Will LifeLock protect my bank accounts?

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April 13th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.

Q: I know that LifeLock protects your credit card, Social Security, driver's license, and address changes. But what about my bank accounts? I recently had someone steal money from my bank account.

A: LifeLock will alert you if an identity thief attempts to open any new bank accounts in your name. Unfortunately, since LifeLock relies on information from the three credit bureaus, it cannot prevent or detect what would appear to be normal activity in your existing bank accounts. LifeLock does offer a companion product, WalletLock, that would help you notify all the necessary parties in the event that your wallet, credit and debit cards, driver's license, Social Security card, insurance card or checkbook are lost or stolen.

If your debit card is lost or stolen and you report the loss to your bank within 2 business days, under federal law your liability is limited to $50.00 in losses. If you report the loss within 60 calendar days from the time your bank statement is mailed, your liability is limited to $500.00. If a thief steals your debit card number, rather than the actual card, federal protections are more generous. Many banks voluntarily offer zero-liability policies, as do Visa and MasterCard.

Another of the identity theft protection services we review, TrustedID, offers additional protection by scanning black market websites where identity thieves buy and sell stolen data. If you register your credit and bank account numbers with TrustedID, you'll be alerted immediately in the event that your account information is discovered on the Internet black market.

To learn more about LifeLock, TrustedID and other identity theft protection services, see our reviews and comparison chart.

Hacking the scammers

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April 13th, 2009 - Posted by Robert Siciliano

Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger

Who doesn't love vigilante justice? Some readers may remember Charles Bronson, an American actor who starred in the popular series Death Wish. Bronson played Paul Kersey, a man whose wife is murdered and whose daughter raped. In response, Kersey becomes a crime-fighting vigilante. This was a highly controversial role, as his executions were cheered by crime-weary audiences.

There is a certain amount of satisfaction when the victim becomes victor, exacting justice, and the predator that violates the law is sufficiently punished by the vigilante. Anyone who has ever entertained vengeance fantasies can relate. Of course, one doesn't need to have been victimized in order to seek justice. Security guard David Dunn, played by Bruce Willis in the movie Unbreakable, avenges a crime committed against someone else.

The Internet has spawned a new breed of opportunist predator. The anonymity of the web, coupled with the inherent naïveté of many computer users, along with development of new technology at a speed that outpaces the learning curve of most users, make confidence crimes easier than ever.

What I find most disturbing are parents with young families who allow their children full, unsupervised Internet access. Fox News reports that in the past 5 years, federal agents have set up honeypots of agents posing as minors to attract pedophiles and have caught upwards of 11,000 in their nets. If they caught 11,000, there must be multitudes that haven't been caught. What most people don't realize is that there are over a half million registered sex offenders in the United States, and over 100,000 more sex predators unaccounted for.

"Don't talk to strangers" used to be the extent of our personal security training. Now, a stranger can be in your 12-year-old daughter's bedroom at 2 am, chatting on his or her webcam, or even under the covers on the iPhone that he bought her in order to evade her parents' grasp.

Now, a new form of vigilante justice is occurring: scammers are illegally scamming, blackmailing and extorting other scammers.

The FBI recently caught up with one couple who has been posing as minors, engaging sexual predators in explicit online conversations and then adding a twist. This tech savvy couple are also hackers who engage in black-hat activities. As the predators attempted to gain the trust of the supposed "minors," the couple was actually gaining access to the predators' computers, sending numerous files that, when opened, launched an executable and granted full and unauthorized access to the kiddy-fiddlers' computer systems. After gaining access to the predators' computers, the couple learned their names, addresses, family members' contact information, places of employment, and the user names and passwords for all of their financial accounts. Once armed with this type of data, the fun began. The couple would access the pedophiles' bank, eBay and Paypal accounts. They would also blackmail their victims, threatening to expose their deviant behaviors to anyone who would listen if they didn't cough up some cash. In one instance, after financial demands were made and not met, the couple accessed the user name and password of a New York teacher who didn't comply and posted the explicit chats to the teacher's school's intranet.

In another example, 3 men apprehended in Kentucky set up a fake child pornography website, then extorted money out of their customers. When arrested, the men confessed to the crime but claimed that they were doing it to punish child pornographers.

Call this blackmail, call it extortion, or call it vigilante justice. You decide.

Robert Siciliano, personal security and identity theft speaker discusses online predators.

Protect your identity and your child's identity. Install security software on your PC to prevent predators from intruding, and install child monitoring software to watch your kids online.

Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com , an identity theft expert, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 companies and startups as an advisor on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. Siciliano's thoughts and advice on all these matters appear often in both the televised and print news media including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of security training as a member of the American Society of Industrial Security. He is the author of 2 books, including The Safety Minute: Living on High Alert; How to take control of your personal security and prevent fraud. He's also partnered with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and to provide tips on how you can protect yourself.

Will Mozy back up my external hard drive?

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April 13th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.

Q: Will Mozy, or any of the online backup offerings, allow me to back up my external drive along with my desktop drive? Thanks.

A: Yes, they will. Mozy can backup any drive that Windows recognizes as "fixed." Operating systems consider hard drives "fixed," regardless of whether they are internal or external. DVD/CD-ROMs, media cards and some thumb or flash drives are not considered "fixed," and cannot be backed up.

You can tell if your drive is "fixed" by doing the following: Click Start Menu, then click My Computer. "Fixed" drives appear under Hard Disk Drives, while unfixed drives appear under Devices with Removable Storage. If you do not see these sections, click View > Arrange Icons by > Show in Groups. If your external drive is not "fixed," first copy the data onto one of your "fixed" drives, then select the data for back up.

To learn more about Mozy or other online backup services, see our reviews and comparison chart.

Identity Guard adds $1 million dollar identity theft insurance

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April 13th, 2009 - Posted by Joe

Today Intersections Inc, the parent company of Identity Guard, is announcing a $1 million insurance policy for subscribers that covers certain identity theft related losses. This policy will be available to current and future subscribers at no additional charge.

Identity Guard is the only service that has received a five star rating on both our identity theft protection and credit report monitoring service comparisons. We believe that the added protection of this million dollar loss-reimbursement insurance policy makes the service an even better value for consumers that are looking to keep a close eye on their credit health while protecting their identity online and in the real world.

You can learn more about Identity Guard and other identity theft protection services or credit report services by visiting our reviews and comparisons.

LifeLock Celebrity Apprentice sweepstakes could put you in the board room with Donal Trump

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April 12th, 2009 - Posted by Joe

LifeLock is launching a new sweepstakes to coincide with CEO Todd Davis' appearance on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump tonight April 12, 2009.

The "LifeLock Celebrity Apprentice Sweepstakes" includes a number of great prizes for the winner including:

• 4 days/ 3 night trip to New York City
• Tickets to The Celebrity Apprentice Finale
• Passes to The Celebrity Apprentice After-party
• Personal introduction to Donald Trump
• $1000 Cash and more*

We recommend visiting the LifeLock website to learn more about the sweepstakes requirements and other rules.

NextAdvisor.com site visitors get an exclusive 30 day free trial and 10% discount on their LifeLock subscription. If you click through to the LifeLock site from any link on NextAdvisor.com then you will automatically receive this special deal. Other wise, simply input the discount promo code NEXT when prompted on the registration screen. You can also call 1-800-543-3562 and mention promo code NEXT to receive the same discount over the phone.

LifeLock, Celebrity Apprentice and the discount promo code

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April 10th, 2009 - Posted by Joe

This weekend LifeLock, NBC's Celebrity Apprentice and Donald Trump are looking to give identity theft its walking papers.

The five star rated identity theft protection service will be featured on an episode of Donald Trump's popular television series this Sunday April 12, 2009. Two teams of celebrities, including Joan Rivers, Herschel Walker, Khloe Kardashian and Jesse James, will compete to design packaging for a new LifeLock product that will be distributed in retail stores.

LifeLock CEO Todd Davis will join "The Donald" in picking the winning team. Davis has become a bit of a celebrity himself as a result of his turn as the company's lead pitchman, even going as far as publicly disclosing his Social Security number on TV, Radio and even the side of a bus in Midtown Manhattan.

But you don't need to be a celebrity to receive an exclusive 10% discount and 30 day free trial when you sign up for LifeLock. All NextAdvisor.com visitors are eligible to receive this great deal when they use the LifeLock discount promo code NEXT. If click through to the LifeLock website directly from NextAdvisor.com then the discount and free trial will automatically be added to your order. Otherwise, simply input the promo code NEXT when prompted to do so. You can also call 1-800-543-3562 and mention promo code NEXT to receive the same discount over the phone.

Please visit our comparison and reviews to learn more about LifeLock and other identity theft protection services.

If I buy a new computer, will I have to re-subscribe to Carbonite?

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April 10th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.

Q: If my computer dies, or if I choose to buy a new computer for whatever reason while I have a current Carbonite subscription, would my current service still continue on the newly replaced computer, or do I have to re-subscribe all over again? I am concerned that if I purchase a 3 year plan (most economical) that I might have to replace my PC within that time frame.

A: You will not need to purchase a new Carbonite subscription if you start using a new computer. You can easily transfer your existing Carbonite subscription to the new computer through the Carbonite website. Just log into your account and click on the "My Protected Computers" tab. From there, you can transfer your Carbonite subscription and you also have the option to restore your backed-up files to the new machine.

To learn more about Carbonite or other online backup services, see our reviews and comparison chart.

Does University of Phoenix offer financial aid?

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April 10th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.

Q: Does University of Phoenix offer financial aid? If so, what are the requirements to apply for financial aid?

A: University of Phoenix has several financial aid options available for students. If you are unable to pay your tuition partially or in full, you need to find a primary source of financial aid to cover the balance. If you cannot find a single source to cover the balance, you will need to find multiple sources of financial aid.

If your employer is willing to reimburse you for educational expenses, the University of Phoenix will defer your payments for 60 days from the beginning of your courses. Some companies allow direct billing, which means that you can send your tuition invoice directly to your employer.

If you have served in the military, the University of Phoenix will accept Military Tuition Assistance funds. You will have to consult directly with the University of Phoenix's financial aid department in order to utilize these benefits.

Student loans are another option to consider.You should contact the financial aid department directly regarding private loans, which will vary depending on your major and location.

The University of Phoenix also offers scholarships. You can browse scholarship options at the University of Phoenix alumni association website.

Federal financial aid is limited and is contingent upon your degree or certificate program. If you have been accepted to a degree or certificate program, you may be eligible for the Federal Pell, Academic Competitiveness, National SMART and SEOG Grant Programs, the Federal Family Educational Loan Programs (Stafford subsidized, Stafford unsubsidized and PLUS Loans) and/or the Federal Perkins Loan Programs.

It is also possible to defer tuition payment for the duration one school term but after this time, the deferment must be renewed and you must meet certain requirements.

Financial aid can be revoked at any time if you do not meet a minimum enrollment or GPA requirement. You can learn more about financial aid options by contacting the University of Phoenix financial aid department when you request information or apply.

For more information about University of Phoenix or other online universities, see our reviews and comparison chart.

Hackers breach grid, Conficker is lame, Obama's plan…

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April 10th, 2009 - Posted by Robert Siciliano

Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger

What a week. They say that if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger. Lately, I've been killing my readers with lots of deadly data so I bet your security muscles are getting huge!

The security community has bombarded the media with fascinating claims of gloom and doom. (I'm guilty of it, too.) The hype hasn't entirely met the hyperbole. There have been no major catastrophic issues. The power hasn't gone out, and data breaches haven't occurred in the 3-15 million PCs that have been compromised by Conficker.

But that doesn't change the fact that there are still real problems that need solving. The security community and the media are getting better at discovering these new hacks, reporting on them and taking decisive action to fix them before they get worse.

For good reason, President Obama ordered a cyber-security review earlier this year. And he announced plans to appoint a top cyber-security czar, who will coordinate government efforts to protect the country's networks. This is a response to years of inaction, culminating in millions and millions of breached records by cyber criminals toying with our critical infrastructures and corporate networks.

The Register points out, "According to the Wall Street Journal – which cites unnamed national security officials – electro-spooks hailing from China, Russia, and 'other countries' are trying to navigate and control the power grid as well as other US infrastructure like water and sewage." That could get messy. Let's make sure the Cyber Security Czar gives the sewage situation his undivided attention. CNET reports that the Pentagon has spent over $100 million on its networks in the past 6 months in response to attacks on the government's computers. This is part reactionary and part proactive.

Wired reports that Conficker is now a lame spambot, selling fake Internet security software in the form of scareware. I'm going to shut up about Conficker, for the most part, unless this thing does something that impresses me.

Bob Sullivan points out today in "Why all the cyber-scares?" (as I did earlier this week) that, "Security experts use the term 'spreading FUD' – fear, uncertainty, and doubt - to criticize the sales tactics of firms that use hyperbole to scare customers into overpaying for security products. The Conficker incident appears to a be a classic example of FUD."

I'm all done with this week and I'm going to paint eggs.

For an Easter treat, identity theft speaker Robert Siciliano provides you with a hilarious rare glimpse of someone he loves walking for the first time. (I am human, you know.)

Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com , an identity theft expert, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 companies and startups as an advisor on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. Siciliano's thoughts and advice on all these matters appear often in both the televised and print news media including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of security training as a member of the American Society of Industrial Security. He is the author of 2 books, including The Safety Minute: Living on High Alert; How to take control of your personal security and prevent fraud. He's also partnered with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and to provide tips on how you can protect yourself.

Identity fraud and bankruptcy

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April 10th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin

The already devastating crime of identity theft has taken an alarming new turn. Identity thieves are not only ruining their victims' credit by racking up unpaid debt. Now, many of them are now filing for bankruptcy protection in their victims' names. A contributing factor to this practice is the current housing downturn and the resulting rise in the number of foreclosure proceedings.

Lured by the benefits of the automatic stay provision that goes into effect when a bankruptcy case is filed, some unscrupulous homeowners on the verge of foreclosure are using identity theft as a tool to buy themselves extra time, either by convincing a friend, relative, or coworker to allow the delinquent property to be transferred into their name, or by stealing someone else's identity outright. In most cases, the identity thief will simply fail to show up for the bankruptcy hearing. The case is subsequently dismissed, but the filing remains on the victim's credit report.

Most victims of this type of identity fraud only become aware of the crime when they attempt to obtain a loan or other form of credit, months or even years later. When asked why their application was denied, they are shocked to discover that a bankruptcy filing has been recorded in their name.

Recovering from bankruptcy-related identity theft can be much more difficult and costly than other forms of identity theft. It is often necessary to hire a lawyer in order to prove to the bankruptcy court that the filing was fraudulent, and, if the filing took place in another county or state, the victim may need to travel to that jurisdiction to have the case voided and expunged from the court's records.

To find out more about various types of identity fraud and their warning signs, visit the US Department of Justice's fraud division website. If you suspect that you may have been a victim of bankruptcy fraud, contact the United States Trustee Program to file a report. See NextAdvisor.com's reviews and comparison chart to learn about identity theft protection services.