Security as a Matter of Concern: What Is the Best Encrypted Messenger?

Where do we spend most of our time? What do we do? We're online, browsing, and texting each other. On business, on personal matters, on whatever matters can be. Are we private while doing this? World experts claim that for 100% No.

If you think that there is no one who is interested in you and your personal info, you are deeply mistaken. There are hundreds of institutions, corporations, cybercriminals whose prime aim is to dig, intercept, thieve and use your data for their purposes for - to feed you with targeted ads, to use your passwords, to read the content of your chats.

That's naturally that with time, people started to develop and use the services, which are to protect your personal data, correspondence and hide the traces of online presence.

Why did we start to use encryption?

To secure the content we share. Usually, messengers use end-to-end encryption. This type of encryption means that only users participating in the dialogue have access to messages. 

The server transferring the data cannot decrypt the content, and even if the central server is hacked, it is protected. However, since the source code of almost all instant messengers is closed, the use of E2EE has to be swollen for granted.

The best solution, in this case, is the combination of modern encryption techniques with the decentralized architecture.

Signal vs. Silent Phone: What is the best encrypted messenger?

It's believed that Signal and Silent Phone are the two most secure messengers for the time being.

Signal

It's an app for instant messages exchange. It uses open cryptographic protocols for strong encryption and secure data transfer. Thus, it uses the Signal Protocol end-to-end encryption algorithm developed by OWS, which is quite popular among other messengers now.

To make sure that it is your interlocutor who is holding the smartphone, and not someone else, the Safety Number option will help. On top of all, the password protection function of the messenger will help to protect the information on your device from prying eyes.

It's free, and there are no ads, and the devs promise that there are no chances for them to appear. The convenience is added thanks to the ability to set it as the default call and SMS app.

Silent Phone

That's a newly introduced messenger of Silent Circle - a company specialized in data protection, created by former Navy SEALS. To become their client, you have to buy their secure smartphone ($800), which shows a really impressive safety level, or to install their app on Android/iOS.

Developers guarantee the transfer of data in their services directly from client to client in encrypted form using the peer-to-peer principle. It is almost impossible to intercept information or decrypt it.

Mentioning the Silent Circle company, I want to emphasize that it has developed its own network. To be able to communicate with each other, customers must be registered in it or have the necessary smartphones and special applications. 

The offered app is free for download, but you have to pay $9,95 for a monthly subscription. That's quite a little for personal freedom and security. And given that the big brother often invades our personal lives, then the very possibility of complicating his task is worth it.

Or you can wait for some activists to create a similar open-source project that all can use.

Which one to call the best encrypted messenger? You tell. Each of them still has its strengths and weak points. But the industry doesn't stay still, new messengers and other solutions for security appear on the market. Our task is not to stop searching for a flawless messenger.

Continue reading »

Windows Privacy Concerns, Learn Why You Should Use A VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps in creating a secured connection to another network over the Internet.  Virtual Private Network (VPN) is actually a paid service with the help of which it becomes possible to keep your web browser security.

With a secured VPN connection it becomes possible to connect your PC, smartphone, tablet, etc. to the server and it also permits you to browse Internet using secure Internet connection.

Hence, VPN software thatworks perfectly on Windows acts as a secure tunnel between the PC and destination which you need to visit on the Internet.

Reasons for Using VPN

Apart from establishing a secured online connection between two or more computers, there are various reasons for using a VPN. These reasons are mentioned as follows.

• Browsing the Web securely on Public Wi-Fi: You may get free Wi-Fi when you go to shopping complexes, parks, railway stations, etc. It is a natural tendency for people to get online as soon as they get free Internet. Accessing the Internet without a VPN can be a very risky matter. With free Wi-Fi you can easily get into trap as fake Internet connection that operates as a pleasant face can be a phishing scam.

• Beating location-based streaming restrictions: There can be a location-based restriction in streaming the website. For example, you may be in the UK and want to streamed releases on the US version Netflix. But if you install a VPN and specify a local server you will be able to securely connect to and route data. Hence even if your computer is in the United States of America it can be connected to the server that is there in the United Kingdom.

• Defeating oppressive Government Censorship:  Government of a country sometimes prevent you from accessing certain websites especially when you want to access other country’s website. But at times it becomes necessary to communicate to the outside world. In such a case you can easily use VPN to access the materials as well as services that you may need to use without any security. In VPN every data is encrypted which means all your online actions are private.

• Saving money on online shopping: VPN can also help you to save money on online shopping. For example, if you observe the product of an online retail store you will find that its price varies from country to country. Hence if you want to purchase the product from another country where it costs you can save a lot of money. But this can only become possible only by using a VPN.

• Saving money on airfares: You may also be able to save a lot of money by purchasing air tickets from different countries with a VPN. Airfares can be different from country to country even if the departure and destination remain the same. For example, it is observed carefully you will find that air ticket is cheaper via a Norwegian IP address rather than that of Malaysian IP address. If you have a VPN connection you will be able to purchase your air ticket from that country where the cost is low.

• Encrypting everything automatically: Whatever online activities you perform via VPN everything is encrypted. Even if you send an important message or confidential email via VPN there is no risk of cyber theft as the data will be totally encrypted. A secure and private tunnel is created for sending you data. Thus public Wi-Fi can also be safe and how data, as well as browse activity, will be kept from the eyes of government censors.

• Enjoying private and secured voice chat: With the help of a VPN, it becomes possible to keep the video and voice chat secured. There are some chat apps that do not have built-in encryption. For example, chat over Voice over IP (VOIP) does not have built-in encryption. That is the reason why whenever you will use voice chatting app like Skype, Google, Hangout, etc. should not be used without VPN connection. Apart using VPN the speed of the chatting will also increase considerably.

Due to the above-mentioned reasons, the use of VPN becomes very vital for every company that can protect from any kind of risk.

Continue reading »

How to Avoid the Most Common Financial Scams

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by PSECU, a Pennsylvania-based credit union.

Since the invention of money, shady shysters have sought to line their own pocketbooks off the blood, sweat and tears of others. Although no one wants to consider themselves a sucker, scammers continue to bilk people out of millions of dollars annually.

Source: Pixabay

Those seeking to defraud others prey on the good nature most people possess, as well as the emotions everyone experiences. Modern technology allows thieves new avenues for ripping off those caught unawares. However, those who educate themselves on common scam techniques can avoid falling victim.

Check, Please! 

In these uncertain financial times, who doesn't fantasize about receiving an unexpected check in the mail, a lucrative work-from-home position or both? Scammers attack the economically vulnerable, since they know poverty persuades many to believe an easier path to prosperity must exist.

Check-cashing scams often stem from legitimate employment searches. Cybercrooks target job-seekers with opportunities for easy income by processing checks for their overseas clientele. 

The thieves mail victims a realistic-looking check with instructions to cash it, return a certain amount via money-wiring services and keep the rest as their "salary."

Often, the checks appear so realistic, even banks don't catch the fraud until after the victim has spent their so-called wages. Victims then face hefty overcharge fees for all money cleared after depositing the fake check, and may face criminal conspiracy charges in extreme repeat cases. 

Avoiding this scam proves simple: Never cash checks from an unverified source and never wire funds back to the initial sender.

We Need You 

Most people possess generous spirits, and natural disasters prompt many to open their wallets to their charity of choice. However, those receiving solicitations for donations via phone, email or social media messages should hesitate before whipping out their credit card.

To avoid charity scams, only donate to well-known organizations. If contacted by phone by someone soliciting aid, inform the caller that a donation will be made through the charity's website.

Illegal Access 

Ironically, many online scammers trick victims into revealing their passwords and other important information, like credit card numbers, under the guise of needing to verify their identity due to a breach of their account.

Never provide email passwords, Social Security numbers or credit card information via email or to unsolicited phone callers.

When an email indicates a data breach, research online to see if others have experienced the same thing. Refrain from posting chain-letter breach scams on social media. Those silly "I got a friend request from myself" messenger threads only annoy those who recognize the hoax, so don't pass on any warnings not covered in the news.

I, Robocall 

Every day, millions of Americans pick up the phone, say hello - and meet with a robotic voice urging them not to hang up before learning how to cut credit card bills by two-thirds, qualify for student loan forgiveness or enjoy an all-expenses-paid cruise.

The best rule of thumb for dealing with robocalls? Simply hang up. Go even further by registering with the Federal Do-Not-Call list and reporting unwanted phone solicitations. The volume of calls may not decrease immediately, but multiple reports aid prosecutors in holding those responsible accountable.

Wire Me the Money

Wiring money to anyone but well-known family members overseas generally spells trouble. Wiring funds to unknown individuals means waving goodbye to cash that will likely never be recovered.

Exercise caution when an online merchant only accepts payment via wire, as legitimate vendors offer ways to pay that don't include a visit to Western Union. Bank wire scams often target those seeking to purchase prescription medications without a scrip from a doctor, especially in the U.S., where many lack health insurance and sufficient funds to visit a physician for regular med checkups.

The Tax Man Calls 

CPAs and enrolled agents advise their clients that taxing authorities initiate contact via U.S. mail, not phone or email, when sending correspondence. However, savvy scammers imitate IRS agents so well, thousands get suckered into paying nonexistent liabilities with gift cards.

Understand that all taxing authorities must follow certain rules of procedure when attempting to collect tax debt. The IRS website expressly informs taxpayers that the first step they take when collecting debt involves sending a snail-mail letter to the debtor's last known address.

Hang up on calls from people claiming to be tax collectors and contact the appropriate entity directly to determine if liability exists. Report repeated calls from the same number to the FCC or local law enforcement, who will aid in filing charges, if possible.

Stay Savvy and Safe

Criminals who fail at their pilfering schemes eventually give up and move on. Still, even when authorities apprehend one fraudster, others wait to take their place.

By ignoring unsolicited phone calls and emails and by verifying any amounts won or owed directly with the responsible institution, everyone can help prevent others from losing their shirts in shady scams.

Continue reading »

Are You Protected From Cyber Attacks?

Cybercrime is getting to be big business for crooks. They’re finding new ways to rip people off misusing the internet.

It could be through your email, or phishing for your passwords so they can empty your bank account, or worse yet, stealing your identity.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. If you want to protect yourself from being open to a cyber-attack, then you need to do a few simple things to make it happen.

In this article, we will show you 4 things you can do to protect yourself from cyber-attacks.

1] Beware of Links In Your Emails

Unless you trust the sender implicitly, you should avoid being quick to click on links in your messages.

You can check the web address in the link by holding your mouse pointer over the link, and in the lower left corner of your window you will see exactly where that link will take you if you click on it.

Another safety net involves going directly to the site in question. For example, if you get a bank notice in the email, and you’re not sure if it’s legitimate, go to your bank’s site directly and verify that the bank actually sent the notice.

Attachments can be a red flag too, if the attachments are actually emails. The only emails you should see are from places you have personally authorized – and they’re not attachments.

2] Guard Your Personal Info

Some hackers are very clever at disguising themselves as a legitimate agent. They ask for sensitive personal info, to use it to commit some fraud against you, such as your credit card number.

They might pretend that their “system went down” and they “need” the info to bring things back in order.

Never give out your personal info, whether on the phone or in your emails, unless you are absolutely sure you’re dealing with someone legitimate. But never make a practice of this, to prevent you from getting caught off guard.

If you suspect the caller, don’t be intimidated. This is your opportunity to take control. You grill them with questions. Ask for their name and call back number.

It won’t take long and they’ll be hanging up without incident. Sometimes asking to speak to their “supervisor” is enough for them to shut it down.

In the case of fraudulent emails, forward them to the FBI. Make sure you send it to the right email. You probably won’t see the hacker’s feeble attempts in your inbox ever again.

3] Make Your Passwords Difficult to Break

You want to remember your password, but don’t make it so easy that a crook can figure it out. Use words or phrases that only you know, and include a combination of symbols and letters, in both upper and lower case. This will help build an impenetrable password that is likely to make even the best hacker to give up.

If you’re afraid that you won’t be able to remember it, there’s a way around that. Practice typing it when you’re not on the internet. The more you type it, the better you’ll recall it.

Also take advantage of the security questions, but choose carefully. For example, it could be easier for hackers to figure out where you went to elementary school, as opposed to the name of your first ever family pet when you were a child. Think in terms of preventing anyone from guessing the answers.

4] Update Your Security Software

If you’re connected to the internet, this should be quite easy. Most software programs enable you to select automatic updating, so you don’t have to do it manually.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with manually going in and seeing where your settings are, just in case there’s a simple tweak you need to make.

Just be careful not to change settings that need to stay right where they are. Most programs will prompt you, so read anything that pops up if you consider making any changes.

Summary

We’ve covered four important things you can do to help protect yourself from cyber-attacks. Beware of email links, guard your personal info, keep your passwords impenetrable and update your security software. For more information about keeping your information and business protected, visit Joshua Spencer.

Continue reading »

How Cell Phone Tracker Can Help Control Your Children

All of us are concerned about our children and their whereabouts. But as they grow up, it becomes difficult for parents to keep a check on them. Therefore parents look for new ways to keep surveillance upon them.

With passing years, technology has reached new heights, and so many new applications have made it possible for parents to keep track of their children, with the help of Spying and Phone tracking apps. Even though a person may feel bad about the fact that they are being tracked, but it still becomes important.

In this article, we are going to talk about how cell phone tracker can help you control your children with the help of cell phone tracker free online.

Why Should You Keep Track Of Your Children? 

Children are growing up through a lot of stages, and so many times they do not understand the right thing for them. Therefore you must ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands. Snoopza helps you to do the job without letting your child know. So from now you can anonymously track your child and stop them from mixing with the wrong set of people and help them if they are in any trouble.

Which Spying Apps Should We Use?

There are many spying apps available to you out in the market. So you need to invest your money in the app that will be more productive than others. So do you want to know about the best spy app? Then Snoopza spying app is the best option for you. We have listed.

• The app presents you with a lot of amazing features which helps you to record calls, save the text messages and also access the screenshots and contact lists. The phone tracker records the conversation, as well as the details of times and dates of outgoing, incoming and missed calls. Snoopza can, therefore, help you to keep a control over your children effectively. 
• Online social platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook can be easily accessed, and all their activities can be recorded with the help of Snoopza. Thus giving you the opportunity to track your child's privacy. 
• The app will keep you anonymous and so you there is no need to worry about your children getting to know about all these. The app will run in the background without the person's knowledgeable about it.
• The geo location allows you to track the details about the whereabouts of your children under surveillance in the daily day to day activity. You can easily track cell phone location and keep them covered. 
• The Snoopza app lets you access your account from anywhere on any device and up to 5 devices simultaneously. It also supports both Android and iOS platforms.

How To Get Snoopza On Your Device? 

Installing the app on your mobile is very easy and convenient. Snoopza supports both iOS and Android platforms, and it is very easy to download it to your device. First, in the web browser open the Snoopza Site, sign in to your account and download the app. If you do not have an account, then just click on Log In and create a Snoopza account.

The app is not free but paid, and the price of you will pay affordable. Another thing which you should keep in mind is to make the app invisible after you have installed the app on the phone of your child to stay anonymous.

Why Choose Snoopza? 

We know that there are many spying apps out there on the market. But Snoopza is the best option that you can get. The amazing features and exemplary benefits you receive will make you love the investment you made. You will always be in peace of mind because you know Snoopza has got your child covered by its track cell phone location system.

Its brilliant tracking system helps you to achieve an inner peace of mind because you will know that Snoopza has got you covered. You will be able to save and download all your children's data and messages for future references. Therefore Snoopza can be the best option for your surveillance needs.

Continue reading »