Taxi safety is pretty simple and foreign taxis are generally perfectly safe, however, bad things can happen and you need to be aware of this.

4 Point Security has devised a list of tips that will hopefully keep you SAFE, when utilising  taxis in a foreign country.

1. Find a Taxi Stand

You can usually find a taxi stand on the street in any country — even if you can’t read the words, you’ll notice taxis congregating near the sign. Generally, only taxis  authorized to carry passengers are allowed to stop at these taxi stands, meaning the taxi is as safe as that country mandates, and the taxi driver licensed. Look for these taxi stands at foreign airports. Finally, don’t let aggressive drivers or their “helpers” steer you into a taxi without checking out the sign scene first.

2. Look for Taxi Similarities

Its very simple, NO body has the right of entry into your personal computer, but there are threats of uninvited visitors (hackers), visiting your computer system.Using the internet has now growing as a common practice in today’s society, but just how free are we from this ever lurking threat.

With the above in mind, we must be very careful whilst using the internet facility, because it is never safe to give access to a third party to your valuable personal information, such as: your name, address, DOB, or to your bank account details.

Here are some useful  tips that 4 Point Security has compiled. Hopefully these tips will help keep your important information, data or files safe, and not easily accessible to potential hackers.

1. Comment Attacks

Comments are one of most prized features for blogs, and helps create a great relationship between the author and the reader, and also between readers in the wider community. It would also be easy for someone to insert HTML code that causes trouble.

You need to “validate” the form input before it’s accepted, to strip out all but the most basic HTML tags, for example and also if you’re using WordPress – you can utilize the “Keyword Filter” to block out any harsh words that might raise an issue or two.

2. Unsolicited Installation of Scripts

It can be dangerous to install third-party scripts and programs on your website unless you understand what they are actually doing. Even if you don’t fully understand the programming, you can read through the code and look for tell-tale signs such as references to third-party URLS.

You can also visit community forums such as Site Point and Digital Point to ask around for better advice.

3. Avoid Scam/Spammy Websites

In a desperate attempt to get visitors you might consider try extensive viral marketing and other means of gaining the attention, this may cause a few people in the wrong community to raise a few eyebrows.

The last thing you need as a settled web-master is to cause a stir amongst the wrong people. Stay away from websites and especially forums that offer “information” or “get traffic quick” that uses illegal spam lists and such.

4. Clear the Cookies!

Personally, I use a lot of public computers to blog and do other on line activities, maybe because it’s convenient or my unreliable ISP crashed on my once more. Inevitable there’s many, many web masters like me that use public services for either a quick access or regular work.

Just don’t forget to clear out the cookies and cache before you leave! Even if the service provider claims “no tracking of privacy” or anything along those lines, a quick clean before you leave wouldn’t hurt anyone.

5. Prevent illegal farmers’ from “harvesting” your lists

Hacking techniques are used to “harvest” email addresses, which are then used by spammers and other hackers for malicious activities. If you are storing email data on your website, for what-ever required reason, make sure it’s stored in a secure format, such as a MySQL Database.

Most top-CMS such as WordPress and Joomla make this compulsory but there’s many self written CMS’s too. If your script simply writes data to a text called “emails.txt” it won’t be long before someone sniffs it out.

6. Make sure your files are using the correct CHMOD Permissions

CHMOD File Permissions assign a specific value to every file/folder on your server, which allows different levels of access.

CHMOD Permission range from 000 (No access) to 777 (Full access), you must decide which files get what permissions, but be warned that some third party software require higher permissions to operate properly. You need to balance out features with security and make an informed decision.

Using a FTP you can change the permissions given to each file/folder on your server. This is vital to ensure any unauthorized access to your content is comprehensively denied.

Note – Make sure your CHMOD settings work with your current web-hosts. Some hosts prevent ’777′ for security reasons.

7. Don’t use Generic Usernames

Using common words for usernames such as “admin”, “administrator” or “Site Owner” can cause many implications because you are simply making the job of the hacker’s a lot easier. By using such common words for your username, you are incredibly increasing the success rate of the hacker by at least a few points of a percentage, which is consider a lot where only one answer can be right from an unlimited range of combinations.

8. Securing your Ports

To put in simple words, a “PORT” is used to access data from outside the server. It also utilized to transfer data both ways, into the server and also outgoing. Most of this activity is behind closed doors and happens automatically, and only trained professionals tend to play around with such details.

Nevertheless, ports are constantly opened & closed for easy-access, for programs such as a FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This can be favorable for any hackers attempting to access your sensitive files, so make sure any unwanted ports are ‘properly closed.’

9. Updated Security Patches

If your web hosting provider hasn’t already done so, you should check that all the latest security patches for various aspects of the service are properly installed. As you might know, WordPress (self-hosted) is one of the most popular Content Management Systems out there on the market.

It is used by millions- so it’s not surprising to see many hackers working day/night trying to hack it. Updates and patches are regularly released, so keep an eye out for all your plug-ins/core files.

10. Use Strong Passwords!

The number one technique you can possibly implement. Hackers are experts at programming computers to plough through huge amounts of data very quickly. That’s the reason longer passwords are more secure; the number of possible combinations grows exponentially with every extra character added.

Hackers employ a technique called “dictionary attack” where they repeatedly try username and password combinations by running through hundreds of common words, phrases, numbers and combination them till they get lucky. It’s important you use random strings like “ r@!bt27 ” instead of perhaps “ rick123 “

4 Point Security has written the following blog in relation to  Business Security.

80% of organisations believe that crime against businesses is a problem in their area according to a recent British Chamber of Commerce survey and it is estimated that this costs the UK approximately £12.6 billion a year.

The British Security Industry Association, (BSIA), recommend considering the following tips when reviewing your business’ security.

• Ensure that you fit good quality five-lever mortise locks to your doors. Fit locks to your windows, especially those that are on the ground floor or are accessible, for example, from a flat roof. Remember that any outbuildings will also need a quality lock in order to protect their contents.

• Doors should be strong and in good condition, ensure that you fit a door that complies with British Standard PAS 24-1 ‘Doors of Enhanced Security’.

• Fencing and gates should be substantial and well-maintained, with locks fitted on entrances to a property. Consider the installation of bollards or barriers on the entrances to car parks to prevent unauthorised vehicular access out of hours.

• Security lighting can deter a thief from trespassing onto premises and can draw attention to an incident if a crime is taking place. Ensure any lighting fitted complies with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act and does not have an adverse effect on neighbouring properties.

• A monitored intruder alarm will make a real impact on deterring a criminal from entering a property and alert a monitoring centre if an alarm is triggered.

• Simple access control systems can be fitted to prevent access to unauthorised areas, protecting storage areas and staff or office facilities.

• CCTV systems are an effective means of detecting and preventing crime and offers the opportunity to gather evidence if a crime is committed.

• Consider the use of a professional security guarding service.

• Ensure that any equipment is marked with an asset marking system and registered on a secure database. Property marking can deter opportunist theft and also means that if a burglary does take place and your possessions are recovered, they can be returned to you.

• Remember to guard against the risk of identity theft. By using a professional information destruction company to dispose of any confidential material, you will protect your business and your customers against the risk of identity theft and will fulfil your obligations under the Data Protection Act.

If you require any professional advice in relation to improving your business security, then please feel free to contact 4 Point Security & Training Services.

Card skimming or card cloning devices are used by fraudsters to capture credit and debit card details from unsuspecting members of the public at cash points, ticket machines and retail outlets. The terms ‘skimming’ or ‘cloning’ are used to describe how a criminal copies a card’s electronic data which is then used to recreate an exact copy of your card and gain access to your money.

Skimming devices at cash points are fitted on the cash machine’s card entry slot to copy the magnetic stripe details of a customer’s card as they insert it into the machine. The criminal will also try to obtain the cardholders PIN and sometimes will have attached a miniature camera above the keypad to film the customer entering their PIN number.

Many customers will not notice these devices and will make their withdrawals as normal. The criminal uses the copied details to produce a fake magnetic stripe card, which will be used – with the correct PIN – at cash machines or shops that haven’t yet been upgraded to chip and PIN. Customers who shield the keypad when they enter their PIN are much less likely to fall victim to this type of fraud.

If you suspect that a skimming device has been attached to a cash machine, inform staff within the bank or building society.

See video footage from LINK ATM’s website on how criminals can try to get hold of your four-digit PIN when you use an ATM that they have targeted.

IF MY BANK CARD IS CLONED, WHAT DO I DO AND HOW DO I GET MY MONEY BACK?

If you believe your debit or credit card has been cloned, alert your bank, building society or credit card company immediately.  They will then be responsible for taking the investigation further and, where appropriate, reporting the fraud to law enforcement.

According to LINK, the UK’s cash machine network, if you are a victim of card fraud you are protected through legislation, which states that you will not be liable for losses unless you have acted fraudulently or without reasonable care.

Think a private investigator’s services are only for the rich and powerful?  Think again! Private detectives in the real world are not how they are often  portrayed in movies and on TV. They are valuable allies to people of all ages  and across every income level who need to get information for a wide range of  purposes but don’t have the know-how, time or resources to do the work  themselves. Here are the Top Five reasons why you may want to hire a private  investigator.

1. Divorce disputes: Divorces are often complicated and messy events full of  “he said” and “she said.” With an investigator on your side, you may be able to  uncover evidence about a spouse that may be of use to you during legal  proceedings.

2. For help with stalkers: Many people (and women in particular) struggle  with a stalker who may become dangerous. The police are often not willing to act  before disaster strikes, and a restraining order does little to protect you. A  detective can track the stalker’s pattern, gather evidence and keep a detailed  log of incidents: all of which will help you press charges successfully

3. Employee tracking: If you are an employer who suspects he is being  defrauded by an employee, hiring a private investigator to track his actions and  claims may be the best way to prove your employee is lying. It is difficult to  dismiss a suspicious employee without probable cause; and a detective can gather  all the incriminating evidence you need.

4. Background checks: The internet is today’s hottest dating marketplace; but  when you agree to meet someone from a dating site you are basically heading into  the date with your eyes closed. An investigator has the skills and resources to  perform background checks on any prospective date for your peace of mind and  safety.

5. Cheating spouses: If you suspect your spouse is having an affair, hiring a  private investigator will give you the impartial answers you’re looking for.  Don’t rely on your best friend or tail him/her yourself: get a professional to  do the job and you can be confident you know the truth.

Never assume your child will NOT be abducted, you should always act as though it could happen. It is important that you establish solid communication with your child and make sure that your child knows he/she can confide in you in case of trouble.It is a fact that child abduction gangs operate within Southern Spain.

Teach your child the facts of abduction early. If handled simply as just another fact of life that needs to be acknowledged and dealt with, children need not be inordinately frightened by the idea of abduction, just educated about it.

A paedophile is usually an adult whose sexual preference is confined to youngsters. The classic paedophile preys on runaways or children from unhappy homes. He showers the child with affection. By the time sexual activity takes place, the child is often an uncomplaining partner and it goes unreported. Be aware of any adult that showers your child with an inordinate amount of attention and/or presents. No one should care more about your child than you.

• Never leave young children unattended (at home, in a parked car, shopping car, play ground or in a public restroom).
• Keep young toddlers on safety/security harness in public areas.
• Have pictures taken yearly.
• Keep records of fingerprints, footprints, dental and doctor information, birthmarks and birth certificates. You should keep copies of x-rays as hospitals do not keep such records for more than a few years.
• Get your child a passport. Once a passport has been issued it is both difficult and suspect to attempt to get another for that person.
• Tell baby-sitters or friends caring for the child not to let your child go with anyone but you.
• Know who your child’s friends are, where they live, and their telephone numbers.
• Make certain your child knows his/her full name, your name, address and telephone number, including area code. Teach him/her to use the telephone. Help may be available by dialling emergency services 199 in Gibraltar or in Spain 112  .
• Teach your child to avoid people they don’t know and explain the concept of “stranger danger”. Explain that a stranger is ANYONE they do not know.
• Teach your child that adults usually do not ask children for directions. If someone should stop in a car asking directions, tell your child not to go near the car.
• Have your child practice the buddy system until old enough that this system is not necessary.
• Caution your child not to play in deserted places. There is safety in numbers.
• Teach your child never to go anywhere with anyone who doesn’t know a family “Code” word”. Make it anything that is easy for your child to remember. Explain to your child that only adults responsible for them will know this code word (mum, dad, siblings, grandparents, other adult that is authorized to pick them up from school), and to never go anywhere with anyone they don’t know unless they know the code word. Tell your child to keep their code a secret! (Code words are not a fool-proof safety measure, since in order for a child to ask someone what the “code word” is, they need to let them get close enough so they can hear it. In turn, they let people they don’t know into their “safety zone.” )
• Make sure that your child does not have his/her name on a visible place such as clothing or belongings. It makes it harder for strangers to be on a first name basis with your child.
• Explain to your child that if they are home alone not to open the door for anyone except previously designated persons. This includes a salesperson or delivery person.
• Teach your child never to answer the telephone and tell anyone that he/she is home alone. If someone should call, instruct your child to make a prepared statement such as, “Daddy/Mummy cannot come to the phone right now… can I take a message.” 
• Teach older children to come home at dark.
• Remind older children to phone home and to always have a phone with them.
• Teach your child that if they are being followed not to hide behind bushes, but to go where there are people or to a safe house. Teach your child that it is appropriate to “make a scene” if he/she senses danger from an adult. Teach him/her to shout “HELP ME!”, or “I DON’T KNOW YOU !”, not just scream.
• Establish strict procedures regarding who will pick up your child from school and be meticulously consistent.
• Have your school establish a “School Call Back Program” and visitor check-in policies.

If you require any more advice on this sensitive topic, then please don’t hesitate to contact 4 Point Security & Training Services.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of mobile phones are stolen in the UK. Young people have been especially vulnerable to mobile phone robbery.

Current crime statistics reveal that a mobile telephone is stolen in about half of all street crime and in approximately a third of cases it is the only property stolen.

However, there are steps you can take to prevent your phone being stolen, and new laws mean service providers can now block a stolen handset in the same way a stolen credit card can be cancelled. You can also register your phone so that if it is lost or stolen and recovered, it may be returned to you.

SECURITY TIPS:

• Always use your phone’s security lock code or PIN number.
• When using your phone, be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
• Only make essential calls in the street. Using a mobile phone in a busy area advertises the fact that you have a piece of valuable property and while talking on the phone you are distracted and not aware of who might be watching you or who might be a potential thief. Use them out of public view and somewhere where you can see what it happening around you.
• Many mobile phones are stolen in places like pubs and nightclubs when they are left on a bar, table or on a nearby seat. Open handbags also prove tempting for thieves, as do carried rucksacks, coats left hanging on chairs and phones left unattended in vehicles and other places.
• Avoid wearing your phone where it is in public view.
• Keep it with you at all times and do not leave it unattended.
• Do not give your mobile phone to strangers who ask to use it.
• Security mark your phone with a postcode and house number using an ultra-violet pen. The best place is underneath the battery near to the SIM card and on the back of the battery.

We know about the Nigerian banking scam, the fake antivirus scam and many more that have been cluttering up our in boxes for the last couple of years. But what cyber threats should you be looking out for in 2013? Here are the four main ones to watch out for.

1. Ransomware

Cyber criminals are moving from appeals for cash to actively intimidating you. Visit an unsecured site or open a dodgy email and you could end up with malware that locks your computer. You’ll then see a screen, probably including law enforcement imagery, saying that your computer’s been used for illegal activity and demanding payment before you can regain control of your computer. If you’re infected, don’t pay the ransom (the scammers won’t unlock your computer anyway). You could get your computer cleaned by an IT professional, but it may be cheaper to invest in the appropriate security software first.

2. Madware

Mobile adware is becoming more of a nuisance – and it’s likely to get worse long before it gets better. Madware is often downloaded along with an app, especially on mobile devices and not only presents you with an aggressive range of ads, but may also attempt to gather your personal details. Always think twice before downloading apps from sources you don’t know.

3. Social scams

As the popularity of Facebook, Twitter and other social media grows, so the scammers follow the money. Beware of messages with embedded links which seem to come from your ‘friends’, especially if they’re asking you to sign up to seemingly worthy causes like charities or social concerns – they may be designed to drop your guard so the scammers can take you to a phishing site or install malware.

4. Mobile scams

As more of us use our mobiles to make payments, and to hold our payment details, our mobiles are becoming more of a target than ever for cyber criminals. If you’re using NFC (Near Field Communication) to make payments on your new smartphone, make sure it’s turned off when not in use – criminals are developing technology to use NFC to extract your payment details. Always make sure you lock your phone, and if possible, adjust your settings to wipe your phone’s memory if it’s lost or stolen.