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"Phishing" Scam Steals Personal Data from Thousands of U.S. Citizens

Author: Atelier

20 May

illustration38 suspects have been charged with crimes involving the theft of names, Social Security identification numbers, credit card information and other personal data from U.S. Internet users and financial institutions.
The U.S. government has found incriminating evidence to support the indictment of members of a global crime ring for illegally collecting personal data from trusting Internet users. More than half of those charged are Romanian while the scams were also managed from the United States, Canada, Portugal and Pakistan. Two Romanians involved in both schemes linked the cases.
The scam, known as “phishing,” involves obtaining information through fraudulent e-mails that direct Internet users to fake websites that seem legitimate and ask for personal information. The e-mails may also include attachments to install “spyware” that can capture personal data that is sent to third parties over the Internet.
The latest offenses indicate the growing threat of organized crime groups committing crimes over the Internet.
“International organized crime poses a serious threat not only to the United States and Romania but to all nations,” Deputy Attorney General Mark R. Filip said in a statement from Bucharest, where the charges were announced. “Criminals who exploit the power and convenience of the Internet do not recognize national borders; therefore our efforts to prevent their attacks cannot end at our borders either.”
Racketeering, bank fraud and identity theft are among the charges against 33 people in Los Angeles. Prosecutors believe the Romanian con artists gathered thousands of credit and debit card account numbers and other personal information from people who responded to the spam e-mail. The collected data were then routed to the United States for encoding on magnetic cards that could be used to withdraw money from bank accounts.
By Kathleen Clark

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    • New Data Shows Identity Theft Occurrence at Major Banks

    Author: Atelier

    14 May

    cybercriminalA new study conducted at the University of California’s Berkeley Center for Law and Technology reveals which U.S. financial institutions have the highest occurrences of identity theft claims.
    Using the Freedom of Information Act, researcher Chris Hoofnagle applied identity theft complaint data collected by the Federal Trade Commission in 2006 to research determining which institutions reported a higher incidence of theft. In releasing the results of the study, Hoofnagle aims to reveal to consumers which institutions reported a higher incidence of customer account takeovers.
    More than ever, identity theft is an important issue, especially in an age where personal information hovers in cyberspace where billions upon billions of people surf each day. Thus, according to Hoofnagle, institutions owe it to customers to be open about theft concern.
    On the whole, financial institutions recorded the most incidents of theft compared to other types of institutions.
    Bank of America led the list with 3,351identity theft claims during January, March and September of 2006. JP Morgan/Chase/Bank One fell in at number two with 1,839 incidents, followed by Capital One with 1,328 incidents.
    The results also recognized theft in the telecommunications industry with AT&T and Sprint leading with the highest occurrences; though, no metric exists in the research to compare financial institutions with telecom companies.
    Hoofnagle admits to gaps in the research and welcomes “constructive criticism, suggestions, and comments in an effort to shine light on the identity theft problem.” The study is only an initial attempt to measure how institutions perform while handling theft.
    Ultimately, Hoofnagle hopes his study will promote a standard dialogue between consumers and companies concerning the occurrence of identity theft. As the data is built upon and improved, consumers can use the information to choose safer institutions, and company regulators can better monitor theft and protect customers in addition to themselves.
    By Kathleen Clark

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    • Technology Companies Create Forum To Network Household Electronics

    Author: Atelier

    1 May

    illustrationSeveral top technology companies have formed a group to promote the networking of household electronics in order to more easily share digital media.
    Panasonic, Intel, Infineon and Texas Instruments are the four leading members of the HomeGrid Forum, a panel comprised of technology companies in order to make standard the wiring of PCs, TVs and entertainment systems.
    The goal is to make all of these household technologies operational through a computer, thus limiting the amount of remote controls and labor involved in switching from one to the other.
    The four companies will test and market a standard to bring together the electronics through the electricity and cable lines already existent and in use in most American houses.
    “Powerline is the most ubiquitous technology in the world. You have powerlines to almost every house in the world,” Intel’s Matt Theall, president of the new HomeGrid Forum said on a conference call to Msnbc.com.
    Within a year they hope that new products will be compatible with this network standard and enable simple sharing of media between them.
    The four companies will work with the International Telecommunications Union and a standard they have already been working on, hopefully speeding up the process and bringing the technology to homes more quickly.
    The HomeGrid Forum is similar to the Wi-Fi Alliance, in which a similar group of companies worked to make wireless the household standard and produced thousands of products to be wireless-compatible.
    Seven other members of the HomeGrid Forum include Aware, Gigle Semiconductor, Pulse Link, Ikanos, Sigma Designs, DS2 and Westell, with more companies to come into the group.
    Household electronics integration will probably prosper come a year from now, and it will be just the beginning of networked technologies.
    By Danny Scuderi

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    • The Weekly Gadget Review of Ubergizmo

    Author: Atelier

    28 Apr

    This week, Atelier reviews what is trendy on the web magazine of our great expert contributor. Ubergizmo.com is dedicated to consumer electronics news and reviews.

    Spoon Scales for Weight Watchers
    Spoon Scales for Weight Watchers
    If you’re extremely meticulous about what goes into your mouth, then the Spoon Scales would be the perfect dining room gadget for you. This spoon features a built-in scale that will be able to detect the weight of anything (preferably food) between 0.1 to 300 grams, and is accurate to 1/10th of a gram. An integrated LCD display shows the current weight, and you can toggle switch to ounces if you aren’t too comfortable with the metric system. The Spoon Scale is made out of ABS plastic, while it’s handle uses stainless steel for a more classy approach. Pro-idee is selling the Spoon Scale for $35.

    Earthquake Study Involves Laptop Accelerometers
    Earthquake Study Involves Laptop Accelerometers
    Simologists at Stanford have found an innovative method to gather quake data - by using laptops equipped with accelerometers. This method saves resources for scientists by using your laptops that are deployed across a widespread area, especially in places such as SF and LA with plans to move into different zones later. Owners of a MacBook, iBook or Powerbook made after 2005 can join in this effort to inform people about quakes after it happens, or even functioning as a warning system. After all, every single micro-second counts, and the system is smart enough to tell the different between a real big earthquake compared to vibrations from a passing truck, a bump to a table, or even a minor earthquake. I think this will prove more useful than the SETI home project.

    Sea Instrument Dive Computer
    Sea Instrument Dive Computer
    The Seat Instrument dive computer was recently launched by Danish watch designers Linde Werdelin, clipping onto the Biformeter watc and providing you with all the necessary information whenever you go diving. It will come in two versions - steel and gold, where the former is $3,000 while the latter is way out of reach at $46,000. Both versions are useless if you do not fork out $5,000 for the Biformeter in the first place. Other features include:

    • Full color 220 x 176-pixel LCD screen
    • 150 grams
    • 128MB flash memory
    • Internal temperature sensor, in-water sensor, light sensor
    • Water-resistant to 1,000 meters
    • Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
    • USB charger

    Walkie Talkie Watches
    Walkie Talkie Watches
    Keep in touch with a friend in the neighborhood with the Walkie Talkie watch, as this new model boasts a stunning range of up to 1.5 miles. Hey, at least you get to save on your monthly phone bill, right?Each purchase comes with an earpiece for discrete listening without having any busybodies eavesdrop on you. Features of these wrist walkie talkies include:

    • 1.5 mile range
    • Auto Squelch system - automatically cuts off weak transmissions
    • Auto-off to save power
    • Flex and Talk Operation
    • Voice Operated Transmission (VOX)
    • Digital volume control
    • Backlight for LCD display
    • 3.5mm jack socket for use with earphones

    Gizoo is currently selling the Walkie Talkie Watches for £32.95 each.

    F1/Carbon GMT Concept Watch
    F1/Carbon GMT Concept Watch
    Things don’t get any more precise than Formula 1, and the concept F1/Carbon GMT watch is definitely a thing of beauty. Inspired by the world of F1, designer John Pszeniczny has decided to throw in a carbon fiber body, Swarovski crystals, rubber and metal into this timepiece that features 18 identical rubies while telling the time in all 18 cities on the 2008 F1 circuit. Other features include a built-in lap timer function and a stopwatch. I suppose if this was released, it will also be one of the fastest wallet emptiers in history, probably hitting $0 from $20,000 in the time you take to swipe your credit card.

    Electric Motion Systems E+ Bike
    Electric Motion Systems E+ Bike
    Electric bikes seem to be getting the popular vote these days, and the new Electric Motion Systems E+ bike is another addition to a growing list. While DOT requirements state that a road-going electric bike ought to have its speed limit capped at 20 mph, the E+ can hit 30 mph when traveling off the beaten path. Without turning the pedals even once, the E+ is able to manage 20 miles on a single charge, whereas if you throw in some pedaling as well you can double the range. It won’t be cheap though as you will need to fork out at least $3,495, and you can choose from a cruiser or mountainbike frame. And to think that bicycles were once meant to be exercise machines…

    Uno One-Wheeled Motorcycle
    Uno One-Wheeled Motorcycle
    The Uno is an interesting mode of transport - it is a one wheeled-looking motorcycle in essence, and it looks as though only the foolhardy and brave will take this out for a spin.
    The orange and grey coloured Uno made its first public appearance balanced on its two side-by-side wheels and its footpegs. Looking more like it should have been ridden by George Jetson as he pulled up to his space platform, it looked out of place amid the other custom creations in the building.
    I wonder how much one of these costs. Probably an arm, a leg and both kidneys.

    Man Builds own Solar-Electric Bike
    Man Builds own Solar-Electric Bike
    Brent Hatch must’ve gotten sick and tired of paying ever higher prices for gas, driving him to create this DIY Solar Electric Bike from scratch. Apparently, his gas bill has surpassed the $700 mark (both he and his wife has seven children), causing him to purchase an 8-seater bicycle while affixing a bunch of roof-mounted solar panels to rev up an electric motor. You won’t go very fast with this puppy, but at least short commutes to and from school to pick up the young ‘uns will be much easier on the wallet. Hopefully the other kids play nice and won’t ridicule Brent’s offspring.

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    • The Internet Provides Medium for National Security Threat

    Author: Atelier

    23 Apr

    department of homeland security sealThe Internet is a growing hub of national security threats to the U.S., as hackers are finding more ways to infiltrate heavily protected computers to access sensitive information.
    According to an investigation by BusinessWeek, hackers are breaching networks through emails that look like legitimate correspondences between the U.S. government and defense contracting companies.
    The attacks target specific individuals who are known defense contractors with access to extremely sensitive data such as international weapons sales. They obtain the personal information, such as job title and responsibilities, through public information on company websites or through infected computers.
    With that knowledge, they send an email posing as a legitimate partner with the victim—the U.S. military, for example—and trick him/her into opening an email. Once opened, the email unleashes a new kind of malware known as RAT (remote administration tool).
    RAT enables the attacker to control the host computer in a variety of ways, including taking screen shots and browsing files, and then relaying that information back to the attacker.
    U.S. officials say that many of these attacks are government-sponsored, citing a Web site linked with several recent security breaches. The website is registered in China, and though the Chinese government denies the allegations, U.S. officials say the government’s strict control of the internet makes that unlikely.
    “The new breed of threat that has evolved is nation-state-sponsored stuff,” says Amit Yoran, a former director of Homeland Security’s National Cyber Security Division.
    Sophistication makes detecting the viruses more and more difficult. Of 34 anti-virus software programs, only 11 detected a recent attack titled Poison Ivy when a test on behalf of BusinessWeek was conducted.
    Cyber security threats are rising (up 55% in military networks compared to last year), and without proper protection identity theft might be a small worry when it comes to lost data.
    By Danny Scuderi

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    • Customized Security Training Protects Corporations Against Data Disclosures

    Author: Atelier

    17 Apr

    illustrationAn organization seeking to prevent corporate data leaks is advised to customize security training based on an employee’s job function.
    A recent InfoWorld article outlines why experts believe customized employee training can prevent data loss. Because everyone at a company from security guards to IT staff to high-level executives have the ability to override security measures, tailoring security training for every department can strengthen data loss prevention efforts. Well-trained employees can not only prevent non-employees with fake IDs from entering the building, but can also avoid unknowingly revealing company information through messaging systems (i.e. e-mail, instant messaging, and FTP systems).
    One expert, Bruce Schneier, is a security expert in Mountain View, Calif. who likens effective corporate IT protection to security management in casinos. “If you look at a casino floor, you will notice immediately that people are watching people,” he says as reported by InfoWorld. “That’s because a lot of cash is moving, and it’s moving very quickly.”
    Similarly, a corporation should monitor every employee to prevent mistakes from occurring. “People are the weakest link in security. They always have been, and you will never change that,” Schneier says.
    Each person employed by an organization works on some level with corporate assets and has a responsibility to protect those assets. An organization that effectively educates their employees as to their duties and how to successfully manage the risks of their job is least likely to confront data leaks.
    What’s more, IT security managers are advised to explain to workers that security measures exist for the benefit of both employer and employee.
    “If employees realize they could lose their jobs over something that could have been prevented by practicing common-sense security measures, they are given extra incentive to play by the rules,” notes Eddie Zeitler, executive director of International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium Inc. in Palm Harbor, Florida.
    A corporation is only as strong as its employees. Thus, effectively communicating to and training employees will ultimately reduce the risk of security breaches and create a safer work environment.
    By Kathleen Clark

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    • The weekly gadget review at Ubergizmo

    Author: Atelier

    14 Apr

    This week, Atelier reviews what is trendy on the web magazine of our great expert contributor. Ubergizmo.com is dedicated to consumer electronics news and reviews.

    I/O Concept Watch
    I/O Concept Watch

    How many hi-tech watches that you see in the market these days cater for females? Chances are the answer will be none. The I/O concept aims to change that perspective (assuming it actually takes off), featuring a cuff bracelet design complete with a hidden digital clock that lights up only when you need to tell the time, making this more of a fashion accessory that tells the time instead of a good looking watch. All you need to do is touch the dot whenever you want to check on the time - works like a charm, eh?

    Bad Breath Checker
    Bad Breath Checker

    There is nothing quite like bad breath to totally ruin your chances at a social event, which is why brushing one’s teeth before a social engagement along with a pack of mints are essential “to do” items virtually every day. The Bad Breath Checker confirms your worst fears that it isn’t your ride that’s scaring the chicks away - it is a case of bad breath instead. Each purchase comes with a backlit LCD display that offers scoring on a scale of 1 to 6. The lower it is, the better your breath smells. In addition, it is capable of measuring your blood alcohol level so you will be able to make better judgement on whether you can drive home safely or not. The Bad Breath Checker retails for $59 each.

    Cold Seat Fends Off Summer Heat Cold Seat Fends Off Summer Heat

    The sweltering summer heat is nothing to joke about, and kids are more subsceptible to heat than we adults so leaving them in a car is a big no-no. Even worse is the fact that most kids seat behind while mom and dad are upfront, enjoying the full blast of the air-condition system. The Cold Seat aims to alleviate little ones’ suffering, but it will take some preparation beforehand. First, you will need to stick it in the freezer before the next car ride and fasten it onto a standard car seat when you and your family are good to go. It is simple to store and carry around without adding too much weight or bulk to your boot, but somehow I think purchasing a car with air-condition vents for the rear passengers is a much better idea. At least you don’t have to contend with the problem of condensation.

    Thanko USB Face Mask Thanko USB Face Mask

    Thanko has released its new USB-powered face mask that claims to keep your face cool, although I am pretty sure it will elicit some unwelcome comments from your colleagues whenever you put this on at the office. After all, I must say one would look extremely silly wearing it, not to mention the probability that you might actually forget you’re wearing something connected to your computer’s USB port, hence yanking it accidentally whenever you get up. Features include a soft silicon material used in manufacturing and a quiet variable-speed fan. The USB Face Mask will retail for approximately $24 in Japan.

    Fujitsu Vein Scanner Comes To The US

    Fujitsu Vein Scanner Comes To The US
    Fujitsu’s PalmSecure log-in kit will be making its way Stateside pretty soon, and the entire kit consists of a mouse with an embedded PalmSecure authentication sensor in addition to OmniPass software that substitutes Windows and application passwords with sensor readings. According to Fujitsu, the highly unique human vein pattern in a hand is extremely unique, and being highly accurate this is one of the better ways to ensure the risk of your computer getting hacked is minimized. There is no word on pricing, but the whole works ought to be available this June.

    Digital Cutting Board<
    Digital Cutting BoardMost cutting boards are but plain colored rectangles, but the Digital Cutting Board from Nardo Design is worlds apart from what we have in the market today. It is equipped with a flexible LCD display that shows cooking instructions on it to help you achieve that perfect meal. In addition, it also allows you to read up on downloaded recipes which you have a personal interest in. Chromium handles on both ends complete the Digital Cutting Board, and it will be made out of environmentally-friendly components which do not pollute our world after disposal. Unfortunately, the Digital Cutting Board is but a concept at this point in time, so you’ll be better off with a flat panel TV in your kitchen for now.

    Find all the sources, and discover more consumer electronics news and reviews at Ubergizmo.com.
    ubergizmo

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    • Hackers Attack Google Search Engine

    Author: Atelier

    3 Apr

    A new wave of hacking is targeting Google searches and infecting unsuspecting users.
    PC infections occur when users click on tainted Web sites from Google searches and are brought to the site they requested but simultaneously directed to a host server which installs malicious software on the computer.
    Hackers plant malicious search terms along with popular ones in Web addresses so that the targeted site ranks in the top of Google search results.
    The hackers also target sites that use JavaScript, a popular Web tool that enhances a site’s look and performance, and they can even manipulate Web sites into running corrupted versions of the program.
    Web sites that fail to carefully handle the program are at risk. Santa Clara’s WhiteHat Security says that means 7 out of 10 websites are vulnerable.
    The infection allows users to spread viruses from the infected computer and possibly install a keystroke program that transmits passwords to hackers. Consequently, sensitive information can be passed along.
    The biggest problem with the new wave of attacks is the difficulty in knowing whether a Web site has been infected because they look the same as a clean one.
    Big-name Web sites like Target, USAToday, and Wired have been victims of the attacks, according to Dancho Danchev, a Netherlands-based security blogger.
    On Tuesday, Google said it is working on a filter to automatically block the infected sites from appearing on search results, and they are also contacting infected organizations to help solve the problem.
    The search engine attacks are the newest in a recent wave of hackings, as March alone yielded several hundred thousand corrupted Web sites in Google searches, according to David Dewey, manager of IBM’s X-Force security division.
    Because of the bug’s invisibility, we will have to trust that Google is solving the problem quickly.
    By Danny Scuderi

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    • Wells Fargo to Offer Online Safe-Deposit Box for the Security Minded

    Author: Atelier

    27 Mar

    Wells Fargo & Company will soon offer its retail banking customers a personal online safe-deposit box.

    The Wells Fargo vSafe service is designed to store digital records or copies of records, such as financial statements, loan and tax documents, and even wills. It is expected to roll out this summer and be available to all Wells Fargo customers by the end of 2008.

    The service will allow Wells Fargo customers to access any stored documents through the secured Online Banking service from any computer that has an Internet connection. Wells Fargo maintains that customers need not fear a breach in security since the bank will institute the same level of security used for all their online banking services. Additional measures, however, will be in place to encrypt information as it crosses the Internet and while it’s stored. An RSA SecurID token that adds a layer of authentication, for instance, will be available for a one-time fee of $25.

    Prices will vary for different plans based on the amount of storage required. Customers will pay $4.95 per month for 1 gigabyte of storage, comparable to about 10,000 documents. $9.95 a month will buy customers 3 gigabytes of storage while $9.95 a month will buy 6 gigabytes.

    Wells Fargo will face competition from cheaper and well-established services such as Mozy, which offers 2 gigabytes for free and charges $4.95 a month for unlimited storage, as well as Microsoft’s SkyDrive, which offers 5 gigabytes for free.

    Nonetheless, Wells Fargo expects success within their own customer base and beyond, claiming to be the first financial services company to offer this type of service to customers. It remains to be seen if this will be the case since most people these days are still leery of storing personal information on the Internet.

    By Kathleen Clark

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    • Wikileaks. Highly Confidential Documents Made Available to Public.

    Author: Atelier

    13 Mar

    wikileaks logoWikileaks.org challenges governments and businesses to clean up their corruption by posting their documents for the public to see.
    Launched in December 2006, Wikileaks is a forum for the anonymous uploading of government and corporate documents for the global community to examine for their credibility. Because leaking such materials can carry punishments as severe as death in some countries, wikileaks.org assures people that it uses “sophisticated cryptographic and postal techniques [in order] to minimize the risks that anonymous sources face.”
    According to the website, their interest is “in exposing oppressive regimes in Asia, the former Soviet bloc, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East,” but they aim “to be of assistance to people of all regions who wish to reveal unethical behavior in their governments and corporations.”
    The website now has over 1.2 million documents covering 109 countries, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, but because of an unexpected surge in popular demand, the site will not be going live for several months. Still, Wikileaks has plenty of viewable classified documents aimed at exposing the corruption in various governments and corporations “for maximum political impact.”

    Wikileaks believes “that transparency in government activities leads to reduced corruption, better government, and stronger democracies.”

    By disclosing sensitive documents for the betterment of the public, wikileaks.org embraces the title “whistleblower site” and encourages its anonymous contributors to be referred to “as ‘investigative journalists,’ ‘analysts,’ ‘open government activists’ or, especially in an African context, ‘anti-corruption activists.’”
    Although not associated with Wikipedia, it functions similarly to it. Anyone can submit documents to the site about anything related to government and corporate ethics, but before they are posted every article is reviewed by a team of professional journalists and anti-corruption analysts. People can also edit and submit changes to the articles they read, and such changes go through the same review process.
    With such sensitive material, the website faces much scrutiny, namely by the corporations and governments it implicates.

    Baer drops case against wikileaks
    SWISS BANK JULIUS BAER DROPS ENTIRE CASE AGAINST WIKILEAKS

    Wikileaks has already been taken to court over documents posted on its website. On February 14th, 2008, Julius Baer Bank and Trust Company, a Cayman Island bank entity, filed an order prohibiting the site from disclosing documents they say contain “stolen or otherwise wrongfully obtained confidential and protected bank files and records.”

    Dynadot, Wikileaks’ domain name registrar and web host, was initially forced to disable the domain name, but later it was restored. As of March 5, 2008 the case was dropped with a strong defense of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment of freedom of speech and of the press. Wikileaks has already won its first battle, and it will probably not be their last.
    Access Wikileaks here or through a secured page: https://secure.wikileaks.org
    By Danny Scuderi

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