computer security myths
Why protect your social security number?
A lot of people are always worried about their social security number being found out. And I am getting a little freaked out because my HR department lost one of my papers with my SS# on it in a moving transition. So why exactly are people afraid of it being found out. I mean really, how can a normal person use it? I figure only computer hackers can use that information or illegal immigrants to get registration, but I have heard reports that you can gain access to bank accounts and signup for accounts that include credit card payments and such. Is this true or myth? Should I be worried that the paper might be found by some young thug on the street versus a business executive? HELP Please.
A lot of companies use your SS# as a way of registering for things instead of your name. For instance, Comcast does this. If someone got ahold of your SS#, they could take out an account with your number, rack up a huge bill, and then YOU would be responsible for it because it was your number. Your question about credit card companies; I’m not sure about gaining access to accounts already in existence, but I know they can certainly open up cards with your number, rack up huge bills, and then you would ultimately be responsible for the carges incured unless you can somehow prove that you didn’t charge them yourself. Keeping your SS# underwraps is very important. I wouldn’t necessarily be worried that some young tug would find it, because the likelyhood that will happen is slim. I would however, keep an eye on stuff, there are lots of credit report sites that can help you with this.
|
|
The Myths of Security: What the Computer Security Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know $18.52 If you think computer security has improved in recent years, The Myths of Security will shake you out of your complacency. Longtime security professional John Viega, formerly Chief Security Architect at McAfee, reports on the sorry state of the industry, and offers concrete suggestions for professionals and individuals confronting the issue. Why is security so bad? With many more people online th… |
|
|
This is Not a Hoax: Urban Legends on the Internet $19.95 PASS THIS ALONG TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT! Creepy criminals in the back seat of your station wagon, gangsters flashing their headlights, hypodermic needles on the movie theatre seats … are you safe to leave your house? Lock the doors, play it safe, and check your emails … but be wary of the computer viruses out there, ready to destroy your life with the click of the mouse! Why go to a boring j… |
|
|
The Myth of Homeland Security $2.49 “As I write this, I’m sitting in a restaurant in a major U.S. airport, eating my breakfast with a plastic knife and fork. I worked up quite an appetite getting here two hours early and shuffling in the block-long lines until I got to the security checkpoint where I could take off my shoes, remove my belt, and put my carry-on luggage through the screening system … “What’s going on? It’s h… |
