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Google rolls out enhanced 2-step security feature
Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Google, Internet,
Back in September, Google introduced the ability to add two-step verification for Google Apps accounts. What this means is that in order to log into your Google account, you not only enter your username and password, but you also enter an ever changing code. The code is sent to you by SMS, or can be found by using an iPhone, Blackberry, or Android app. This security feature makes it so that if someone finds your password by looking over your shoulder, phishing it, guessing it, or sniffing it from whichever network or computer you use, they will be unable to access your account, because they won't have access to this second factor authentication.
Now, Google just announced that they are rolling out the feature for all users. Over the coming days, a new option will appear in the Security tab of your Google Account. The feature is optional, and will allow you to use this option to better protect your account, either by receiving an automated call, SMS, or by using an app on your phone. This only occurs when you need to actually log on, which only happens on a new system or after a few months of use, so you won't need to do this every time you check your email. The process is not completely painless. The sign-up involves registering a backup number and one-time password, and you need to make special cases for apps which may need access to your Google account but do not support this feature, such as a desktop mail app. Still, it's a very good security measure, which everyone should look into.
Read More 
| Google Blog
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Hacker gains 10 million passwords from Trapster
Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Internet, Software,
In a reminder to always use strong, unique passwords on every service we use, we learn this week that Trapster, a web site and app used by over 10 million users, was targeted by a hacker which may have compromised the login and password information of all of their users. The company has posted an advisory urging people to change their password on the web site, and anywhere else they may be using the same password.
Read More | Peer360
Verizon, RIM, ATT looking to protect your smartphone from malicious attacks
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Software,
Many people take the security of their smartphones for granted. As the amount of private data communicated through smartphones increases, so does the threat of attacks from viruses and hackers. Choosing to act now rather than wait for a security fiasco, phone companies such as AT&T, are hiring security researchers to focus on strengthening the security of mobile phones from attacks. Since security has previously not been a major concern on mobile devices it will take some time (years) for these security measures to fully implement.
"Everyone is realizing that this is an uncontrolled environment," said Edward G. Amoroso, chief security officer of AT&T Inc. "We don't want to have the same problems that we had with PCs."
Read More | Wall Street Journal
2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Zomm wireless smartphone leash
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Features, Wireless / WiFi, Family, Women, Men, Techies, Teens, Under $100, Under $250, Under $500,
We've spent some time with the Zomm "wireless leash" and have come away impressed by the simplicity of the device, as it's one of those things that make you wonder why a product like it hasn't been available until now. With that, we thought it would be a good inclusion in our 2010 Holiday Gift Guide. The Zomm can be attached to your keychain, and connects to your smartphone over Bluetooth. Once paired, it becomes your wireless alarm system for your phone. For example, if you walk away from your phone, Zomm will sound a notification alarm and start vibrating, letting you know that you've left your device more than 30 feet away. This way, you don't leave a restaurant without your phone, or spend forever looking for it because you left it in the car (or, that you are in your car driving and left your phone at home!) Cool enough, but it does more.
Zomm also has an integrated speaker and microphone, so it also acts as a hands-free calling device. If your phone rings, Zomm will ring as well, and you just press the Z button to take the call without having to fish around for your phone while driving. Zomm also has a built-in panic alarm. Hold down the Z button and the alarm will go off. Continue holding it, and the Zomm will use the Bluetooth connection to your phone to dial 911, and it will let you speak with the authorities right from the Zomm device. This is seriously a cool piece of technology that is a must-have for those people who constantly leave their smartphones behind in cabs and restaurants, or just anyone who wants an extra layer of security with them at all times. You can get a Zomm from Newegg for $79.99.
Click to continue reading 2010 Holiday Gift Guide: Zomm wireless smartphone leash
Read More | Zomm Bluetooth Smartphone Leash
Intruder Arrested at Paris Hilton’s Home
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Television,
An intruder has been arrested at Paris Hilton‘s home. Police were called to the scene after a guard at the hotel heiress’ Los Angeles property was attacked by the suspect, who had reportedly snuck past a security gate yesterday afternoon and attempted to gain access to the house.
Mulholland Estates - the gated community where Paris lives - was then alerted to the scene when the intruder banged on the 29-year-old star’s door. Los Angeles Police Department officers promptly arrived at the property and arrested the man on suspicion of battery.
This isn’t the first time Paris has been faced with an intruder at her home. In August, 31-year-old Nathan Lee Parada was charged with attempted felony burglary after the socialite caught him attempting to break into her residence. “I can confirm that an armed man with two kitchen knives attempted to break in to Paris Hilton’s home when she was sleeping. The security cameras and alarm system were alerted, and the police immediately came to the house and arrested the intruder who was attempting to break a window when they arrived. Paris is naturally shaken by the events but is unharmed and well. She is very thankful to her security team and the police for their swift and diligent response,” a spokesperson said at the time.
Facial Recognition for the Nokia N900
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Science, Videos,
Sick of entering a PIN every time you turn on your phone? Want something a bit more futuristic to go with the vastly improved OS of your smartphone? The University of Manchester has the answer - facial recognition.
In order to keep your identity safe in the very likely situation of misplacing your phone, the University of Manchester has created a sophisticated facial recognition technology called the Active Appearance modeling technique that locks in and tracks twenty-two of your facial features, even when upside down. The facial recognition technology was created as a way to access social media sites securely through your smartphone, but no word yet as far as how quickly it works in action. Check out the video after the jump.
Read More | Manchester
VIDEO: Crowd Angered by Canceled Drake Concert
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Performances, Videos, Hip-Hop & Rap,
Note to promoters everywhere: Never underestimate the size of a free concert—especially when it involves a former Degrassi star. In particular, a Degrassi star now known as Drake.
On Tuesday, an event promoted by Paper magazine was called off by police before it even started. The reason? Too many people and not enough security. Although organizers predicted approximately 10,000 to watch Drake - and Hanson - perform, the crowd was more than twice that size. It was estimated that nearly 25,000 showed up at Pier 17 on Manhattan’s South Street Seaport.
Click to continue reading VIDEO: Crowd Angered by Canceled Drake Concert
Read More | Redlasso
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Presidential security
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Movies,
Sarah Jessica Parker has security worthy of a US President on the set of her new movie. The 44-year-old actress began shooting Sex and the City 2 in New York earlier this week, and has been hounded by over-enthusiastic fans keen to get a glimpse of their idol.
“The film’s security team looked more like they were protecting the president than Sarah Jessica Parker,” a source said. “At one point, teenage girls were practically trampling each other trying to get to Sarah Jessica as she was walking back to her trailer, but her security team was shoving everyone out of the way.”
Click to continue reading Sarah Jessica Parker’s Presidential security
Read More | New York Daily News
Running Snow Leopard? You’d better upgrade Flash Player
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Internet, Software,
Oddly enough, amidst all the tweaks, fixes, and refinements in Snow Leopard is an old version of the Adobe Flash Player. Specifically, the version of Flash Player that is included in Snow Leopard is 10.0.23.1. Problem is, the newer 10.0.32.18 includes fixes for a few security holes that, we assume, you’d prefer weren’t left on your system. If you’re running Snow Leopard and haven’t upgraded Flash yet, head on over to the Flash Player download page to take care of it.
Read More | Adobe
Flash Drive Lock aims to protect your data
Posted by Mark Rollins Categories: Accessories, USB, Storage,
For those of you who want some added security to your flash drive should consider the Flash Drive Lock. Hopefully, an info-thief won’t be able to dial the 1,000 possible combinations before you catch him or her trying to steal from you.
This little extra piece of security will cost you about $9.80 and is available Read More | Red Ferret
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