Wow! I’ve been tagged for inclusion in the “Princeton Who’s Who Registry,” and now I feel like a big deal.
Don’t—we repeat DO NOT—fall for this vanity scam or you will end up with an $800-plus charge. Bottom line: Never reveal your credit card, debit or bank account numbers or other personal information to someone who emails you or calls you on the phone.
A member of WebAddo's staff recently received this email, which has absolutely no connection to Princeton University, the august institution based in New Jersey:
Welcome! You were recently appointed as a biographical candidate to be listed in the 2009/2010 online Princeton Who’s Who Registry among Executives and Professionals. We are pleased to inform you that your candidacy was approved. Your prompt response is needed to ensure your correct professional information. For accuracy purposes, please be sure to visit your personal application to verify your biographical information at:
http://mywhoswhoapplication99.com/55 (links to: http://eliteprofessional.info/go.php/465039/16164676/3090717)
The office of the Managing Director appoints individuals based upon a candidate’s current position, and usually with information obtained from researched executive and professional listings. The Director thinks that you may make an interesting biographical subject, as individual achievement is what Princeton Who’s Who is all about. Upon final confirmation, you will be listed among thousands of accomplished individuals in the Princeton Who’s Who Registry. Remember, your listing is a privilege, and not based on paying a fee. On behalf of the Managing Director, we look forward to your appearance in this year’s edition. Best wishes for continued success.
Sincerely, Jennifer Rivera, Editor
Notice how it says there is no fee? Those who respond discover that they are urged to upgrade to a “premier level” at a cost of $800. “Shan,” writing on the Responsible Marketing blog, was taken in and charged $878.95 on January 5, 2009. Another writer said he was told that he couldn’t be included in the registry because he did not have a credit card. Ha!
Buyer Be Scared and don’t let your vanity get you scammed!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe
5. Choose a strong password
This is one of the most important steps to take in securing your computer or other accounts. A strong password will help keep your data safe not just from hackers, but also in the unfortunate circumstance that your laptop is stolen.
We recommend you pick a password with a minimum of 12 characters, but more is even better. Your password should include capital letters, lowercase letters, punctuation, numbers, and special characters. You should also avoid dictionary words, pets names, birthdays, or any other personal info that people could easily glean from a social networking site. Also try and add some variety by using numbers in place of letters (3=E, 5=S).
If you want to be especially secure, use a different password for every account you have. Develop a formula for creating unique passwords. Here's an example:
Start with a base, just as an example we'll use "home." Swap a few letters for numbers: h0m3. Then add the first letter of the service (e-mail, IM) or site (Facebook, banks, etc) the password is for and the number of letters in the name to the front -- we'll use the generic e-mail: e5h0m3. Then tack on the middle letter of the service name and the number of letters in your last name to the end of the password: e5h0m3a6. Lastly, capitalize a couple of those letters: e5H0m3A6.
Now you have a seemingly random password that should be easy for you to remember (if you can just remember the above 'system'). Just pick a longer base word than "home." You can also use a password management program like KeePass, 1Password, or RoboForm to help you keep track of all those passwords in case you have trouble memorizing them.
Bonus tip
Backup, backup, backup!
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a virus or other nasty piece of malware can make its way into you PC and screw everything up. Should you live in total fear? Not at all -- as long as you backup your most important data on a regular basis, then you don't have to worry about viruses ruining your whole computer (or life). See our guide on backing up your computer for how to make sure that even the worst case scenario isn't that bad. Also, follow our tips on how to clean your PC and save your data if your computer is infected by a virus.
This is one of the most important steps to take in securing your computer or other accounts. A strong password will help keep your data safe not just from hackers, but also in the unfortunate circumstance that your laptop is stolen.
We recommend you pick a password with a minimum of 12 characters, but more is even better. Your password should include capital letters, lowercase letters, punctuation, numbers, and special characters. You should also avoid dictionary words, pets names, birthdays, or any other personal info that people could easily glean from a social networking site. Also try and add some variety by using numbers in place of letters (3=E, 5=S).
If you want to be especially secure, use a different password for every account you have. Develop a formula for creating unique passwords. Here's an example:
Start with a base, just as an example we'll use "home." Swap a few letters for numbers: h0m3. Then add the first letter of the service (e-mail, IM) or site (Facebook, banks, etc) the password is for and the number of letters in the name to the front -- we'll use the generic e-mail: e5h0m3. Then tack on the middle letter of the service name and the number of letters in your last name to the end of the password: e5h0m3a6. Lastly, capitalize a couple of those letters: e5H0m3A6.
Now you have a seemingly random password that should be easy for you to remember (if you can just remember the above 'system'). Just pick a longer base word than "home." You can also use a password management program like KeePass, 1Password, or RoboForm to help you keep track of all those passwords in case you have trouble memorizing them.
Bonus tip
Backup, backup, backup!
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a virus or other nasty piece of malware can make its way into you PC and screw everything up. Should you live in total fear? Not at all -- as long as you backup your most important data on a regular basis, then you don't have to worry about viruses ruining your whole computer (or life). See our guide on backing up your computer for how to make sure that even the worst case scenario isn't that bad. Also, follow our tips on how to clean your PC and save your data if your computer is infected by a virus.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
5 Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe
4. Don't use an administrative account
Administrator accounts on your computer should only used when you want to make big changes to your system, or install new software. At all other times you should be using 'standard user' accounts when you're logging into and using your computer.
Luckily, Linux and OS X require a password anytime you want to make changes to the computer, and Windows 7 and Vista by default use "standard user" accounts when creating new accounts. Windows XP, on the other hand, defaults to an administrative user account, which allows unfettered access to the inner workings of the OS and makes it easier for malware and hackers to hijack your PC and steal data, or make potentially disastrous changes to your OS and files. If you're on Windows XP, make sure you create and switch over to a standard user account for all activities other than installing software.
Of course, since you need your administrative account to install stuff, then you'll need to follow or last essential tip, which we will post shortly.
Administrator accounts on your computer should only used when you want to make big changes to your system, or install new software. At all other times you should be using 'standard user' accounts when you're logging into and using your computer.
Luckily, Linux and OS X require a password anytime you want to make changes to the computer, and Windows 7 and Vista by default use "standard user" accounts when creating new accounts. Windows XP, on the other hand, defaults to an administrative user account, which allows unfettered access to the inner workings of the OS and makes it easier for malware and hackers to hijack your PC and steal data, or make potentially disastrous changes to your OS and files. If you're on Windows XP, make sure you create and switch over to a standard user account for all activities other than installing software.
Of course, since you need your administrative account to install stuff, then you'll need to follow or last essential tip, which we will post shortly.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe
3. Install a spyware/malware removal tool
Speaking of malware, there are plenty of threats and annoyances out there besides viruses, including spyware (which tracks what you do and where you go online), adware (software that bombards you with unwanted pop-up ads and the like), key-loggers (software that logs all your keystrokes, making it easy to snag your passwords and other personal information) and more. Most anti-virus applications, especially the paid ones, include some form of malware removal, but we strongly recommend you get a dedicated tool... or two. Apps like SpyBot and MalwareBytes are much better at removing and protecting against spyware than a multi-function program, so you'll want one regardless of what other security software you have installed.
As an added bonus, some apps, such as SpyBot, are able to immunize your PC against certain malware apps permanently, and will alert you anytime something attempts to make changes to your systems registry -- one of the major ways such malware hijacks your PC. This is a feature often missing from anti-virus programs, particularly free ones.
Speaking of malware, there are plenty of threats and annoyances out there besides viruses, including spyware (which tracks what you do and where you go online), adware (software that bombards you with unwanted pop-up ads and the like), key-loggers (software that logs all your keystrokes, making it easy to snag your passwords and other personal information) and more. Most anti-virus applications, especially the paid ones, include some form of malware removal, but we strongly recommend you get a dedicated tool... or two. Apps like SpyBot and MalwareBytes are much better at removing and protecting against spyware than a multi-function program, so you'll want one regardless of what other security software you have installed.
As an added bonus, some apps, such as SpyBot, are able to immunize your PC against certain malware apps permanently, and will alert you anytime something attempts to make changes to your systems registry -- one of the major ways such malware hijacks your PC. This is a feature often missing from anti-virus programs, particularly free ones.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Essential Tips to Keep Your PC Safe
Set up a firewall
Firewalls control the flow of data into and out of your PC and are essential for keeping out hackers. Most importantly, they prevent any malware (bad programs with viruses and the like) you might accidentally pick up from sending out your personal data over the Internet.
Both Windows and Mac OS X come with a basic firewall pre-installed. You can access Windows Firewall in Vista and Windows 7 by going to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Firewall, or in Windows XP by going Control Panel -> Security Center -> Windows Firewall. In Mac OS X, the firewall options are located in System Prefs -> Security -> Firewall. At the very least, make sure you have these basic firewalls turned on.
For Windows users, there are also free options like ZoneAlarm and Comodo, which are standalone packages that offer stronger protection against intrusion and more advanced options for controlling what programs are allowed to send or receive data than the aforementioned built-in Windows firewalls. Paid Internet security suites (like Norton and Kapersky) also pack firewalls that are tightly integrated into the anti-virus and other security tools, meaning there is one less piece of software to worry about updating and learning to use.
Firewalls control the flow of data into and out of your PC and are essential for keeping out hackers. Most importantly, they prevent any malware (bad programs with viruses and the like) you might accidentally pick up from sending out your personal data over the Internet.
Both Windows and Mac OS X come with a basic firewall pre-installed. You can access Windows Firewall in Vista and Windows 7 by going to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Firewall, or in Windows XP by going Control Panel -> Security Center -> Windows Firewall. In Mac OS X, the firewall options are located in System Prefs -> Security -> Firewall. At the very least, make sure you have these basic firewalls turned on.
For Windows users, there are also free options like ZoneAlarm and Comodo, which are standalone packages that offer stronger protection against intrusion and more advanced options for controlling what programs are allowed to send or receive data than the aforementioned built-in Windows firewalls. Paid Internet security suites (like Norton and Kapersky) also pack firewalls that are tightly integrated into the anti-virus and other security tools, meaning there is one less piece of software to worry about updating and learning to use.
Monday, October 5, 2009
5 Tips to Keep Your PC Safe
One of the most important things everyone -- even Mac users -- needs to do with a computer is to make sure it is as secure from viruses, phishing scams, and other 'net threats as possible. No matter how often you practice safe browsing habits or think twice before clicking on a random link in your e-mail, you'd be surprised how often even the most cautious of folks can be caught off guard, which is why you need to have some basic security measures in place to protect you (and your computer), should something slip past. We've boiled it down to five basic steps that everyone -- even the computer and 'Net-threat-savvy -- should take to make sure that their PC and personal data are safe. We will review one step each day this week.
1. Get an anti-virus program
It doesn't matter whether you opt for a free product like AVG Free or the new Microsoft Security Essentials, or spend the money on a commercial product like Norton Internet Security or Kaspersky Internet Security. What's important is that you get yourself some virus protection that has a few basic features -- live protection (a real-time shield that will protect whatever you're working on at the moment, not just scheduled scans), and a behavior-based detection engine that looks for software that is acting suspiciously. All quality anti-virus programs -- even the free ones -- have these essential features. Primarily what you get with a paid product is a more polished interface (the previously mentioned AVG Free is ugly as sin and sometimes confusing) and better integration with other security tools, so you don't have to run separate updates on various pieces of security software.
Once you pick an anti-virus program, make sure that it is scheduled to download updates and run a quick scan once a day. Set it to run in the middle of the night at, say, 3 a.m., so it won't interfere with your other computing activities.
Commercial options usually come as part of complete security suites, which can address our next tip which we will discuss tomorrow.
1. Get an anti-virus program
It doesn't matter whether you opt for a free product like AVG Free or the new Microsoft Security Essentials, or spend the money on a commercial product like Norton Internet Security or Kaspersky Internet Security. What's important is that you get yourself some virus protection that has a few basic features -- live protection (a real-time shield that will protect whatever you're working on at the moment, not just scheduled scans), and a behavior-based detection engine that looks for software that is acting suspiciously. All quality anti-virus programs -- even the free ones -- have these essential features. Primarily what you get with a paid product is a more polished interface (the previously mentioned AVG Free is ugly as sin and sometimes confusing) and better integration with other security tools, so you don't have to run separate updates on various pieces of security software.
Once you pick an anti-virus program, make sure that it is scheduled to download updates and run a quick scan once a day. Set it to run in the middle of the night at, say, 3 a.m., so it won't interfere with your other computing activities.
Commercial options usually come as part of complete security suites, which can address our next tip which we will discuss tomorrow.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
How Can You Keep Your Kids From Getting Tangled in the World Wide Web?
The Internet is a valuable tool, and one the whole family can enjoy. However, it can also be a serious threat and danger to unsuspecting and inexperienced children. Here are a few simple guidelines that all households should follow to keep kids safe when surfing the web.
•Place computers in a common room in full view of everyone - not in kids' bedrooms.
•Learn about filtering software and parental controls. (www.http://www.parentalcontrolbar.org/)
•Use search engines such as Yahoo!Kids (www.yahookids.com) and Ask for Kids (www.askforkids.com).
•Teach kids never to give out their telephone number or address online.
•Keep the Internet account in your name to control passwords and filtering.
•Check your childrens' Internet browsing history.
•Allow them to email and instant-message only people they know.
•Randomly check their email and buddy lists.
•If your children participate in chats, help them pick screen names that don't reveal personal information.
•Make sure your kids' online photos don't reveal identifying information, such as their school's name.
•Teach kids to use caution when posting about their friends and plans.
•If someone posts threatening or dangerous comments about your child, report it to the police and your service provider.
•No downloading without your permission.
Be aware of what sites your child is using and what messages are being given in the form of online games. Talk to your children about what they encounter online and how to know which sites could be harmful to them.
•Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook set minimum ages for participation. Generally, if your children are 13 or younger, you can have their pages removed. Read a site's Terms of Use carefully for full details.
•Ask to see your kids' pages on social networking sites. Read their blogs if they have them.
•Have your kids use the privacy settings on social networking sites, but be aware that some information such as their picture, nickname, age and location may still be available for all users to see.
•Go through your kids' "friends" lists to make sure they know and trust those people in real life. Consider making your own profile and "friending" your kids' to stay informed about what they're posting.
Questions about kids and computers? Visit www.netsmartz411.org for expert advice from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
•Place computers in a common room in full view of everyone - not in kids' bedrooms.
•Learn about filtering software and parental controls. (www.http://www.parentalcontrolbar.org/)
•Use search engines such as Yahoo!Kids (www.yahookids.com) and Ask for Kids (www.askforkids.com).
•Teach kids never to give out their telephone number or address online.
•Keep the Internet account in your name to control passwords and filtering.
•Check your childrens' Internet browsing history.
•Allow them to email and instant-message only people they know.
•Randomly check their email and buddy lists.
•If your children participate in chats, help them pick screen names that don't reveal personal information.
•Make sure your kids' online photos don't reveal identifying information, such as their school's name.
•Teach kids to use caution when posting about their friends and plans.
•If someone posts threatening or dangerous comments about your child, report it to the police and your service provider.
•No downloading without your permission.
Be aware of what sites your child is using and what messages are being given in the form of online games. Talk to your children about what they encounter online and how to know which sites could be harmful to them.
•Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook set minimum ages for participation. Generally, if your children are 13 or younger, you can have their pages removed. Read a site's Terms of Use carefully for full details.
•Ask to see your kids' pages on social networking sites. Read their blogs if they have them.
•Have your kids use the privacy settings on social networking sites, but be aware that some information such as their picture, nickname, age and location may still be available for all users to see.
•Go through your kids' "friends" lists to make sure they know and trust those people in real life. Consider making your own profile and "friending" your kids' to stay informed about what they're posting.
Questions about kids and computers? Visit www.netsmartz411.org for expert advice from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
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