Tag Archives: cyber crimes

Articles, Consumer Protection, General Identity Theft Help, Hoaxes

Consumer and Companies Working Together to Stay Safe from Cyber Fraud

Banks and other financial institutions are struggling to keep up with ever advancing technology while still protecting our money, in part because we want instant access wherever we are. But mobile banking comes with risks, especially that our information and account numbers are vulnerable without strong safeguards in place. And while the banks are continually increasing and assessing security measures, thieves are also working to learn ways around online security.

Today, millions of transactions are happening online or over mobile apps, and that brings an increase in the risk of cyber fraud, where skilled hackers can steal your information, your money and your identity.

One of the challenges banks face in protecting our accounts is that they have to keep us happy. That mean making sure we can access our own accounts with a minimum of fuss, yet we still expect the banks and other financial institutions to protect us from cyber fraud. Of course, it’s in the banks best interest to protect our money, or we might just take our business elsewhere, and they know that. It’s a fine balancing act they have, and it’s important that we play a bigger role in preventing cyber fraud.

Banks are realizing that Continue reading Consumer and Companies Working Together to Stay Safe from Cyber Fraud →

Articles, Consumer Protection, Identity Theft Prevention, Online Security

United States Gets Ready to Fight Cyber Threat

When people think of cyber threats, they usually think of financial accounts being hacked. Unfortunately, there are much more dangerous threats that are possible through cyber strikes. Whether it’s a derailed train loaded with explosives or an affected power grid in a large city, these threats are not to be overlooked. With American lives on the line, the United States is making changes to how they will handle these threats. In other words, the cyber-strike force can find hackers who threaten Americans and will have the power to take them out.

You may be reading this and scoffing at the idea of a cyber threat doing much more than disrupting your internet access. This is because many people fail to realize how reliant Americans have become on technology and how much of that technology is reliant on computer systems and the internet. It’s not just your internet that could be affected. It could be a nuclear power plant that is attacked and goes into meltdown. It could a city water supply that is poisoned. It could even be satellites that are disrupted and prevent access to bank account funds. The damage could be small or it could be devastating. That’s why our country is preparing for the worst.

Our cyber-strike force is making changes that will allow the military to take defensive action when a threat that could kill Americans is detected. The President would still need to okay these actions, but it’s clear that we’re getting a better idea of how dangerous cyber threats could be. And, while those that attempt these attacks may think they are safe, the United States has the ability to track down attackers and hold them accountable.

It’s a scary world we live in. While technology has certainly made our lives easier, it has also opened a new way for our lives to be threatened. Do we rely too heavily on technology? Should some things continue to be protected by a physical staff, rather than digital passwords? Who knows. The simple truth is America needs to take its level of security into account when it comes to cyber technology. There should be multiple levels of security protecting the most dangerous areas. It’s only through serious protection that we can hope to protect the lives of Americans and this means taking cyber threats seriously. If we learned anything from September 11, it was that threats should never be ignored.

Articles

Cyber Terrorists Attack while American’s Mourn the Passing of Icons

In the past week Americans have been shocked by the deaths of many pop culture icons. The passing of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Billie Mays and Micheal Jackson stunned not only the U.S. but in some cases people all over the world. But maybe in the mourning or shock of the deaths of these celebrities, global news, especially about North Korea and cyber crimes may have been lost in the “shuffle.”

Continue reading Cyber Terrorists Attack while American’s Mourn the Passing of Icons →