File Shredders for Security

So you delete a file and it goes into your Recycle Bin, then you empty the Recycle Bin and it’s gone. You think so anyway. It isn’t. Windows simply removes the reference to the files, and with Recovery Software it is very easy to recover deleted items.

Use these programs with extreme caution, ensuring your PC is backed up first.

With these products you can safely shred confidential information. If you are replacing your PC or Hard Drive, would you leave any personal identification on it? Many people do, thinking that a reformat will wipe any sensitive data, yet most Recovery Software programs can easily recover these files. If it has been securely shredded it is almost impossible to recover depending upon the algorithm of the shredder.

File Shredder is a free program for Personal and Commercial use.It is a fast, safe and reliable utility.

You have the option to shred files or complete folders, along with 5 different algorithms:

Simple One Pass

Simple Two Pass

DoD 5520-22.M

Secure Erasing Algorithm with 7 Passes

Guttman Algorithm 35 Passes.

It has a Windows Shell Integration which means that you can right click any file or folder and select File Shredder which then gives you the option to Secure Delete, Remember to be deleted later or to Call Up the File Shredder which will open the program.

You will be asked for confirmation before shredding any items, they do NOT get shredded by adding them to File Shredder and you have the option to remove items before shredding is started.

You can also Shred Free Disk Space on your hard drive, which will shred unused or free space across the whole volume which includes previously deleted items. This option may take some time depending on which algorithm you choose and the speed of your PC.

The author of this program has issued it in the belief that everyone has the right to permanently remove private and confidential documents as a basic right to privacy.

File Shredder is compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Server and Vista.

The download file is 1.2 mb and is available here.

There is another File Shredder from HandyBits, which is free for personal use only and again is compatible with Windows OS.

This shredder features simple drag&drop files or folders to the Desktop Icon, over writing data up to 15 times, Windows Shell Integration, Multi Language Support, Custom Backgrounds, a Drop Target Window which stays on top of other windows, Useful Tips and Online Help.

The download file is 1.55 MB and is available here

A word of caution.

Backup your system before making any changes.

Any files that are accidentally deleted to the Recycle Bin and subsequently deleted upon emptying the Recycle Bin can be recovered using a recovery program such as Recuva.

Once shredded using file shredders, they may well be beyond normal recovery methods.

File Shredders for Security

So you delete a file and it goes into your Recycle Bin, then you empty the Recycle Bin and it’s gone. You think so anyway. It isn’t. Windows simply removes the reference to the files, and with Recovery Software it is very easy to recover deleted items.

Use these programs with extreme caution, ensuring your PC is backed up first.

With these products you can safely shred confidential information. If you are replacing your PC or Hard Drive, would you leave any personal identification on it? Many people do, thinking that a reformat will wipe any sensitive data, yet most Recovery Software programs can easily recover these files. If it has been securely shredded it is almost impossible to recover depending upon the algorithm of the shredder.

File Shredder is a free program for Personal and Commercial use.It is a fast, safe and reliable utility.

You have the option to shred files or complete folders, along with 5 different algorithms:

Simple One Pass

Simple Two Pass

DoD 5520-22.M

Secure Erasing Algorithm with 7 Passes

Guttman Algorithm 35 Passes.

It has a Windows Shell Integration which means that you can right click any file or folder and select File Shredder which then gives you the option to Secure Delete, Remember to be deleted later or to Call Up the File Shredder which will open the program.

You will be asked for confirmation before shredding any items, they do NOT get shredded by adding them to File Shredder and you have the option to remove items before shredding is started.

You can also Shred Free Disk Space on your hard drive, which will shred unused or free space across the whole volume which includes previously deleted items. This option may take some time depending on which algorithm you choose and the speed of your PC.

The author of this program has issued it in the belief that everyone has the right to permanently remove private and confidential documents as a basic right to privacy.

File Shredder is compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Server and Vista.

The download file is 1.2 mb and is available here.

There is another File Shredder from HandyBits, which is free for personal use only and again is compatible with Windows OS.

This shredder features simple drag&drop files or folders to the Desktop Icon, over writing data up to 15 times, Windows Shell Integration, Multi Language Support, Custom Backgrounds, a Drop Target Window which stays on top of other windows, Useful Tips and Online Help.

The download file is 1.55 MB and is available here

A word of caution.

Backup your system before making any changes.

Any files that are accidentally deleted to the Recycle Bin and subsequently deleted upon emptying the Recycle Bin can be recovered using a recovery program such as Recuva.

Once shredded using file shredders, they may well be beyond normal recovery methods.

Job Scams - What You Really Need To Know

More and more people now use the internet searching for work but those that are also risk putting themselves in jeopardy.

Job scams are on the increase, and with that it also means that those that apply for these jobs are at greater risk of Identity Theft and Fraud.

You may be asked to provide personal information such as your Full Name, Bank Account details, Credit Card information, PayPal information, Social Security Number, Drivers License, Home Address……with this arsenal of information in the wrong hands you could have a serious problem.

Identity Protection is extremely important online for everyone.

For Job Seekers it is even more important as some of the companies that are recruiting offer very attractive salaries, and appear to be genuine and big companies, some with very well known industry names.

But the people behind thse will often recreate a complete website, which to all intents and purposes looks like the real thing…..and then they start a recruitment drive, advertising for employees who may need to relocate, and offer extremely good packages to you.

There are several ways to discover if a job offer is real or a scam, I highly recommend that you head on over to Oil Offshore Marine and read what they have to say about this and also check their list of known scams.

They also offer a Free Checking System where if you get a job offer that you are unsure about, email them the details and they will investigate it to see if the offer is by a genuine company or whether it is a scam.

Oil Offshore Marine is the Worldwide Center of Oil & Gas Jobs.

I highly recommend that you read their blog Beware of Job Scams, it really is an eye opener, and it could save YOU from being duped.

Social networking and safety

Social networking sites are taking the internet by storm, largely because of their popularity with kids and teens. However, they are also attracting “groomers” who pretend to be kids in order to stalk young people and abuse them.

What exactly are social networking sites?

It’s a rather long name but it means sites which allow people to put up information about themselves such as interests, favourite music, photo galleries and diaries. People make friends by adding new contacts to their list of friends, giving them access to personal information and then chatting via instant message or email. Some sites even allow users to chat via webcam.

Popular social networking sites include MySpace, Bebo, Faceparty, Friendster, Orkut and MSN Spaces.

What are the dangers?

Making a fool of yourself.
If people put up pictures of themselves, or write personal diaries then they need to remember that, apart from their friends, there are other people who may use this information in a nasty way.

Child abusers making friends with kids.
If youngsters put lots of information about themselves on the Internet this gives “groomers” lots of ways of making friends with them (pretending to be kids themselves) and contacting them. If they put their school name and where they hang out then it’s easier to do this.

Bullying.
If a bully gets hold of a kid’s private pictures or diary then they can use this to be cruel and send round to others with unpleasant messages and so on.

Keeping you and your kids safe:

Don’t let young kids use social networking sites.
Many sites say you should be over 14 or even 16. Most parental control programs block these sites.

Don’t add unknown people to your friends list.
Only add people who are your “real” friends (not people you meet on the Internet) to your friends list or provide access to your area.

Don’t meet up with people you meet on the Internet.
If kids must do it, make sure an adult comes along, at least for the first time.

Remember that people aren’t always who they say they are.
The worst is that they may be child abusers “grooming” and so pretending to be kids in order to meet up, or they may be people who are bullies wanting to be unkind or even criminals who want to defraud you. If people are unpleasant you should be able to block them from contacting you.

Don’t put your personal information on your site.
Don’t put your address, mobile number, school name and things like where you hang out - people may use this against you.

Tell people what you are doing.
Kids should tell their parents about what is going on and who they are chatting with. Likewise, parents should be open so that kids feel comfortable talking about what goes on, so they have someone to turn to who won’t over-react.

Report abuse.
Find out how you can report bad behaviour on the site you are using or if it’s more serious to the authorities. Kids should talk to an adult they trust about bullying.

Top tips for kids

1.Tell your parents what you are doing.
If they understand it, they’ll be happier with you using the internet. Don’t give anyone your password, except maybe your parents.
2. Be careful with your mobile
Don’t send pictures that might embarrass you, even to your best friend. Someone can get hold of your camera and be nasty to you.
3. Don’t give anyone your school name
Don’t give your school name, address or phone number to people you communicate with on the internet.
4. Don’t meet up with internet friends
If you must, then take an adult with you. People are not always who they pretend to be.
5. Tell someone
Tell someone if people are saying things you don’t like or bullying you. If you don’t get help, ask advice from another adult.
6. Report it
Report bad behaviour to the website you are using.
7. Don’t let bullies win
Print off and save any messages and show someone like a parent or teacher and ask them to help. If the first person doesn’t help, then ask someone else.
8. Don’t respond to nasty emails
Don’t respond to nasty emails or messages. Block or ignore the sender.
9. Could it embarrass you?
Don’t put photos or things that might embarrass you on the internet.
10. Be nice even if they’re angry
Be as nice online as you are offline. If someone makes you angry don’t be angry back. Tell someone else or report it, but don’t get into a fight online.

Top tips for parents

1. Get involved
Open the lines of communication between you and your kids about what they are doing.
2. Don’t go overboard
Know the risks but don’t ban the internet outright, it’s a great tool. If you are over-anxious your kids won’t tell you what they are doing.
3. Agree on the ground rules
These will depend on the age of your children and the type of websites you are happy for them to view.
4. Put the computer in a main room
With your PC in a main room such as the living room, you will be able to keep an eye on what’s going on.
5. The internet is part of school life
Schoolwork these days often includes internet research and used safely the web represents an important learning resource.
6. Parental control software
Install software which is designed to block websites that are not suitable for kids.
7. Chat and instant messaging
If you are in the dark as to what these things are, then ask your kids to teach you.
8. Be careful about plagiarism and homework
The internet makes it very easy for kids to search the net and copy other people’s work. They need educating about the difference between research and plain copying.
9. Bullying on the internet
Be aware that this is a growing problem for kids particularly when using email, chat rooms or messageboards. Make sure you are there to listen if they need to talk.
10. Report abuse when you see it
Forums aimed at children are generally well-moderated and should respond to complaints.

Child abuse
The Child Safety and Online Protection Centre handle all child related reports. If you are in the UK then this is the best place to make reports. If it’s international (for example on a US website) then you should go to the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT). The VGT is a partnership of international law enforcement agencies, working together to make the Internet a safer place. The VGT aims to identify, locate and help children at risk, to hold perpetrators appropriately to account, and help prevent child abuse around the world.

Internet Watch Foundation
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) works with Internet Service Providers, Police and Government to try to reduce the availability of illegal Internet content, particularly child abuse images. If you wish report the content of a particular site to the IWF, you can do so on their website at iwf.org.uk

Phishing For Your Identity

Who hasn't received an email directing them to visit a
familiar website where they are being asked to update their
personal information? The website needs you to verify or
update your passwords, credit card numbers, social security
number, or even your bank account number. You recognize
the business name as one that you've conducted business
with in the past. So, you click on the convenient "take me
there" link and proceed to provide all the information they
have requested. Unfortunately, you find out much later
that the website is bogus. It was created with the sole
intent to steal your personal information. You, my friend,
have just been "phished".

Phishing (pronounced as "fishing") is defined as the act
of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have
an established, legitimate business. The intent of the
phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their
private information, and ultimately steal your identity.

It is not at easy as you think to spot an email phishing
for information. At first glance, the email may look like
it is from a legitimate company. The "From" field of the e-
mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in
the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to
the company's website, when in fact, it is a fake website
built to replicate the legitimate site.

Many of these people are professional criminals. They
have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look
authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting
personal information carefully. When reviewing your email
remember that the "From Field" can be easily changed by the
sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com
you do business with, looks can be deceiving. Also keep in
mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make
their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even
copy logos or images from the official site to use in their
emails. Finally, they like to include a clickable link
that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their
information.
A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to
point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom
left hand screen of your computer. The actual website
address to which you are being directed will show up for
you to view. It is a very quick and easy way to check if
you are being directed to a legitimate site.

Finally, follow the golden rule. Never, ever, click the
links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the
e-mail immediately. Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty
the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well. If you are
truly concerned that you are missing an important notice
regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL
address of the website into your browser. At least then
you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed
to the true and legitimate website.

About Encryption and Making Your System Secure

To What does encryption do for me?
Encryption and cryptographic software has been used in many different ways to make systems more secure.
This article discusses only a few ways that such software can make your system more secure, including:

1) Encrypting your email

2) Encrypting your files

Two programs are mentioned that will help encrypt information. There are many more programs out there that will help, but these programs are good and a good place to start as any. They have the added benefit of both being free with source code available.

Will encryption stop people from accessing my information?
Encryption simply makes it harder for people to gain access to important information, like passwords or sensitive information in a file. The first thing you should know about encryption is that the algorithm that is used to encrypt can be simple or more complex and that affects how securely what you have encrypted is protected. Encryption systems have been broken when the method of encryption is understood by hackers and is easy to break.

Why bother to encrypt my email?
It should be noted that email is far less secure than paper mail for two very good reasons: first, electronic data can be accessed easily over an Internet and secondly, electronic data is really simple to copy. There is a very good chance that someone has snooped around in your email despite your best intentions to stop it.

How do I go about encrypting my email?
There are many programs out there that can help you encrypt your email. A very popular one is PGP (Pretty GoodPrivacy) or its Gnu offshoot GPG.
PGP (http://www.pgpi.org/) self-describes itself this way: This "is a program that gives your electronic mail something that it otherwise doesn't have: Privacy. It does this by encrypting your mail so that nobody but the intended person can read it. When encrypted, the message looks like a meaningless jumble of random characters. PGP has proven itself quite capable of resisting even the most sophisticated forms of analysis aimed at reading the encrypted text."

Why bother to encrypt my files?
The answer to this boils down to what you store on your computer. If you have financial data with important information like social security numbers, email addresses, account numbers and passwords, then you open yourself up to losing very valuable information. Most corporate Internet security employees will attest to the widespread theft of very valuable information. As long as you are connected to the Internet you are vulnerable.

How do I go about encrypting my files?
AxCrypt File Encryption Software (http://axcrypt.sourceforge.net/) Self-described as "FreePersonal Privacy and Security for Windows 98/ME/NT/2K/XP with AES-128 File Encryption, Compression and transparent Decrypt and Open in the original application."