In the wake of yesterday's announcement by Heartland, what some are calling the biggest card breach ever, I thought I'd bring you this. 

A new web-site launched yesterday, www.JustAskGemalto.com is a place where people can go for expert advice on topics such as Internet security, online payment, password management, credit card fraud, cell phone usage, identity theft and more. Until now, no onesite has gathered all these different topics in one place. As the use of our digital information spreads, we as individuals have a role in safeguarding it more than ever. 

The site answers questions such as:

What’s the safest way to pay online? http://www.justaskgemalto.com/en/buying/tips/what-safest-way-pay-online 

Editor's Note:  I'm going to share their answer right now, because it is exactly what we've been  saying about our HomeATM SwipePIN device.  This, from their JustAskGemalto.com:

What is the safest way to pay online?
    "The safest way to pay online is with some sort of personal digital security device to prove it is really you making the purchase and that the site you are purchasing from is authentic."  (Editor's Note: Touche!)


    "This could be a smart bankcard you put into a small USB reader when you pay online."  Editor's Note:  Or it could be your own personal SwipePIN device, such as the SLIDER manufactured by HomeATM...


    "This makes online payment much more secure, similar to when you make an ATM withdrawal, because it requires both a card and a PIN code."

    Bankers call this “two-factor” authentication. One factor is something you know, the PIN, and the second factor is something you have, the card or token.

    However, smart bankcards, like those used in Canada, Latin America, Europe and Japan, are not available in the United States. (Editor's Note:  No, they're not, so if you want two-factor authentication, here in the U.S. you'll want to utilize HomeATM's SwipePIN device.  Swipe your card (something you have) and  Enter Your PIN,  (something you know)

    One example is how a leading U.K. bank, Barclays, used smart bankcards to stop online fraud. (Editor's Note:  Yes, they used their PINSentry device, (click picture on left to enlarge and read) and according to Barclay's demand for the device was higher than expected, it cut fraud and is now asked  for by name for new online users,  thus generating online sales growth.)  I would say it's safe to assume the same results for our SLIDER...thanks  for the pilot Barclays!


    Other questions currently addressed at the site include:
    • What is a hotspot and is it safe to use my laptop at the airport?
    • How does music and video file sharing work?
    • I hear about 3G networks in iPhone ads, what is that?
    • If I have a secure connection to a Web site, does that mean I can trust the site?
    • Do U.S. electronic passports use RFID? http://www.justaskgemalto.com/en/tips/do-us-epassports-use-rfid-technology
    • Can my neighbor steal data from my Wi-Fi network?
    • How do I get an emergency replacement passport if I am traveling?
    • I want to get a phone that works outside the U.S., what should I look for?
    • Five things you should do when traveling abroad
    The Web site also presents informative articles and short videos. www.JustAskGemalto.com is part of a broader business and consumer education initiativeundertaken by $2 billion digital security leader Gemalto, to help guideinformed choices and practices.




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    Posted by John B. Frank Wednesday, January 21, 2009

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