I deleted my facebook account today, though it will take fourteen days for the cancellation to become final. [If you want to know how I did it, follow the simple instructions at WikiHow.] If you really want to opt out, then it’s worth checking that link. Facebook don’t make it easy to permanently delete your… Continue reading Why I left Facebook
Tag: identity theft
Computer Virus, World Fever
A devastating computer virus is set to wreak havoc on computers today, as the ‘Conficker’ virus takes effect on thousands of machines in Ireland and worldwide. PC makers are warning users worldwide not to switch on their machines for 24 hours, as the rogue ‘time bomb’ program is designed to cause computers and monitors to… Continue reading Computer Virus, World Fever
Doublechecking
A few months ago, I bought an electronic toll device. When I entered my car registration number, the NRA webpage updated to show me the make, model, colour and country of registration of my car. A quick test showed I could also look up any other car details simply by entering a registration number. When… Continue reading Doublechecking
Who Are You?
Sarah Palin’s email account was hacked last week. More fool her for using a Yahoo account. The hack didn’t involve any complex attacks, or even a small but elegant program designed to exploit software flaws. Instead, its an example of social engineering at it’s finest. Forgot your password? Yahoo asks a few verification questions, and… Continue reading Who Are You?
Data Flow
I bought a ticket for the M50 toll this evening. The leaflet from the NRA misleadingly calls it a free eflow windscreen tag. It costs me €1 per month – plus a charge every time I use a toll road. What disturbed me is that once I entered the registration number of my car, the… Continue reading Data Flow
Data Loss
Data protection seems to have become a running story in Ireland, or maybe it’s just that the silly season has pushed the stories to the front page. Recent incidents include the loss of a laptop containing social welfare details of Irish citizens, a laptop containing confidential information about companies receiving support from the IDA, and… Continue reading Data Loss