Is Shopping Safe

I'm surprised at the number of people who tell me they won't shop or bank online. I smile to myself and think back to an old Dilbert cartoon where the gang is eating lunch and talking about the dangers of shopping on line. Dilbert gives the waitress his credit card, and she comes back wearing a new mink coat.

Unlikely? Not so much. It's easier than you think to steal the information from the magnetic strip on your card. Card scanners are tiny and easy to conceal. If your card is out of your site for even a short time someone can swipe your card, take the info from the magnetic strip and then program it onto another card.

Writing checks is also more risky today. Moderately sophisticated crooks regularly steal checks you put in the mail - or even write at the store - can be "washed" and the payee and amount can be changed. Even if the thief isn't savvy enough to change your check, all the information needed to electronically raid your account is on the front of your check.

Statistically, shopping on the Internet is actually safer than writing a check or paying with a credit card that leaves your sight.

Public WiFi - Is It Secure?

Public WiFi is pretty much ubiquitous these days. Whether it's a coffee shop, fast food restaurant or even a city street WiFi hotspots are everywhere. Connecting is easy and that's very handy. But you need to keep security in mind.

The short story is to consider anything you do on a public network to be visible to anyone. Someone could literally be looking over your shoulder. There's also a very real chance some is eavesdropping on your browsing.

If you're using a Windows 7 laptop, the first time you connect to a new network you'll be asked if it's a Home, Work or Public network. Selecting Public will reduce the ability of others to see your stuff. Having a good firewall programs is a must no matter what version of Windows or Mac you're running. You also need to be aware of any files and folders you're sharing.

Tablets and phones using WiFi are somewhat less vulnerable, but it's still possible bad guys could be recording anything you're sending.

If you really feel the need to shop or bank while enjoying your morning coffee, make sure you're connected to a secure site (URL starts https://) and make sure no one is looking over your shoulder. But the only way to ensure you're safe is to save your sensitive surfing for a network you know and trust.

Are You Sharing Too Much?

The Internet is an amazing place. Lots of information that's very easy to access. Maybe TOO easy.

Have you every Googled yourself? If not, you should. You'll see just how much of your life is a matter of public record. Marriage licenses, property deeds and phone listings (try searching your land line phone number). Add Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites (think genealogy) and bad guys can find out a lot of important information about you. For free. For a few bucks, they can get even more.

You can't control what others post about you, but you can make it a little harder for others to get personal info. I've written whole columns about this and put on several workshops on this subject. I'd be happy to share more info if you are interested. But the short story is don't post things that will compromise your safety: your full birthday, your home address, your children's school name, family info and - seriously - your vacation schedule. Limit access to you Social Media posts to "friends only." and just use some common sense. What did I miss?

Online Safety and Security

There was an article in yesterday's paper taken from the Sacramento Bee. It offered up some suggestions for protecting yourself  from bad things when venturing into cyber space. The author touched on the things I've been preaching about for years.

Passwords. Probably the easiest way to have your information stolen is to use a crappy password. It amazes me how many people use the same password for everything. If your password is compomised, your day can get pretty bad in a hurry. It's easy to create a strong password. There are tools out there that will generate complex passwords and store them securely. Then you only need to remember one REALLY strong password. Want to know more? Just ask.

Tomorrow I'll talk about TMI on Social Media.

Starting Again - Committed to Posting

My blog posting has been hit or miss over the years, but I'm finding more and more of my clients are asking for information in a timely manner. Using available tools I can now post on my blog and share it on my Web site and Facebook pages as the same time.

I'm hoping timely and typical posts will provide you with information you find helpful. I'd also like to foster some discussion, so I will be posting not only technical insights, but rants and raves about products and services I run across.

Please feel free to share your opinions. I will only moderate blatantly offensive posts or posts that are totally off topic. All I ask is that you try to keep,it civil and respectful of other's posts. Calling BS on poor service, stupid marketing or greedy corporations is encouraged.

Have fun!

I just read that Pinterest is now the third most popular Social Media site is the worls behind Facebook and Twitter. I've got a Pinterest account but have never used it. The top demographic is female hobbyists. I haven't caught any buzz about Pinterest being used for business. Are you a Pinterest user? If so, how do you use it? Just for fun, or for business, or both. Have you got any tips you'd like to share? Please post your thoughts.

Reaching Out To Clients

What's your favorite way to publicize your events and keep your clients informed?  I'm using Constant Contact, Facebook Events and Google Calendar on my Web site.  That's a lot to manage every time I create a new event.  Entering things two or three times can get old after a while.  I'd love to hear your suggestions.