Tag Archives: Junk Mail

Google forced to pay large fine

Posted on June 16, 2011 by mommalin| Leave a comment

File:Googleplexwelcomesign.jpgApparently, Google is in hot water these days.  They were recently forced to pay $500,000 to EPIC in privacy suit over its Buzz social network.  According to Thinkq,  “this search engine giant must pay the money to the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) after a complaint was filed accusing Buzz of being a privacy risk to users.”

Wow, what is up with these search engine and social networks?  Privacy is obviously the most touchy topic when it has anything to do with users and online activity.  A search giant as large as Google has probably had a slice of humble pie by now.  Yikes!  Google, agreed to pay “$6 million as settlement but a formal objection was made since EPIC was left off the list of privacy advocacy groups.”  “Google tried to fight the inclusion of EPIC but a judge ruled it out saying there was no good reason to exclude them.”

I wonder what the CEO of Google is feeling right about now?  Can you imagine taking on such a big class-action suit and being exposed for everyone to see?  No thanks, it would just be nice if that privacy bill did get voted through so that all of these Internet giants would be forced to protect our privacy no matter what the situation!

What do you think of this?  Was it petty or was it necessary?  Please share with us your thoughts or opinions on the subject.

Source: Thinkq

Image: Wikimedia Commons

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Online Privacy, Privacy News

Tagged , , , , ,

HIPAA privacy protection

Posted on June 8, 2011 by mommalin| Leave a comment
File:HCCH-medical records.JPG

Image by Jackhsiao

To make sure we are on the same page, HIPAA also refers to “The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.”  According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene  this public law was passed to “improve overall coverage, combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance, etc., to reduce costs, and to ensure the protection of privacy such as personal health records protected by security and confidentiality of health care information.” 

What are the basics one needs to know about HIPAA?  Basically you need to know about their: benefits and shortcomings, who is covered and who is not covered, medical information, consent and authorization of medical information, your right to access your medical records,  your health records and your employer, your health records and the government, your health information and your credit report, Daily routine, complaints and penalties for violations, the HIPAA security rule,  Electronic Health Records,  Health information privacy, tips for safeguarding your medical information, and references and resources.  For full details on this list,  go to HIPAA basics on privacyrights.org.

How exactly does HIPAA protect your personal medical information?  Actually, you may be relieved to know that your “private health information is protected by federal law.”  It serves to protect any medical record.

Have you heard of the HIPAA?   Please share your experiences with this act if any.

Sources: Hipaa Email, About, Privacy Rights, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Image: Wikimedia Commons

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Online Privacy, Privacy News

Tagged , , , , ,

Sony Pictures Hacking

Posted on June 3, 2011 by mommalin| Leave a comment
File:Sony Pictures Entertainment Offices.jpg
Sony suffers another hack attack, what?, Yikes!  Not a good sign.  According to the Huffington Post “a group of hackers claims to have accessed the SonyPictures.com servers and compromised personal data belonging to 1 million customers, which the group said it then posted in a file on the website.”  Wow, do these people seriously have nothing better to do with their time?  Who is to blame?  Have you ever heard of the hacker group LulzSecurity?  Well, they are the culprits of this massive hacking.
What information did they obtain?  You guessed it, personal information such as: passwords, email addresses, home addresses (oh my),  date of birth, and all Sony opt-in data.  Brace yourself, apparently this hacker group published massive amounts of personal information.  If you are a registered on this site you most definitely may be very concerned about now.  Has your personal information been exposed too?  What is being done about this?  The only comments made were something to the effect of “expect more of these types of attacks.“  This comment was made by Jeremiah Grossman, CTO of Whitehat Security.  This comment was conveyed in an email to the Huffington Post.
What do you think of this massive hacking situation?  Are you at risk of being exposed to strangers?  Please share your thoughts and feelings on the subject.  If possible, contact Sony ASAP regarding this situation and what is being done about it.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Privacy News

Tagged , , , , ,

Android’s Security Hole

Posted on May 27, 2011 by mommalin| Leave a comment

Image by Crusier and Android Developers

The Android smart phone has recently faced a major security flaw and that being a security hole.  Wow, shocker there right?  All of these advanced smart phones are revealing a negative side which makes costumers second guess their purchase.  Apparently,  this hole is allowing attackers to obtain personal information.

How was this security hole discovered?  Believe it or not according to CNN Money, “three research assistants of Ulm University in southern Germany discovered this flaw.”  “It apparently affects 97% of Android users.“  They also went on to state that: “users of Android devices running versions 2.3.3 and below could be susceptible to the attack when they are connected to encrypted Wi-Fi networks. Anyone else on that network could gain access to, modify, or delete Android user’s calendars, photos, and contacts.”

Wow, well that’s just fantastic right, makes your privacy definitely feel invaded.  Now that we know what is going on with this issue,  how is Google patching this security hole?   According to Steven Vaughan-Nichols from ZDNet,  Google has said they are “rolling out a fix which will not require any action from users.“  Steven asked Google if the fix would be a server-side fix or a client-side fix?  Unfortunately, Google did not answer his question but here is what he thinks Google is doing:

Vaughan-Nichols believes that it’s a “server-side fix since it’s the one way Google can roll it out quickly without getting carriers and OEMs involved.“  He also believed that as soon as this security hole was addressed that it was fixed within one week of the problem at hand.

UPDATE: Here is an article over at CNET News talking about the security hole fixed by none other than Google!

Well, I sure hope that the security hole has been closed up and that Google has made every attempt to put tighter security on the Android phones to protect personal privacy.

What do you think about this recent Android issue?  Are you an Android user? Did this security hole affect you in any way?  Please feel free to share with us your thoughts or experiences on the subject.

Source: ZDnet and CNN Money

Image: Wikimedia Commons

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Privacy News

Tagged , , , , , ,

Facebook Photo Tagging

Posted on May 23, 2011 by mommalin| Leave a comment

Courtesy of Facebook

Facebook users everywhere by now understand that anytime a photo is uploaded by anyone, you can easily tag your friend, especially if they are in the photo.  It’s a very convenient feature but it can also be a pain.  How many of you have ever had a photo tagged without your consent?  Maybe even an inappropriate photo that has nothing to do with you shows up for all to see?  I have been there and fortunately, there is a way you can opt-out of being tagged in photos.  The task is pretty simple, check out how to opt-out of photo tagging below:

How to opt-out of photo tagging
  1. Click on your Privacy Settings
  2. Click on customize
  3. Scroll down until the option “suggest photos of me to friends” appears.

You will see the box: “Can comment on posts”: Includes status updates, friends wall posts, and photos.”  You can change that option first to: only me, friends, friends of friends etc.

Then you will see a box “Edit Settings” for suggesting photos of me to friends.  (When photos look like me, suggest my name).  When you click on the “edit settings” box, a window with images (thumbnail) of friends you communicate on a daily basis appears.  An explanation then appears asking if you would like to opt-in or opt-out of photo tagging.  When you click “opt-out” it instantly disables the feature.   If you want to learn more about photo tagging you can click “learn more” at the bottom which takes you to the Facebook help center. 

Are you wanting to opt-out of this feature?  Or do you figure that as a Facebook user this is one of the instant features we should just be used to by now?  I have read many different opinions on this subject matter and found that many do not care either way if they are tagged in photos or not.  I can honestly say that I am not one of them.  How about you?

Source: All Facebook

Image: Wikimedia Commons

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Online Privacy

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Borders Rewards loyalty program security breach

Posted on May 9, 2011 by mommalin| Leave a comment

Image by Chris Downer

If you are a part of Borders Rewards loyalty program you may or may not have heard of the recent security breach that took place in April.    Apparently, according to the Detroit News (click here to read actual article),  “names and email addresses of some costumers appear on a public website.”  Needless to say there were many customers skeptical and maybe even outraged by this security breach.

A local source said that “though this breach is was minor, a major investigation was and is conducted to make sure that other costumers will be protected.”  A reliable source also said that only “150 customers were affected by this problem.”  Though this number is minute on a large customer sale, this still would concern me as if you think about it, 150 people were violated.  Anyone could have gotten hold of this information putting identities even at risk.

Borders will be going to great lengths to make sure their security is much stronger than in previous days.

Are you a part of the Borders Rewards program?  Did you receive a notification that your information was made public by a security breach?  Maybe you didn’t know about this situation and may consider opting out of the program.  Either way, please share with us your thoughts and feelings on this subject.

Source: Detroit News

Image: Wikimedia Commons

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Privacy News

Tagged , , , , ,

Protecting your kids from cyber-bullies

Posted on April 25, 2011 by mommalin| Leave a comment

Image by ange Embuldeniya

What is cyber-bullying exactly?  According to Wikipedia, “it is the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual group, that is intended to harm others.”

How can you protect your kids from cyber-bullies?  It’s important  to first sit down with your kids and discuss what exactly cyber-bullying is so that they are fully aware.  Some schools hold rallys and meetings against cyber-bullying where information is provided to get you educated on the subject.  Consider looking into one of these meetings.  There are also online discussion forums where you can connect with other parents on the topic especially if your child has already been targeted by a bully.

Cyber-bully prevention tips

  • Set computer rules-  Only allow your child on safe websites where you can monitor them.  Let them know that there are consequences to sharing personal information and even spreading rumors to cause them to be a target.  Tell your child to show you all messages that they receive.  If you are unsure that they will abide by this rule, you may need to monitor all of their computer activity until trust can be built.
  • Privacy rules- Teach your child not to give away passwords or anything like that.  Tell them not to even share a password with even their closet friend or relative.
  • Open door policy- Keep the computer where you can see your child at all times.  Never let your child engage in online activity alone.
  • Keeping tabs on your child is very beneficial like always Google your child’s name, address, etc., to see if anything pops up.  Use your Internets parental controls if possible.

If you feel your child just cannot be safe on the computer it is best to redirect them to some sort of other activity to assure that they will be safe.  It is always better to be safe than sorry.  Let’s protect our kids from cyber-bullies!

While children are very computer savvy these days there is something very serious that they need to be protected from.  This very serious issue is called cyber-bullying. 
 Source: Wikipedia and Prevention
 
 

 

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Online Privacy

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Filtered Water Vs. Bottled Water

Posted on April 20, 2011 by mommalin| 1 Comment

Image by Ten Thousand Bullets

This coming earth day we of course want to include our drinking water in the equation but how do we know what is better and healthier for us, especially in the long run?  Filtered? Bottled?  Which is better for you?

Bottled Water

According to the Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Guide, “bottled water sold in the U.S is not always filtered and not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water.”  This is also according to a four-year scientific study by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Many brands of bottled water can be contaminated. Yikes!  So basically, what we think may be better for us is actually harming us?   And get this: “A quarter of all bottled water is actually bottled tap water.”  Now if that doesn’t make you wanna search for a safer and healthier alternative I don’t know what will.  That basically sums up bottled water in a nutshell!

Filtered Water

According to All About Water, “water filters currently provide the best and healthiest solution to the problems of both bottled water and tap water.”  Water filters actually remove dangerous contaminants.    Basically, drinking filtered water is better for your health than tap and bottled water combined.  Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of both types of water and now you can rest easy knowing which option to stick with!

Drink Filtered Water!

Sources: Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Guide and All About Water

Image: Wikimedia Commons

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Environment

Tagged , , , , , ,

Things to recycle for Earth Day

Posted on April 11, 2011 by mommalin| Leave a comment

As Earth Day is approaching, many individuals are beginning to recycle.  Great news, right?  Recycling is so very important for keeping our environment in tip-top shape.  If you would like to get on the recycling bandwagon, here is a brief list of items that you can begin to recycle if you haven’t already!  GO GREEN!

Things you can recycle

  • Old bricks
  • Metal scraps
  • Kids toys
  • Flip Flops
  • Televisions
  • Packaging Peanuts
  • Cell Phones
  • Bread twist ties
  • Screened doors

Some of these items you may be very surprised to see  but it’s nice to know that these items can be recycled.  You can see a complete list of things you can recycle on squidoo.com.

What are some things that you have recycled or currently recycle that are not on the list?  We would love to hear from you.  Please share any tips, advice, or even tidbits that you may have regarding Earth Day and recycling!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Source: Squidoo

Image: Wikimedia Commons

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Environment

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Buy shoes out of recycled materials in honor of Earth Day

Posted on April 6, 2011 by mommalin| 1 Comment

Image by: How can I recycle this

In an instant you may think buying recycled shoes sounds kind of crazy but the fact of the matter is there are places out there that actually make shoes out of recycled materials.  It’s an excellent way to show your support of Earth Day by wearing shoes that are indeed made out of recycled materials.

Simple Shoes currently carries these types of shoes but in case you are curious, what types of recycled materials are used to create a “green” shoe?  You will be fascinated by the answers, check it out:

Recycled Materials

  • Recycled Rubber
  • Leather
  • PET- A safe plastic used from beverage containers (Polyethylene terephthalate)

I bet you didn’t think that recycled shoes could be made from soda bottles?  A very interesting concept.

Some other interesting recycled materials used to make shoes include but are not limited to:

  • Cork- Nice foot cushion
  • Bamboo-  Used to reduce odors
  • Recycled car tires- Rubber soles
  • Recycled paper- Actually used to package the shoes.

Pretty fantastic and the shoes I have seen made out of recycled materials look great!  You can view  pictures of  shoes made out of recycled materials at Green Your.

Have you ever bought a pair of shoes made out of recycled materials?  Would you ever consider buying a pair of recycled shoes?  We would love to hear from you.

Source: eHow

Image: Wikimedia Commons

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Environment

Tagged , , , , , , ,