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Multiple personalities? How to protect your identity online

November 12, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard the stories about people who have had their identities stolen, whether it is their credit card details, their email address, Social Security number, or their driver’s license or passport. Identity theft isn’t just something that you hear about on the news though – in today’s high-tech society, it’s becoming easier for thieves to steal your identity online.

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When you shop online, you input your name, credit card details, and address – and it’s the same when you do your online banking, or fill out account registration forms. Our personal information is scattered across the web, which means we could be all the more susceptible to thieves who are operating online.

However, there are ways to ensure your information is kept secure. If you want to protect your identity online, here is some information that will help you.

Firstly, why should I care?

In the US, a 2010 report found that 11.1 million adults were a victim of identity fraud. What’s more, every three seconds, an identity is stolen and in 2008, Americans incurred $54 billion in loss from identity theft.

Identity theft can occur through credit card charges, bad credit, loss of social security benefits, criminal charges (such as traffic violations or criminal records), and even medical theft. In 2009, it was estimated that one in four Americans is expected to become a victim of identity theft.

How do thieves steal your identity online?

There are multitudes of ways thieves can steal your identity online, even if the websites you are visiting have security measures in place.

Thieves can send phishing emails or instant messages (SPIM) that pretend to be from a legitimate person or organisation (such as Paypal) in an attempt to lure you to give personal information. Hackers could also install spyware, Trojan horses, or malware into your computer that can take control of your computer or direct you to invalid sites.

On top of this, thieves can install keyloggers onto your computer that log your keystrokes so hackers can record your passwords and credit card details as you type online. Also, if your wireless network at home is unsecured, thieves can use this to access data on the computers you have connected to your wireless router – this is known as Wardriving.

So how can I protect myself?

If you’re reading this and panicking, don’t despair – there are measures you can take to protect yourself online!

First off, be aware! Make sure you are aware of all the different online tricks and scams that thieves can use to obtain your personal information – this way you’ll know what to look for. Keep your personal data private and never disclose it to strangers, and also make sure to check the URL of websites before you enter any vital information. Ensure your passwords contain letters and numbers, secure your wireless network, and don’t log into banking and credit card sites while using public hotspots.

When browsing the web, use a comprehensive antivirus software such as McAfee Total Protection Software, which will protect you from spyware, malware, and viruses, as well as steer you clear of any fake websites that are trying to get your personal information. Also remember to use a firewall to block any unauthorized access to your computer or network.

If you do become a victim…

…it’s best to notify the credit bureaus and create a fraud alert, and also file a police report. Be proactive as well and contact any financial institutions or agencies where your accounts may be affected. In the worst case scenario, put a credit freeze in place or consider legal help – after all, your identity is on the line!

Have you or any of your friends or family been a victim of identity theft?

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Tablets fighting back against smartphones

November 9, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

At one point in time, there seemed to be a clear distinction between smartphones and tablets: the former was your go-to device for calling, texting, and checking email, while the latter was used for recreational purposes like gaming and video steaming. However, as more tablets begin to offer calling capabilities, the line between the two devices has become somewhat blurred. Let’s take a look at what improved calling capabilities mean for the future of tablets:

Could a Tablet Replace Your Primary Phone?

Whereas users once had to download apps like Skype and Viber to make VoIP and video calls on their tablets, the next generation of tablets is equipped with all the features you need to turn it into your primary phone. The new Nexus tablet comes with the option of 4G LTE connectivity, as does the new Samsung Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Note devices. The new ASUS Fonepad incorporates full 3G-phone functionality so that users have fast, reliable coverage whenever they want to make a call.

For those who think that a tablet is too large to make phone calls with comfortably, consider this: you don’t have to hold the tablet up to your ear to make a call. Instead, you can take advantage of in-line mic headphones or a Bluetooth headset, thereby eliminating concern over the awkward sizing of tablet devices.

Phone, Tablet, or Phablet?

In reality, tablets aren’t that much larger than top-of-the-line smartphones. After all, the latest trend in smartphones is to make larger displays that are better for browsing, viewing, and gaming. You need look no further than the HTC One or the Samsung Galaxy S4 handsets for examples of this point. The HTC One measures a whopping 137.4mm (5.41”), while the Samsung Galaxy S4 measures 136.7mm (5.38”). Needless to say, it’s a struggle for the average person to fit either one of these devices in the palm of their hand.

By contrast, tablets are more compact than ever. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes in a 151.2mm (5.9”) model, while the Asus FonePad is offered in a slightly larger size—152.4mm (6”). The Samsung Galaxy Tab, Nexus 7, and Asus FonePad all come in 177.8mm (7”) models as well. In fact, the differences between smartphones and tablets are so indistinguishable these days that some of these smaller tablets with phone capabilities are actually being referred to as phone tablets, or “phablets.”

Smartphones and Tablets Go Head to Head

Whether you decide to invest in one of the new phone tablets or stick with a more traditional mobile device like the BlackBerry Z10 or iPhone 5s, one thing is clear: by offering more functionality, tablets are fighting back against smartphones for control of the global market share. But tablet makers have a lot of catching up to do. According to statistics from Tech Crunch, smartphones accounted for 60.1% of the global market share in 2012, while tablets accounted for just 10.7%. It is worth noting that while tablets control only a small portion of the market, sales of these devices grew 78.4% year-on-year in 2012, and are forecasted to grow a whopping 109.9% through 2017, surpassing both desktop and portable PCs in market share. Test out the next generation of tablets to see what everyone is talking about.

Smartphone App launched by Dan Murphy’s Australia

October 19, 2013 by admin 4 Comments

If you like a glass of wine or beer or spirit, getting your favourite beer or wine has just become easier with the new DAN MURPHY’S SMARTPHONE APP. Dan Murphy’s has just launched their new application for smartphone that makes it easier for you to browse what’s available in their store on your smartphone and even place an order

review of apps australia

I downloaded the Dan Murphy’s smartphone app this weekend and was quite surprised with the professional looking and functional app that they have produced. The app screen makes it easy to browse and search the store for wines, beers and other alcohol and the weekly deals etc. are conveniently placed just in reach of a quick tap on the screen.

Dan Murphy’s gets social with smartphone launch

Right now they are offering the special smartphone application launch deals… so go grab it. When i checked on my phone there was the “ Yellowglen Vintage Perle” white wine award winner for $89.40 for a case of 6 bottles with delivery. That brings the price down to $14.90 for a bottle for this classic vintage wine (definitely a good deal to get delivered to your home).

The Dan Murphy’s app main screen is as below (in pic)

If you tap on the left bottle icon , you get taken to the screen with weekly deals/offers, search , store finder and your account. Its advisable to create a account if you get alcohol regularly from Dan murphy’s. You can shop for alcohol right from this app and either get it delivered ( if available – mostly on six or 12 packs ) or pick it up from store. The bottom right shopping cart button on the screen shows what alcohol you have already checked in or bought via the smartphone app

The Dan Murphy’s story in short

In 1952 a bright young man, Daniel Francis Murphy was working in a liquor store owned and run by his father Timothy Murphy. Dan looked around one day and decided that he could run the shop better than his father and requested to take the reins and the rest is history. Today he has about 140 stores all around Australia and it is part of the Woolworths chain.

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According to wikipedia

“Dan Murphy’s is an Australian liquor supermarket chain owned by Woolworths Limited, which also owns BWS, another liquor chain with smaller stores. Dan Murphy’s competes principally with 1st Choice Liquor Superstore”

I tried out a special feature on the Dan Murphy’s app, this app has got label recognition technology built in to the app. If you just click a photo ( via camera icon/button in app- see pic below) of a label of the bottle in your bar or fridge and if the item is stocked at Dan Murphy’s, the app will come back with the current price of the bottle and also provide information and reviews on the drink ( pretty neat huh).

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^{Img from:http://australianchinwag.blogspot.com.au/}

This new app from Dan Murphy’s could possibly do wonders for many undiscovered small brands or relatively unknown wineries, by bringing them into focus and increasing their audience by putting them on show to the world.

With an increasing number of smartphone users now using their devices to research products or services on-line, apps like this one are becoming the norm for tech-savvy shoppers. The Dan Murphy’s App is free to download onto your android and apple devices.

Customers can download the Dan Murphy’s App for free on their iPhone or Android device by searching for “Dan Murphy’s” in the App Store.

For more information on the Dan Murphy’s App and to view an instructional video, please visit:www.danmurphys.com.au/guides/app-content.

So go give this app a whirl , say cheers to me and my blog “Digital GROG” and let me know your views on the app

Car to Car Communication on Fast Track to Success

August 13, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Car to car communication is an idea that can be used to drastically improve driver safety, and some of this technology is already being implemented into today’s latest models. Cars can be updated with the latest road traffic or safety information, in order to avoid icy patches on the road or keep a safe distance from one another in a motorway pileup. Notifications could be given if an ambulance is approaching, so that cars can clear the road before the driver is even able to see or hear the emergency vehicle. There are multiple potential uses for talking car technology, which is why both government agencies and automakers alike are interested in its future.

Car technology – Latest Tests and Improvements

A recent conference was held at the University of Michigan in the United States to discuss the future of car to car communications. This Global Symposium on Connected Vehicles and Infrastructure highlighted the fact that recent US trials showed that the system could be entirely viable. In these trials, vehicles chosen for the test communicated with roadside devices throughout the town of Ann Arbor. The vehicles were capable of changing the traffic light if conditions were safe, or could alert the driver if the light was about to change.

Today’s car communication systems use sensors, cameras, and short range communication to transmit basic data. You may already be able to look at a car comparison to choose vehicles with advanced safety features and Bluetooth connectivity, but expect to see short range communication added to the list of basic features not too far in the distant future. This allows cars to track the location and speed of other vehicles on the road, spot pedestrians or animals, and share data with other vehicles.

Use of Australian Technology

The trial undertaken by the University of Michigan is just one example of many similar studies worldwide. The latest form of car to car communication was devised using technology developed by the University of South Australia’s Institute for Telecommunications Research. This system is the one being used both in Ann Arbor and in a similar German study. In Ann Arbor, over eight billion transmissions have been successfully sent between vehicles and roadside infrastructure to help track traffic and improve safety since the trial began.

The Future of Car to Car Communication

These early trials have been largely successful, but it could still be some time before the best SUV cars are able to talk to one another. One issue to contend with is the cost of these systems. Dr. Alexander from the University of South Australia believes that these costs would be quite low to implement, but if sensors must be used in existing traffic structures this could cost more. At the moment, new cars from manufacturers like Volvo are already coming equipped with basic communication systems in place. This will become more widespread as the results of current trials are analysed and the demand for safe, intelligent car design grows.

3 Adwords Mistakes Every Advertiser Makes

August 3, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Adwords. A double-edged “advertising software” opening doors and frustrating DIY marketers with its endless updates, changes and idiosyncrasies. Business owners frequently abandon self-started online ventures for a myriad of reasons; time doesn’t run freely, and the attention Adwords demands from would-be success stories seems like an entire department in itself. The failure to run a thriving campaign is not a short-coming of the system, but a disconnect between business owners who underestimate nimble subtleties of Google’s answer to old-school billboards.

How do you avoid falling into these same traps, as you traverse the shady world of “pay-per-click”, display and re-marketing? Learn from the following three mistakes, save a bucket load of stress and increase ROI.

Know Your Competition

Advertisers commonly rely on an underwhelming WOW factor or quick gimmicks to attract online customers. It’s easier to incentivise than run an on-going analysis of your competitors and while it isn’t politically correct to refer to your competitors as your enemy, the philosophies of Sun Tzu are relevant outside the lecture theatre. Draw up a database of top performing text ads refined to your top five keywords – what commonalities are leading them to trump you and replace your business in the 1,2,3 stakes? Don’t plagiarise, but draw inspiration from their tactics. Remember, landing pages form an integral part of a good formula. Keep it relevant.

Are You Irrelevant?

Click through rate; the bread and butter of the Adwords campaign and the most basic measure of relevancy health. A high CTR is symptomatic of a well targeted text ad; if your numbers are floundering, you need to review the conversation you’re trying to have with potential customers or clients. Make sure your ad includes top performing keywords within your niche, land visitors on targeted pages and don’t drown the ad in too many keywords – after all, you want to seduce audiences, not chase them away with money-grabbing.

The Mysteries of Ad-Writing

You’ll see a variety of styles and phraseologies on the internet, bribing, targeting or presenting as oblivious – a kind of just-the-facts gimmick that works for some verticals. Striking a balance between fresh, brief content and tried best practices to appease Google is fraught with difficulties. Again, your competitors serve as a reasonable indication as to what works and what doesn’t in a specific area of your vertical. Integrate the best ideas into a reviewed strategy and don’t forget to include a call to action beyond the typical Call Now. Instead, feature cheap or free shipping rates, a company guarantee or a specialist success rate. The goal of ad text is to draw people in and convert their interest into possible sales or contracts.

Of course, these are common mistakes of every advertiser. If you fail, accept that failure and move past those expectations; instead of shutting down your Adwords account, review current campaign setup and be honest about the conversion DNA of keywords, text ads, landing pages and site information. A little soul-searching will reveal a way forward or at least a route past your previous obstacles.

This post was written by Jessica Hannah, who is a member of the team at Search Factory, an online marketing agency based in Brisbane, Australia.

Secure Internet Gateways: what are they and how do they work?

April 11, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

While the Internet has become invaluable in today’s modern world, it is also a place that is rife with risks and dangers. So, how can individuals and businesses protect themselves against the dangers of going online?

Both businesses and individuals these days spend more and more time online, with the internet and advanced technology enhancing both personal and business lives in many ways. However, the internet is also a place where danger can lurk in many different guises, which is why it is vital for individuals and businesses to take measures that can protect them from these dangers with solutions.

What is a Secure Internet Gateway?

With an ever increasing number of people going online it comes as no surprise that the amount of crime that now takes place online is also increasing. Even though for most business or agency websites there are often a huge number of genuine users accessing their systems every day there is also a considerable number of people that are trying to access the site either to defraud or shut down the website. This can take the form of malware, spam, DDOS (Distributed Denial of service), Trojan and now also Phishing and bots through social media sites, all designed to gain access to your site maliciously.

All of these dangers are global in nature and these threats are big…and are just getting bigger. For this reason websites need some form of protection from these attacks, and that is where a Secure Internet Gateway comes in.

A Secure Internet Gateway is essentially a secure connection to the internet that help protect any networks, websites and company IT systems from external attacks or cyberthreats as they are more commonly known. This Secure Internet Gateway is designed to allow in any genuine users wanting access to a website whilst preventing those that are seen as a threat from gaining access.

How does a Secure Internet Gateway work?

To provide businesses and government agencies with the highest levels of security when allowing users access to their websites Secure Internet Gateways provide a number of core methods to prevent unwanted threats from attacking their sites. These include:

· 24/7 threat analysis 365 days a year to ensure nothing can get through the Secure Internet Gateway without first being checked

· Security checks made on every users accessing a site and then compared against a list of key possible risks

· The use of necessary counter-measures to effectively combat any kind of threat trying to gain access to the website ensuring that a site remains secure at all times

Although there are a huge number of unique threats out there, most providers of Secure Internet Gateways reduce this number to a much smaller number of general threats. This means that all security checks are carried out in the smallest amount of time possible so that users don’t have to wait long periods before being able to access the site.

New legislation released by various governments around the world is ensuring that many government agencies are now working to strict guidelines when using Secure Internet Gateways to ensure that these sites are more secure than they have ever been before.

For more information on Secure Internet Gateways, take a look at this video:

Author bio: Phil Bryan is a trainee lawyer who is aiming to specialise in family law. He has worked in many fields in the past, including a data centre similar to Macquarie Telecom.

Multiple personalities? How to protect your identity online