Articles by Vezina on ArticleSnatch.com

What is Cybercrime?

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

It's complicated. Cybercrime cannot be described by any one word. Just like crime as we know it, cybercrime has many different applications and can occur anytime and anyplace. Identity thieves and other criminals use several different methods, depending on how much they know and what their objective is. Cybercrime is 'crime' involving some sort of a 'computer' or 'cyber' factor. The Council of Europe's Cybercrime Treaty uses the term 'cybercrime' to identify offenses ranging from criminal activity against data to content and copyright infringement [Krone, 2005]. Others [Zevar-Geese, 1997-98] have stated that the definition is not that confined and include fraud, unauthorized access, child pornography, and cyberstalking. The United Nations have authored the Manual on the Prevention and Control of Computer Related Crime and they include fraud, forgery, and unauthorized access [United Nations, 1995]. Obviously cybercrime comes in many different packages and different types of cybercrime are going to require different defences if your computer is going to be safe. Internet security software giant Symantec draws from the various definitions of cybercrime and define it as 'any crime that is committed using a computer or network, or hardware device'. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Bots and Cybercrime and Identity Theft

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

No one person can say for sure how large a role bots play in cybercrime today. Cybercrime will, at some point, make use of a botnet to do everything from spamming to hosting fraudulent Web sites. Internet security software giant Symantec has protected people from bots for a lot of years and has tracked the evolution of bots from basic threats to highly complicated crimeware. For at least a few years Symantec has seen a frightening increase in the amount of bots attacking the Internet by way of automatic assaults in search of new victims. Symantec documented almost 9,000 different variations of the three prevailing bots - Spybot, Gaobot and Randex in the first half of 2005 alone! This means that there are at least 50 new criminally motivated bots a day searching the Internet for unprotected computers and peoples identities. The new bots are basically members of an existing 'family' of bot software and therefore they are not entirely new. The identity thieves and other criminals make minor changes in an attempt to sneak past security software, trick a user with a new tactic or capitalize on a newly discovered vulnerability. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Identity Theft and Computer Crimeware: Bots

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The term "bot" is for robot. Not the kind of robot you have seen in movies and television shows (does anyone remember 'Lost In Space'?) or the one at the car assembly plant. Bots are now one of the most complex types of crimeware on the Internet and therefore a significant tool for identity theft. Bots are a lot like worms and Trojans, except that they can perform a wide variety of automated tasks on behalf of their master who is usually located far, far away. Bots can perform nasty tasks like sending spam that can blast a Web site right off the internet when the spam is part of a coordinated "denial of service" attack. A bot infected computer does the work for its master and that machine is known as a "zombie". Bots can enter your computer in several ways. They are able to search the internet for vulnerable and un-protected (Nawaz, please link to Symantec) computers and inject the infection. After infecting the machine they immediately report back to their master. The bots objective now is to stay hidden until their master awakens them and assigns a task. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Airports and Identity Theft

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

First thing we want to point out is that the airline pilots, stewardesses, maintenance staff, restaurant staff, baggage handlers, ticket agents and all other airport employees show up every morning to begin their work day so that they can earn a paycheck. Well, so do the pickpockets, luggage thieves and other identity theft criminals. After arriving, you may decide to give your bags to one of the skycaps. Don't assume your bags are going to end up at the ticket counter, follow behind him and keep an eye on the bags. When you get to the ticket counter place your luggage between you and the counter, and if your kids are with you, assign them the important task of watching the luggage while you're busy with ticket agent. Follow your carry-on luggage or briefcase as it goes through the x-ray machine because this is where some of the thieves carry out their distraction thefts. A distraction theft happens very quickly and is well rehearsed. A thief will be ahead of you (sometimes a beautiful woman), and cause a short distraction and your briefcase disappears. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Child identity Theft

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When a child is born, a parent may apply for a Social Security number for that child. A child's Social Security number is very much sought after by identity thieves. The child identity thief could be a family member (uncle, aunt cousin), another adult who has access and is allowed in your home, someone who has stolen your mail or hacked into your computer. We think we know who the child identity thief could be, but we don't. Most parents apply for the baby's SSN so that they can claim the child on their taxes and you must submit the SSN on the official tax forms, so now, anybody who has the means to see that tax form can copy the child's information. The child's identity could be stolen at the hospital or at a health professionals' office. What about the dishonest legal professional who sells the child's identity to an unscrupulous client. It does not matter what profession a person is in, they have the potential to be dishonest. The thief could be anybody. Typically, your not going to check your child's credit rating (why would you), so your not going to know their identity has been stolen. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Teenagers/Social Networking Sites and Identity Theft

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

We have written this article for all the Teenagers, and your moms and dads. Millions upon millions of teenagers are using the Social Networking Sites to chat with friends and meet new friends. The majority of people online are probably ok, but the law of averages demands that some are not. Some people are, quite frankly, stalkers and identity thieves. Those of you looking for a relationship may be the most vulnerable for a stalker. The identity thief and the person who wants to do you physical harm intentionally hunts for people who are open, trusting and looking for a relationship. They will put the time and effort into gaining your trust and finding out everything about your identity. Protect your identity. You must think before posting something on your blog. If you post photo's that show adult content and text about engaging in mature conduct you may very well be inviting people who want to harm you and identity thieves. Please be discreet and use good judgment. If you wouldn't want your mom or dad to see it, then don't post it. Never make your full name public and even your first name is may be a mistake. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Data Beaches

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Through no fault of your own and without you even knowing it, you could become the victim of identity theft because of a data breach. In January of 2008 information was released about a back up data tape containing credit card information from hundreds of U.S. retailers and how it went missing from a secure storage facility. Even more alarming was that the tape was unencrypted. The company responsible for the data was forced to warn customers that they may become victims of data fraud. The tape contained in-store credit card details on 650,000 retail customers. A total of 230 retail companies were affected by the breach and some are national retail organizations. The tape also contained Social Security numbers of 150,000 people and your social Security number is the absolute way to identity theft. When an identity thief can match a name and address to a Social Security number, illegal credit card accounts, among other things, can be arranged. In 2006, a very large retailer that operates over 2,000 retail stores discovered that thieves had broken into it's computer networks and made off with an estimated 94 million credit and debit-card numbers. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Protect your Social Security number

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

To protect against identity theft, it is best not to carry your Social Security number in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Before disclosing your Social Security number (SSN) to anyone, first make sure that it is absolutely necessary that they have it. You are allowed to ask pointed questions, don't be shy. Ask the person if some other form of identification will suffice. An identity thief is well on his way in stealing your identity when he has your Social Security number. Your state driver's license may use your SSN as your driver's license number and if this is so, ask to have it replaced with another number. Your health insurance company may also use your SSN as your policy number, so ask to have it changed. Your bank, credit union etc and the company that employs you need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. There will be times when a company will want to do a credit check on you when you apply for a credit card, loan, apartment, hydro, phone or other utility and they will want your SSN. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Phishing

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The term is a variant of fishing, and that’s what the identity thief does, they go phishing with increasingly sophisticated bait. Phishing is an illegal attempt to gain your confidential information while you’re seated at your computer. They are after info like usernames, passwords and credit card details and they do it by pretending (online) to be trustworthy financial institutions or companies asking you to enter critical information. eBay, PayPal and online banks are often targeted. Often the bogus e-mail will ask for some sort of verification, possibly about an account number or password, because they are carrying out an auditing process and because these e-mails look so official, up to 20% of the unsuspecting recipients will take the bait and become victims of financial loss or identity theft or both. Emails, instant messaging, spam, pop-up messages and malicious Websites are used to direct you to a web-site that looks darn close to your financial institutions web-site and then you are requested to enter your crucial data. Recently, senior executives and other high profile persons in business have been specifically targeted and the term ‘whaling’ has been coined. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Military Personnel and Families and Identity Theft

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

As a member of the U.S. Military and away from your usual posting, you should consider placing an "Active Duty Alert" on your credit report. This alert will help to minimize your risk of identity theft while your deployed. A persons credit report contains the most vital personal information, including your home address, how you pay your bills, whether you have been sued, arrested or filed for bankruptcy. It is routine for banks, insurers, employers, utility companies and businesses to use the information in your credit report to evaluate your application for a mortgage, credit card, car loan, cell phone and much more. With you away, perhaps on the other side of the world, identity thieves have a perfect opportunity to use your personal information to open new accounts in your name. The thieves will most probably not pay the bills and the delinquent accounts show up in your personal credit report. Fraudulent and inaccurate information may affect your ability to get a loan, rental housing, car insurance or credit card when you return to the U.S. or long after your return. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Prepare now in case your wallet does get stolen

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Before anything happens to your wallet and identity, protect it by placing the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card etc. (do not carry your Social Security Number in your wallet!!). If something does happen you will know what was in your wallet and know all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Carry a photo-copy of your passport when travelling in the U.S. or out of the U.S. We know we have to cancel our credit cards immediately but the trick is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know what financial institutions to call. File a Police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your wallet and identity was stolen. This proves to the banks that you were diligent and is the first step to an investigation. And most importantly, contact the three national credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on you and your identity. • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; equifax dot com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742); experian dot com; P.O. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]> Protect your]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Stealing of Mail

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The identity thief or one of his/her crew will simply walk up to your home and steel your mail and they are hoping for bank statements, credit card statements, tax forms, pre-approved credit card offers, new checks and anything else that will allow them to steal your identity. And don't expect them to be dressed in a manner that will give them away and make them stand out in your neighborhood. Please remember that they do not want to get caught and this is their livelihood. Imagine what it means to an identity thief to get his/her hands on your pre-approved credit card offer or tax statement, that's pure gold to them and these thieves are bold. They put some thought into their visit to your neighborhood, so be vigilant. If you live in a rural area it may be even easier because some rural residents can’t even see their mailbox from the house. Perhaps its time to invest in a lockable mailbox, at least you will slow them down. You may want to consider opting into the paperless electronic billing and statements that banks, utility companies, credit card issuers and major businesses now offer. The U.S. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]> Protect your]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

Pickpockets earn good money selling your identity to an identity thief

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Pickpockets earn good money selling your identity to an identity thief. There is no firearm or other weapon involved, so even if they do get caught, the jail time is minimal. Forget about getting your Social Security card, credit cards and identity back, they sell it. Your identity is worth a fair bit of change. The same way the jewel thief knows who the jewel fence is, the pickpocket knows who the identity thief fence is. You have your minor league pickpockets and your major league pickpockets. The minor leaguers are just low-skilled opportunists and look for people who are not protecting their wallets and identity. They go to crowded malls and other public areas where college students like to study and they get up close, sit down and eventually reach into the students backpack. These opportunists also hang out at public beaches to find someone who is sleeping or go to the airport and look for someone waiting around with their luggage. Be careful in crowded commuter trains and subways because everybody is bumping into each other and it is not an un-expected thing to have someone else's body up against yours. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]> Protect your]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works

How do the Identity stealers work to steal an identity?

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information. For professional identity stealers, this information is as good as gold mine. Professional and Skilled identity Stealers may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including: 1. Skimming: These professional steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card. Do you let the waiter/waitress walk away from your table with credit card in hand? How about the gas station attendant? These are just some of the ways identity thieves can skim your card(s) 2. Dumpster Driving: In this method the thieves search for various bills and pieces for paper on which one might have scribbled some personal information. This can happen at work from the little garbage can beside your desk. Do you put your garbage out at night or even in the morning? If so, identity thieves will steal the entire garbage bag and take it to a safe location where they can pick it apart. 3. **End Summary** Topics: Identity Theft Protection]]> lifelock identity theft protection]]> Id theft protection]]> Credit theft protection]]> How to protect my identity]]> Protect your]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection . Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works