attacks against our personal privacy and security are reaching epidemic proportions. These attacks are occurring in our own homes and businesses. Our own computers are being used are being used as zombies to attack other people, businesses, and even our nation itself. As an average Internet user, you may not be aware of these threats nor have any idea about the dramatically increasing risks you face when connected to the Internet.
I invite you to join the many thousands of others who have tested their computers, discovered these threats are real, and taken the necessary steps to protect themselves.
Now that you have become aware of these issues, I encourage you to share this vital information with your families, friends and communities. Together, we can reach many millions of people and inform them about the threats to their privacy and security, and help them get the protection they desperately need.
Remember: When you help others to say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!
© MMVII, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Your Internet Safety Advocate and Educator
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Warning: Criminals Flock to the Internet and to Your Home and Business Computers
Organized crime seems too be extremely active in the scam known as "phishing" in which they send emails under the guise of being a financial institution or other legitimate organization. In the email they ask unsuspecting victims to verify personal information such as account numbers and passwords. They will target home users who have become the weakest link and they target their victims much more closely than before, by tracking down full names and personal interests. They also skim social networking sites and personal websites where most people have left a digital footprint that can be mined.
Cybercriminals are increasingly trying to trick citizens into giving them their bank account details, according to a published survey which showed such "phishing" attempts almost doubled in the first six months. Over 157,000 unique phishing messages were sent out around the world in the first half of 2006, an increase of 81 percent compared with the six-month period to end-December 2005. Each message can go to thousands or hundreds of thousands of consumers, according to the bi-annual Internet Security Threat Report from security software vendor Symantec.
Another trend in the first half of the year is that phishers have become more sophisticated, dodging spam filters and other defense mechanisms designed by service providers and software companies to keep out the criminals.
How much financial damage phishers have caused is unclear and usually at an individual level, which is why phishing does not get the same media attention as "denial of service attacks" aimed to take out a specific web site, or email worms which can shut down millions of computers in a digital equivalent of a carpet bombing. The Internet is still under fire from such attacks, taking about 6,110 different denial of service hits every a day, but unlike a few years ago they cause less damage.
Another trend in the first half of the year is that phishers have become more sophisticated, dodging spam filters and other defense mechanisms designed by service providers and software companies to keep out the criminals.
How much financial damage phishers have caused is unclear and usually at an individual level, which is why phishing does not get the same media attention as "denial of service attacks" aimed to take out a specific web site, or email worms which can shut down millions of computers in a digital equivalent of a carpet bombing. The Internet is still under fire from such attacks, taking about 6,110 different denial of service hits every a day, but unlike a few years ago they cause less damage.
A successful 'denial of server' attack or worm can have ramifications far beyond phishing. Worms have taken down electricity grids. That's why critical infrastructure is now much more resilient. Information technology managers are better prepared and networks are more robust," Whitehouse said.
Increased focus on security, and a willingness from software companies to own up to their mistakes has dramatically cut down the time that computers are at risk, Symantec found. For example, Internet Explorer, the world's most popular browser from Microsoft, has cut the number of days in which hackers can exploit a security flaw to nine days from 25 days six months earlier. Security holes in browsers from Opera and Mozilla Firefox are patched within two days and one day respectively.
Because cybercriminals are becoming smarter and more sophisticated in their operations, they are real threats to your personal security and privacy. Your money, your computer, your family, and your business are all at risk.
They leave you with three choices:
Because cybercriminals are becoming smarter and more sophisticated in their operations, they are real threats to your personal security and privacy. Your money, your computer, your family, and your business are all at risk.
They leave you with three choices:
- Do nothing and hope their attacks, risks, and threats don't occur on your computer.
- Do research and get training to protect yourself, your family, and your business.
- Get professional help to lockdown your system from all their attacks, risks, and threats.
Although the Internet basically provides a positive and productive experience, cyber-attacks against our personal privacy and security are reaching epidemic proportions. These attacks are occurring in our own homes and businesses. Our own computers are being used are being used as zombies to attack other people, businesses, and even our nation itself. As an average Internet user, you may not be aware of these threats nor have any idea about the dramatically increasing risks you face when connected to the Internet.
On a campaign for internet safety awareness and protection, my mission is to bring critical awareness to individuals, families, and small business owners, and to provide access to the necessary tools and ongoing expertise to secure your computer and help you stay protected.
I invite you to join the many thousands of others who have tested their computers, discovered these threats are real, and taken the necessary steps to protect themselves.
On a campaign for internet safety awareness and protection, my mission is to bring critical awareness to individuals, families, and small business owners, and to provide access to the necessary tools and ongoing expertise to secure your computer and help you stay protected.
I invite you to join the many thousands of others who have tested their computers, discovered these threats are real, and taken the necessary steps to protect themselves.
Now that you have become aware of these issues, I encourage you to share this vital information with your families, friends and communities. Together, we can reach many millions of people and inform them about the threats to their privacy and security, and help them get the protection they desperately need.
Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!
© MMVII, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Your Internet Safety Advocate and Educator
About the Author:
As an Internet Security Advocate and Educator, Etienne A. Gibbs consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, malware, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes.
As an Internet Security Advocate and Educator, Etienne A. Gibbs consults with individuals, small business owners, and home-business entrepreneurs regarding online protection against spyware, viruses, malware, hackers, and other pc-disabling cybercrimes.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Canada Is Open to Build Your Team of Advocates!
Canada was officially OPEN June 15, 2007! New Internet Safety Advocates are signing up right now. Whether or not you are Canadian or know anyone in Canada, the opening of Canada can mean more MONEY for you. This business opportunity has expanded into Canada and now you have an international business with INVISUS Direct.
The INVISUS Direct business opportunity has officially expanded internationally with the opening of the Canadian market today. This is a very exciting milestone for the company and for many Internet Safety Advocates (ISAs) who have been working hard to expand their team into this new market.We’ve been in Pre-Launch for the past 2 weeks to build for this day. Now it’s time to pick up the pace and get busy building Internet Safety Advocate organizations in Canada. It’s time to build out a nationwide network of Canadian Internet Safety Advocates.
Canada Launch Plan (Business Briefings
and Internet Safety Advocate Training)
The company has planned a complete Canada Launch Plan full of nationwide business briefings and live Internet Safety Advocate training events conducted by top Internet Safety Advocate leaders who you can tap into through mid-July. New Internet Safety Advocate are invited to be on every Internet Safety Advocate training call and invite their guests at every Business Briefing call.
Quickstart Internet Safety Advocate Training
and Business Briefing Calls:
- Saturday, June 16, New ISA Orientation Training,
(8:30 a.m. Mountain Time or 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time) - Saturday, June 16, Business Briefing,
(9:30 a.m. Mountain Time or 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time) - Tuesday, June 19, INVISUS Service Training,
(7:00 a.m. Mountain Time or 9:00 am Eastern Time) - Thursday, June 21, Business Briefing
(7:00 p.m. Mountain Time or 9:00 pm Eastern Time) - Saturday, June 23, ISA Training
(9:30 a.m. Mountain Time or 11:30 am Eastern Time) - Tuesday, June 26, INVISUS Service Training
(7:00 p.m. Mountain Time or 9:00 pm Eastern Time) - Thursday, June 28, Business Briefing
(7:00 p.m. Mountain Time or 9:00 pm Eastern Time) - Saturday, June 30, ISA Training
(9:30 a.m. Mountain Time or 11:30 am Eastern Time) - Tuesday, July 3, ISA Training
(7:00 p.m. Mountain Time or 9:00 pm Eastern Time) - Thursday, July 5, Founder’s Call
(7:00 p.m. Mountain Time or 9:00 pm Eastern Time) - Saturday, July 7, ISA Training
(9:30 a.m. Mountain Time or 11:30 am Eastern Time) - Tuesday, July 10, ISA Training
(7:00 p.m. Mountain Time or 9:00 pm Eastern Time) - Thursday, July 12, Business Briefing
(7:00 p.m. Mountain Time or 9:00 pm Eastern Time) - Saturday, July 14, New ISA Orientation and Training
(9:30 a.m. Mountain Time or 11:30 am Eastern Time)
For all Calls, Dial: (435) 871-6000 and enter 2000#
Remember:
The question is, in this brand new market, how large do you want your organization to be? How much do you want to make? Remember, these moments don’t happen very often. You’d be wise to take the time right now to get your business growing in Canada.
- NOW IS THE TIME to contact everyone you know in Canada, invite them to evaluate this business, listen in on the conference calls, and be get started.
- NOW IS THE TIME to contact everyone in your organization and find out who they know in Canada – and help them get their prospects on the upcoming calls.
- NOW IS THE TIME to get referrals from everyone you know for people they might know in Canada.
Signing up Internet Safety Advocates in Canada:
Just contact me and I will help you get signed up as an Internet Safety Advocate in Canada right now. Complete details of doing business in Canada – how Canadian Internet Safety Advocates are paid, how the INVISUS PC Security Service works for Canadian subscribers, etc. are all included in the Canada Launch Flyer. Be sure you read all the information there.
See you on the Business Briefing and ISA Training Calls!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Beware PC Attack Called Drive-By Pharming
Hackers are sophisticated enough to control your computer while you're using your wireless network.
Click below to see the full story on ABC News:
Drive-By Pharming.
Drive-By Pharming.
Not to worry, though. There's a simple solution.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Help Stamp Out Hackers and Spyware! Put Insight Newspaper in Your Lobby or Waiting Room
Join the campaign!Help stamp out hackers and spyware!
The Insight newspaper is part of our current campaign to educate the public about the dangers of the Internet.
The Insight newspaper is part of our current campaign to educate the public about the dangers of the Internet.
Fun and easy to read, it helps readers become aware of the cyber-crime epidemic, and learn a little about the amazing Invisus PC Security Service and its great business opportunity.
Get your free copy of Insight for your waiting room or lobby.
In full color, it’s an eight-page newspaper with a fantastic pullout Special Business Section of safety and security information for staying safe online!
Because many people still prefer to read something in print rather than go online and read, Insight gives you the media to put a constructive and educational reading material in their hands. It is a powerful source of credible information presented simply and professionally.
Now you can have a free newspaper to give your customers or clients to read while they wait in your lobby or waiting area.
To get your free copy, click the red Test button to the right, take the free scan so you can see first hand, then enter your contact information in the comment box on the next page, and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
To get your free copy, click the red Test button to the right, take the free scan so you can see first hand, then enter your contact information in the comment box on the next page, and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Scammers Use "Vishing" (Email and Voice Technology) to Stay Ahead of the Game
The Better Business Bureau warns of the latest scam known as "vishing" - short for "voice phishing."
Here's how it works: Because scammers know that by now most experienced Internet users know better than to click on imbedded hyperlinks in strange e-mails for fear of being "phished" and having their identities stolen, the scammers now send emails with "local" or toll-free numbers. Posing as a bank or credit card company official in the email, the scammer provides a "local" or toll-free number for his targeted victim to call to straighten out some alleged security matter regarding the victim's account.
(Note: Male or female, young or old, it doesn't matter; the scammer doesn't discriminate when it comes to his victims. The only form of discrimination one will find is in terms of ease of manipulation or victimization.)
When the victim calls, he reaches an automated attendant prompting him to enter his account number, password or other private information for "security verification" purposes.
According to the BBB, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself against these scams. Here are some tips they offer:
Look and listen for any of these telltale signs:There is an implied urgency. What to do: If you receive a "vishing" phone call in follow-up to a recent "vishing" e-mail, hang up immediately. Then call your bank, using the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card to report the matter.
Finally, if you think you have been a victim of a "vishing" scam, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information Web site at www.FTC.gov/ for more information and reporting assistance.
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