Save over 35% on Weight Watchers
December 30th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin
Weight Watchers is currently offering a 35% discount on their three month plan through NextAdvisor.com. Normally, the three month plan, with sign-up fee, would cost $83.80. But for a limited time, you can take advantage of this exclusive discount and pay just $53.85, for a savings of $29.95. There's no promotional code necessary for this discount, just click any Weight Watchers link on NextAdvisor.com. If you're resolving to lose weight in 2010, this deal is a perfect opportunity. But act fast, because the discount will only be available through the end of January.
To learn more about Weight Watchers and other online diet services, see our reviews and comparison chart.
International hacker pleads guilty
December 30th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin
In August, Albert Gonzalez was indicted for his role as ringleader of a massive hacking operation targeting Heartland Payment Systems, 7-11, and supermarket chain Hannaford Brothers. The hack resulted in the theft of data for more than 130 million credit and debit cards. Authorities have called it the largest identity fraud scam in U.S. history.
Gonzalez has already pleaded guilty to charges of computer fraud and identity theft for previous data breaches, and yesterday he pleaded guilty to similar charges related to the Heartland Payment Systems breach. His sentencing is set for March, and he will faces several sentences of up to 20 to 25 years in prison. Gonzalez has admitted to drug and alcohol abuse, and his lawyers have suggested that he may have Asperger's Disorder.
Albert Gonzalez may be the most infamous hacker and identity thief of the moment, but there are plenty more like him. One way to protect your credit and debit card numbers from hackers like him is to invest in an identity theft protection service.
If windows is 64 bit, does antivirus software have to be 64 bit also?
December 30th, 2009 - Posted by Kent
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question.
Q: If windows is 64 bit, does antivirus software have to be 64 bit also?
A: That is a very good question. According to Microsoft, the answer is: yes. Anti-virus software in particular requires specific compatibility. The good news is that most Internet security software we've reviewed are compatible with 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 (Webroot has yet to make its software Windows 7 compatible). Things get more complicated if you have an older system like XP. Many products are not compatible with the 64-bit versions.
Windows has so many variations in versions and service packs that we recommend that you check the vendor's website to make sure that your system is compatible with the Internet security service you plan on purchasing.
Can I take VoIP service with me?
December 29th, 2009 - Posted by Kent
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question.
Q: I live in Florida for 6 months, and go home to Canada for 6 months. Can I take VoIP service with me?
A: Yes, you can. Once you sign up and have the equipment you can take it anywhere (anywhere you have a high speed connection, that is). You can even send VoIP equipment to a friend or relative overseas, so they can use it—even in countries that the VoIP provider doesn't directly sell too.
You should be aware that 911 calls work a bit differently than with regular phone service. When you set up your VoIP service, you register a physical address that emergency personnel will be directed to in case of emergency (assuming your municipality has the Enhanced 911 technology—not all areas of the country have it). If that's set up for Florida, and you dial 911 in Canada, direct responders would show up at your Florida address. In the case of Vonage, you should register a change of address using their website:
You must register with Vonage the physical location where you will utilize Vonage phone service (Service) for each phone line. Also note that if you move your device to another location, you must register your new location – it's easy – just log into the features section of your Online Account and follow the instructions.
Make sure to check with your specific VoIP provider to understand how 911 calling locations may affect you.
New FTC rules will require explanations for higher interest rates
December 28th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin
The Federal Reserve and Federal Trade Commission have issued new rules designed to help inform consumers about the impact of their credit histories on the interest rates they are offered when seeking loans. The rules will require lenders to notify consumers who are offered higher interest rates due to their poor credit histories. Consumers who have been offered terms that are "materially less favorable" than those offered to other applicants will be notified after the terms have been set, but before they are required to commit to the agreement. Impacted consumers will also be entitled to a free credit report. Lenders will also have the option to offer borrowers a free credit score instead of providing the notification. The new rules will go into effect on January 1, 2011.
Many consumers are unaware of the importance of their credit histories, so this policy should be helpful in educating those whose credit scores are hurting them financially. But it's better to know where you stand before applying for a loan in the first place. To learn more, check out our reviews and comparison of credit report monitoring services.
Twitter bans 370 passwords for being too obvious
December 28th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin
TechCrunch has unearthed a list of 370 passwords that cannot be used when registering a new Twitter account. Some of these passwords are known to be weak and obvious, like "123456" and "password." But many are seemingly random words that might surprise you, like "monkey," "rosebud," or "wizard." The list also includes phrases like "iloveyou" and "biteme," popular names, and simple numeric patterns.
A random word, phrase, name, or numeric pattern might seem adequately secure, but passwords should include a combination of upper and lowercase letters and numbers. Longer passwords are stronger than short ones. If you can include special characters like "!" or "&," even better. A name or a single word that can be found in the dictionary is too easily guessed by a person or a hacking script. And if you reuse the same password for multiple websites, you put yourself at a much higher risk for identity theft.
Choose strong passwords, don't reuse them over multiple sites, and consider investing in identity theft protection, just in case.
Profile of a real hacker
December 28th, 2009 - Posted by Robert Siciliano
Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger
The wild, wild web never ceases to amaze me. My daily routine includes a tremendous amount of research, keeping me on top of what's new in information and personal security. Every day, I spend about three hours simply "consuming" information via news alerts, feeds, and subscriptions, then breaking it down for others.
Recently, I was shocked to come across a website created by a self-declared "real hacker," advertising his services.
"I SELL CCV2,tracks+ ATM PIN,FULLZ, BANK LOGIN, BANK TRANSFER… PRICE FOR CCV us (visa or master)= 2$ us (amex or dis)= 3$ uk (visa or master)= 4$ uk (amex or dis )= 6$ US Amex 3 $ UK master/visa 6$ … All Our PayPa Acc Have Full Info And With Email Access and With All Security Answer . And With Orginal Ip And A Program For Fake Your System Ip To Orgina Ip For Full Access To PayPal Acc. Ebay Login : Fresh And Verified And Unlimited Ebay Account"
This guy is a "black hat hacker," a carder selling stolen credit card data, referred to as "fullz" and "dumps." His website includes live examples of his wares, including names, address, phone numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, CCV2 numbers, Paypal account logins, you name it.
On his "Rates and Services" page, he states:
"We are a group of Ethical Hackers based in the Turkey but our staff comprises of Experienced hackers around the world, we have over the years strategically recruited the best hackers from the UK,USA,Russia,India,Philippians,Vietnam and Egypt.
Our policy is simple "making the world a better place by creating an equal balance" in other words, hack the rich and give to the poor, Robin Hood style
The way we do this is to sell Carding Stuff and hacking softwares and tools at really cheap prices so that everyone can afford it and also be able to hack.You can definitely be a hacker with our new approach tutorial. We can offer you pre-written tutorials but we will also allocate you your own specialist hacker, who you can add to your yahoo messenger and will give you a more hands on approach by teaching you everything you want to know over instant messenging.
We are ethical hackers and here to help not make money, we only charge because of the cost,time and effort involved in the services and products we offer.
Enjoy your stay and we hope we can help. Thank you!! :-"
And on his "About Us":
"GOOD HACKER WITH GOOD PRODUCE HIEN_HACK IS A GOOD HACKER WITH FRESH PRODUCE…ALL STUFFS HAVE THEIR PRICE AND ALL STUFFS GOT GOOD LIMIT AND GOOD BALANCE..WE HAVE MANY SOFTWARE FOR HACKING STUFFS…HE IS A GOOD HACKER AND NEVER RIPP HATE RIPPERS IN IS LIST…HE DO GOOD DEAL FOR LONG ….WITH GOOD CUSTOMER WHO IS READY TO HAVE GOOD DEAL…ANY THING U NEED CONTACT HIM AND HE WILL HELP GET ANY STUFFS…HE DO BANK TRANSFER FOR REAL AND WESTERN UNION TRANSFER,GOT FRESH CC ETC…TRY HIM AND YOU WILL BE HAPPY OF HIM….IF U NEED HIM JUST GO TO IS CONTACT AND GET IS YAHOO ID OR EMAIL ADDRESS ALSO HE HAVE IS NUMBER THERE CONTACT HIM AND CALL HIM FOR GOOD DEAL OKAY..BE FAST SO THAT STUFFS WILL NOT GET FINISHED….."
This is the epitome of scum. He and his band of delusional criminals have convinced themselves they are good and their victims are bad. Unfortunately, this is what we have to contend with. Hackers have been selling raw, stolen data to one another for a while now. But the fact that this type of underground activity is so prevalent that it's begun showing up in my Google News Alerts is alarming, and indicates that it isn't getting any better any time soon.
Most of the raw data being sold online is used for account takeover, but can also lead to new account fraud. In many cases, it's your own computer that's compromised, while other hacks target retailers or banks. Either way, you are ultimately responsible for the charges made in your name, unless you do something about it.
- Check your bank and credit card statements frequently, and refute unauthorized charges within 60 days.
- Be alert for phishing emails asking for personal information, credit and banking data, etc. These emails may appear to come from a trusted source, but look more closely and delete them if they are at all questionable.
- Install Internet security software, and keep it updated. If your computer becomes infected with a virus that allows it to be controlled remotely, a criminal can access all your important files and financial data.
- Get a credit freeze at ConsumersUnion.org. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases, it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. This makes your Social Security number useless to a potential identity thief.
- Invest in identity theft protection. Not all forms of identity theft can be prevented, but an identity theft protection service can dramatically reduce your risk.
Robert Siciliano, identity theft speaker, discusses credit and debit card fraud on CNBC.
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 two 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 Intelius to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and to provide tips on how you can protect yourself.
Does Web Hosting Pad offer free lifetime domain registration?
December 23rd, 2009 - Posted by Kent
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question.
Q: I purchased Webhostingpad.com's (WHP)3yr hosting plan for a godaddy registered domain and a few months later I asked WHP about domain registration if they continue to host the domain.
On 4 Dec 2009 Webhostingpad.com emailed me:
"We provide free domain registration/transfer for one year. You have to renew the domain from second year by paying $14.95/year."
The review here states they offer free lifetime registration renewals. Please check on this, thanks.
A: I was very surprised to read this. I did some follow-up, and you're right, the free domain registration for Web Hosting Pad is for one year only. We're very sorry the information in our review and compare chart proved to be incorrect. While we do our best to provide up-to-date, accurate information on the products we review, we can't completely guarantee against discrepancies from either data entry errors or changes in service.
I found the same error on some other web hosting review sites. That may indicate that the offer has changed, or that it wasn't terribly clear on Web Hosting Pad's site. Still, the three-year plan ($1.99 per month, or $71.64 for the year) is a pretty good deal, and the free domain privacy is a big savings (you can pay up to $10 annually for that with other hosts).
We've updated our information, and while we know this is disappointing, we hope you will continue to visit NextAdvisor.com.
Why is Carbonite paused and how do I activate it?
December 22nd, 2009 - Posted by Kent
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question.
Q: I have a message that my Carbonite is paused. It gives me two choices.Dismiss or unpause. I click on unpause with no results. Why is it paused & how do I activate it?
A: We're not entirely sure why this is happening. Pausing is generally a user-activated function, and done for a designated period of time. While we can answer questions about our experiences with the service in general, we suggest that you contact Carbonite customer support for specific technical or account issues, as they have more experience with individual trouble shooting.
Updated 12/29: In our comments section, a reader suggested the following fix:
Carbonite may also be paused if you've set up a backup schedule. You can check this by right-clicking on your Carbonite lock icon in the system tray and selecting "Options…", then clicking the "Backup Schedule" tab.
If you select the first option, "Update my backup automatically", Carbonite should unpause and start backing up again.
Norton 2010 Coupon: 20% off
December 21st, 2009 - Posted by Kent
Norton has launched a new coupon for its award-winning Internet Security 2010. The new coupon code, 20OFFCNEXT2010, will get you 20% off of Norton's already discounted price of 59.99. The final price comes in at $47.99. Norton has been racking up with wins in the Internet security world, scoring big in recent tests by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.
The offer is valid through December 24th, 2010, so there's not much time to act on this offer. You can read our review of Norton Internet Security 2010 or, if you're ready, click here to purchase. Don't forget to enter coupon code "20OFFCNEXT2010" at checkout.
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