Android Advertising Networks

Posted on March 7th, 2012

An eye opener on advertising networks and what they can do with your Android mobile phone

Google Android LogoCoinciding with some recent news articles on Android, privacy, applications and advertising networks, I’ve come across an app that I’ve found very insightful. The app is Ad Network Detector from Lookout who also provide the Security and Antivirus protection that I use for my Android handset.  I thought I’d share my findings so you can decide whether it’s useful to you or not…
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Google and Privacy

Posted on March 2nd, 2012

A review of recent changes to Google’s privacy policy

Google LogoOn Thursday 1st March Google made some changes to their privacy policy and although they’ve done a lot to forewarn the public, the changes are so controversial that they are being legally challenged in some countries. This post takes a look at what the changes mean to you and what to do about them…

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WiFi Security

Posted on February 24th, 2012

Some quick pointers on how to stay safe when using wireless networks

Decorative Image - wirelessIn recent years wireless networking (WiFi) has become so common place that you’ll find it in most homes, businesses and social venues like cafés, bars and hotels. Some areas have begun rolling out metropolitan networks covering shopping centres, air ports or whole city centres.  The convenience of wireless networks however comes with a trade-off in security that is often taken for granted or overlooked entirely. Here I’ll go over a few quick fixes to help you stay safe…

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Banking Security – Part 2

Posted on January 13th, 2012

A look at the misplaced confidence, trust and liability that surrounds the consumer banking industry.

Decorative Image - bankIn last week’s post we looked over the physical security around the use of bank and credit cards. This week we focus on remote banking services such as telephone and internet, the security measures that are enforced and why they often aren’t worth the effort. These posts are not seeking to suggest a solution but are intended to raise awareness of the risks in the hope that you might be better equipped to spot a problem and deal with it should you be so unfortunate.

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Banking Security – Part 1

Posted on January 6th, 2012

A look at the misplaced confidence, trust and liability that surrounds the consumer banking industry.

Decorative Image - bankBank accounts. Everybody has one, many people have several. They vary from every day current accounts, savings accounts, credit accounts and various other guises. We trust faceless corporation’s with our hard earned money because we have very little choice if we want to be part of the modern world. Many of us never question the trust and confidence we place in these banks and hopefully we will never have need to do so. These posts are intended to shine a little light on what most of us take for granted…

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Staying Safe with Shopping Online

Posted on December 4th, 2011

Top tips for staying safe and avoiding scams while shopping on the web, particularly relevant for the Christmas period.

Decorative Image - christmas giftsIn the weeks before Christmas more and more people are avoiding the manic high street crowds and buying gifts for friends and family on the web.  As the shopping transactions increase so does the malicious activity and crooks are quick to exploit people who wouldn’t normally shop online and who might not be savvy to the risks. Here I’ll outline some quick tips for how to lessen the risk of being conned but the number one rule as I’ve mentioned previously is to pay attention…

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Public vs Private

Posted on November 4th, 2011

A look at the difference between public and private forums, and why the problem is not what people think it is.

Decorative Image - Public SpeakerFollowing a previous post on giving away too much information and some recent scare news here is my opinion on the differences between public and private content, in particular some common misconceptions and misplaced blame…

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A Simple Question

Posted on October 28th, 2011

Q: What’s the one best way to protect my computer?

Decorative Image - Question MarkRecently at a PurleyDinnerClub gathering I was asked a seemingly simple question: What’s the one best way to protect my computer? In thinking through the usual stock responses I came to a conclusion which typifies the intent of this blog and so I thought it appropriate to share here…

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Gone Phishing

Posted on October 17th, 2011

Following through the course of a phishing attempt and tips on how to spot the scam

Decorative Image - Phishing
Recently I had the (mis)fortune to come across a live phishing attempt (take a look at the Glossary if you’re not familiar with the concept of phishing). What follows is a brief run through of the scenario with some pointers of what to look out for to make sure you don’t fall foul of similar efforts.
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Facebook Security – part 2 – Cookies

Posted on October 7th, 2011

Part two in a series exploring security around the world’s most popular social network, Facebook.

Decorative Image - CookiesIn the first post of the series I outlined the main security settings for protecting your Facebook account.  This time I take a look at a more widespread problem that’s been brought into the spotlight amidst the recent Facebook changes… Cookies! In particular, tracking and persistent cookies, not the tasty crumbly chocolatey good ones.

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