WiFi Internet Security

It is common now, you can access wifi from anywhere. But you should be aware that when you access internet over a unsecured network, you connections may be visible to others. In most cases, when you go to shopping malls, outlets, cinema theatres free wifi network would be available, are you sure that you are over a secured network? The answer is "No". So it is better not to access any confidential information, online banking, funds transfers, etc over an insecure network. Use those unsecured network just for browsing purpose.

Also when you use Wifi internet from home, better have a proper, strong authenthic password to it, so that other people who search for miscelleous network doesn't get control over your network. Other than this always use a Internet Security Software, which has got a Firewall - which can allow only trusted network to access your PC. Hope this helps! Try installing the free best firewall from comodo - www.comodo.com or install the internet security software developed by K7 Computing - The K7 Total Security - www.k7computing.com

Internet Explorer 9.0 - Has it come out well?

I was prompted for the Internet Explorer 9.0 Version in my Lenovo Laptop. I installed the updates, IE 9 was good. But later I realized that there is some changes happened in the system settings.

1. The Wi-Fi was not getting connected. My laptop kept on showing the error "First Switch on the Wireless device" - Though it is switched On, it was still not working. (Which was working properly before I installed IE 9?)

2. There is a pdf extractor after installing IE 9, it shows "Document format not supported, contact the administrator" - I kept using this daily, and it working fine before IE 9.

These were the 2 errors that I have found in my Laptop, I don’t know how many errors is still going to happen. I confirmed this must be because of IE 9, because this happened in one of my other colleagues PC, once he gave the system restore and was back to the old version of Internet Explorer, all the above errors went off.

Is there any other option, which we can do to fix the above problems, having IE 9 itself?

Can you trust the privacy policy provided in Websites?

Recently, this question came into my mind, when I happen to receive certain survey mailers, and if I fill in the survey, I would be receiving a gift. But I had a doubt whether to participate in the survey or not. Then I made up my mind and participated in the survey, after reading the privacy policy which mentioned "Your details, such as name, email address, phone number, address or date of birth etc etc won't be shared with any third party." And then I just accepted the terms and conditions keeping in mind why does it require for a survey to get all my personal details, still I proceeded with the survey filling in my details as required.

After a few days I received 4 or 5 calls from different locations and phone number stating I have filled in a coupon in super market and have won a gift. To get the gift I need to come to particular location and attend a presentation. When I enquired, they said its regarding a MLM Business. Later I realized my information was shared / sold to some third party companies, who are trying to market their products.

This is no big surprise to me, because I know well that leading mobile companies, sell our data for a good cost/value to the marketing agencies and companies, who frequently use to call and SMS (Text Message) us in a regular basis to sell some product or service. In countries like india, though we opt out for a DND / DNC (Do Not Disturb / Do Not Call) we receive even more calls as the rules are strictly not followed, or before we opted itself or either the data is already with third parties. That goes one side, but on the other hand, they online survey mailers and website, they too have started getting our data from us for their business and for the growth of other business ;)

Between, you can trust some corporate companies, who ask for subscribing to newsletters if you unsubscribe and even you can provide confidential details if you are purchasing a product or opting for service. They tend to use these details only to remind you if the service/product is going to expire or update you some special offer if required. But this also if you wish they will provide, if you don’t they won’t. So your data is in safe hands. If you happen to register with some miscellaneous website, probably your data is No-More Safe. THINK & ACT.

After making this analysis, probably I will have to change my mobile number - so that I don't get irritated / frustrated with dump calls. :)

Don't forget to look in to this link - a guy frustrated with kotak mahindra bank marketing call, has shared the real experience.

Top Ten Protection Tips for Identity Theft

Identity theft has been substantially increasing day-by-day. It’s a MUST to know how to protection ourselves from identity theft, so that we don’t fall prey to identity thieves.

1. Protection from Phishing: DO NOT click on links which you receive via unsolicited emails

2. DO NOT share your bank a/c or loan a/c details to third persons.

3. DO NOT provide your confidential details to known or unknown people over phone

4. DO NOT carry your Social Security card in your wallet (if you are robbed, thieves might misuse them)

5. DO NOT share your personal / confidential details such as bank login and password over chat / instant messengers.

6. Monitor your credit report regularly. We offer reliable Credit Monitoring in Topeka, KS

7. Install an Computer Security Software and keep it updated

8. DO NOT visit untrusted websites and download any exes or software’s. (Hackers may add a script to monitor your computer)

9. Always check if the net banking site you visit starts with https (https states whether the site is secure or not)

10. Learn more about identity theft and get self educated as well as educate your known ones

Internet Environment - Energy Consumption - Is it Hurting?

Infographic by WordStream