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Be Mindful Of The Dangers Using Public Computers

7/17/2014

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When you're using a public computer at the library or a hotel, there are hidden dangers that you should be mindful of such as key-logging software. That type of malicious software can capture your sensitive log-in information without your knowledge.

I make it a point never to use public computers; I travel with a used laptop with a VPN installed.

I came across a good article entitled, "You Should Treat Public Computers Like Public Bathrooms". It shows you what to be mindful of if you have no choice but to use a public computer.

"When I was in college, the main campus library had several computers set up on the first floor for public use, and invariably, whenever I used one, a previous user had not logged out of her Gmail account. So when I tried to load my account, I would instead find myself staring at the entire contents of someone else’s inbox. Of course, I would then log that person out and sign myself in—but those brief moments when I had complete access to another person’s email were terrifying nonetheless. How could people be so careless with something as valuable as their email account?" -Josephine Wolff

Read Full Article >

Security When Traveling >

10 + 3 Ideas To Keep Your Laptop Secure While Traveling

5/9/2014

Our twitter friend, Deia wrote an article on WiseBread, listing "10 Helpful Ways to Keep Your Laptop Safe While Traveling".

"Leaving your laptop at home is supposedly going to help you relax, but what if you're more anxious without your laptop? You may not be working during the trip, but there could be possible emergencies to handle. And let's not forget that a laptop can function as a travel agent, a guidebook, and an entertainment center, too." -Deia

Number 3 mentions using a laptop security cable. I've purchased and have used this brand from Amazon for several years. It's inexpensive, easy to use and built to last.

I'm a strong advocate of Deia's #6 idea to use a VPN. I've used a VPN since 2009 for daily home/office use and especially while traveling (more VPN articles).

Plus 3 Additional Tips That I Use:

Enable an admin and user password in your BIOS settings, usually found under the Security tab. This gives you an added layer of security before Windows is loaded. I've done this for all of my customers over the years and I use them on our PCs/laptops (this is not a cure-all for theft but it can prove to be an effective deterrent).
Instead of giving your old laptop away, keep it for traveling purposes. Format the hard drive, perform a clean-install of the operating system and drivers. Afterwards, I never put any sensitive data on it, maybe a few bookmarks. Now, if it's lost or stolen, it won't bother you as much because it wasn't your main laptop.
When logging into your online bank or credit card accounts, don't have either recognize the laptop that you're using. Also, don't check the box that asks to keep you logged-in, if applicable. I always select the option that 'this is not my laptop', or similarly worded. Two things happen when you choose that option: [1] It will always ask to send a 2-step verification code to your phone, if utilized (which may be a pain, but it helps to keep your laptop a bit safer if it's stolen). [2] It will help prevent being automatically logged into your account without your having entered any credentials (which is a good thing if your laptop ends up in the wrong hands).

Click on images to enlarge

Booting-up Laptop

This is NOT my laptop

Read Deia's Full Article on WiseBread >

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Five VPN Services You Should Consider

3/24/2014

A VPN, or a Virtual Private Network, is a great tool to protect your privacy and security while you use the internet. Whether you're at home or using public Wi-Fi while traveling, the best combine great pricing with security features and privacy guarantees that make them worth your trust. -Alan Henry

Read Alan's Full Article on Lifehacker >

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Does Your VPN Takes Your Anonymity Seriously?

3/16/2014

Millions of people use a VPN service to protect their privacy, but not all VPNs are as anonymous as one might hope. In fact, some VPN services log users' IP-addresses for weeks. To find out how secure VPNs really are TorrentFreak asked the leading providers about their logging policies, and more. -Ernesto

Read Ernesto's Full Article on TorrentFreak >

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VPN Services You Should Know About

1/10/2014

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are no longer just for work. VPN prevents snoops from eavesdropping on your online activity, whether that's marketers, someone malicious, or even the government. -Fahmida Y. Rashid

Read Full Article on PCMag.com >

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Are You Positive Your VPN Service Is Anonymous?

1/4/2014

It’s taken a long time but today we bring the first installment in a series of posts highlighting VPN services that take privacy seriously. Our first article focuses on anonymity and a later installment will highlight file-sharing aspects and possible limitations. -Enigmax & Ernesto

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Simplify Your Travel Plans with These Airport Tips

11/27/2013

Click on image to enlarge.

Nothing can curb the excitement of traveling faster than having countless issues before and after arriving at the airport.

Nora Dunn's article on WiseBread gives you many simple but useful tactics that will help make your flying experience a breeze.

Sometimes, the time and process of just getting to — and through — the airport makes flying an agonizing experience. It doesn't have to be! Use these tips to get through the airport faster and join the ranks of savvy frequent flyers. -Nora Dunn

Read Nora's Full Article on WiseBread >

Top 7 Reasons That I Prefer Private Internet Access

6/14/2013

VPN = Private Internet Access (PIA)

I've used several different VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) over the years, but ever since I started using Private Internet Access in January 2013... I've never looked back.

Top 7 Reasons That I Prefer PIA

Simple to use interface.
Not a computer/smartphone resource hog while it runs in the background.
Does not store log files of your internet activity, ever.
Inexpensive yearly cost.
Can be used on 5 of your devices simultaneously (eg: PCs, laptops, smartphones & tablets).
Encrypted WiFi.
Unlimited bandwidth (over 5 devices).

Of course there are many other features that are useful but you can read through those on Private Internet Access' website.

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Unsecured Public WiFi Connections

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Whether you travel a lot or just prefer using public WiFi, you should definitely consider using Private Internet Access to secure your connection.

Who should consider adding strong public WiFi security encryption layers to protect your privacy and data?

That's an excellent question and the short answer is, "YOU".

Do you perform any of the following activities while using an unsecured public WiFi access point (eg: cafe, library, bookstore, airport or hotel)?

Check email.
Login to social network websites (eg: Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest).
Share sensitive data.
Login to banking or credit card accounts.
Login to apps on your smartphone to watch programs/movies via; Netflix, Hulu+, M-Go, VuDu, Crackle, etc.

If you answered, "Yes" to one or more of above then you should sign-up without further delay to enjoy all the same benefits that I do.

Low Cost Peace Of Mind For 5 Devices

I recommend paying for the $39.95 yearly subscription because then you'll receive the lowest price possible.

Now, if you take the $3.33/month cost a step further and divide that by 5 devices, it's a mere $0.67/device each month.

If you're not 100% convinced, then sign-up for a month initially ($6.95). You can always pay the yearly subscription after your 30 day test drive.

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Computer Settings Once PIA is Installed

Click on a picture below to enlarge and read the captions (hover your mouse over the enlarged picture to view the arrow to advance).

Smartphone App Settings

Below left picture shows the settings that I use, naturally you can choose whatever settings fit your needs. Picture on the right shows what it looks like in the notification bar when connected through the VPN app.

Watching Netflix With PIA App Loaded via 4GLTE

I load the Private Internet Access app on my smartphone even when I watch programs on Netflix via 4gLTE (while sitting in our vehicle and my wife is shopping).

It protects my privacy in 2 ways:

Stops nearby prying eyes who may be using spy software to intercept login information.

Prevents Netflix from tracking my actual location through their app.

Click on a picture above to enlarge and read the captions (hover your mouse over the enlarged picture to view the arrow to advance).

Yes, I'd Like To View PIA's Pricing Choices >

How Do You Know If The VPN You Chose Is Trustworthy?

5/22/2013

I've read about why I really should use a VPN and I've been looking into different providers, but there's one thing I'm worried about. Can't a VPN provider just look at my traffic all they want and see what I'm doing? Don't I just have to trust them not to spy on me? If that's true, how do I pick one I can trust, when they can all see what I'm doing? -Alan Henry

Read Alan's Full Article on Lifehacker >

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Reasons You Should Start Using a VPN

9/7/2012

You may know what a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is; you probably don't use one. You really should be using a VPN, and even if you don't think so now, at some point in the future you may consider it as important as your internet connection. -Alan Henry

Read Alan's Full Article on Lifehacker >

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11 Hotel Safety Tips

7/21/2012

It seems like nearly everyone is on the road for a short trip or extended vacation this summer. If staying in a hotel will be part of your summer travel plans, it might be a good time to brush on some security basics. -Kentin Waits

Read Kentin's Full Article on WiseBread >

MagicJack Plus Is An Inexpensive Landline Alternative

1/9/2012

No matter what cellular service provider you may have, there are some areas that just have bad service coverage. If you live in one of those areas, then you know first hand the frustration of not being able to make phone calls from the comfort of your home.

I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to sit on a cell tower in order to make phone calls. Nor do I want to dance around in my house or drive at high speeds in order to capture that ever-elusive signal.

Of course having a landline seems to be the only solution that will guarantee good service from home, but that comes with an additional monthly cost. For example, our landline has an approximate cost of $38/month with only 30 minutes of long distance included; that's $456.00 per year.

That Price Must Be a Misprint...

Now, there's a much less expensive alternative to a landline called MagicJack Plus. It has an unbelievably-low renewal rate of $35.00 for the year with unlimited long-distance calling to the USA and Canada.

But before you start jumping up and down, I must warn you that this may not be a good fit for everyone, especially if you have:

Dial-up or satellite service.
Under 5 Mbps broadband download speed (based on my experience).
Under 128 kbps upload speed (higher is better of course).
1-port-only modem from your ISP (internet service provider).

Click on above picture to view a comparison chart.

The older version of the MagicJack had to be connected to a computer which bogged down the overall performance of that computer. The MagicJack Plus connects directly to your modem/router, not your computer, which is a possible security risk in my opinion.

Be aware that you have to register with MagicJack once you have the device so you can choose your personalized phone number.

Since there are 12 months of service included with your MagicJack purchase... you can look at it as $59.95 - $35.00 (service) = $24.95 for the MagicJackGO device (not counting any taxes).
After the 12 months of included service, you pay $35.00 per year (plus applicable taxes).

Android App

One of their newer features is that they have an Android App (or iOS) available that can be used on your smartphone. Using the app in conjunction with the MagicJack device allows you to receive incoming calls and make outgoing calls from your smartphone.

Your smartphone just has to be connected to your home WiFi to make/receive calls via the app. Of course if you have problems using the app for whatever reason, then you just hook up a regular phone to the MagicJack device.

Test Drive Android App without a MagicJack Device/Account

You can test drive the free android app without a MagicJack device/account, but only to make OUTgoing calls.

I've used the android app many times via my home WiFi without any problems at all (DSL - 15 Mbps/768 kbps). I can hear every word that's being spoken to me and vice-versa, even if I'm walking around the house.

Just be aware that when using the free android app without a MagicJack device/account, the receiver of the call will see an unknown phone number. That can have an advantage if you want to call someone without your real cell phone number appearing on their caller I.D.

As an example, when I call someone, or when people have called me, using only the free android app, I've seen 2 different numbers (1 digit difference - see below screen captures).

If you want to give it a try... download the android app, make sure your smartphone is connected to your home WiFi (not 3G/4G), then call someone to see how it works.

Reminder: You need a high-speed broadband connection in order for the app to work properly (dial-up will not work).

Where Can I Purchase The MagicJack?

The least expensive places to buy one is usually from Radio Shack or Walmart.

The $59.99 cost is the normal price but their s/h is free ($59.99 - $35.00 for 12 months service included = $24.99 for the device).

The $48.91 cost at Walmart does not include s/h but you could have sent to a store near you to pick-up in person ($48.91 - $35.00 for 12 months service included = $13.91 for the device).

Other option is to purchase it from MagicJack's website.

Helpful Guides

How To Install Your MagicJack:

Click on the square icon located in the lower right-hand corner, then print from the browser screen.

How To Register Your MagicJack:

Click on the square icon located in the lower right-hand corner, then print from the browser screen.

How To Access Your Voicemail:

Click on the square icon located in the lower right-hand corner, then print from the browser screen.

Blog Post Updates:

January 3, 2014:

Updated a few lines of verbiage
Added more recent pictures
Changed YouTube video to "The Chase"
Added 3 PDF documents

March 6, 2014:

Added Radio Shack current sale price for online purchases

March 19, 2014:

Removed Radio Shack's sale pricing.

August 3, 2014:

Updated screenshot.
Added MagicJackGO information

Which VPN Providers Are The Best At Protecting Your Anonymity?

10/8/2011

There are dozens of VPN providers, many of which carry marketing on their web pages which suggests that the anonymity of their subscribers is a top priority. But is it really? Do their privacy policies stand up to scrutiny? We decided to find out. -Enigmax

Read Full Article on TorrentFreak >

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