Linda's Blog

Spam Alert: New ‘IRS Stimulus Payment’ Phishing Scam

Linda Criddle — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:31:00 GMT

Playing on the financial angst of consumers, criminals posing as the IRS and armed with e-mail addresses such as service@irs.gov and tax-refund@irs.gov , are trying once again to deceive the unwary. How do you know if it’s a scam? For starters, the IRS...(read more)

Internet Safety @ the Consumer Electronics Show

Linda Criddle — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:22:00 GMT

Last week, I was a panel moderator for Kids at Play Summit , a unique section of the annual Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas. The show is the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow and this year it featured consumer technology products...(read more)

Evaluating Your Need for ID Theft Insurance

Linda Criddle — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:52:00 GMT

With the dramatic increase in identity theft, there has been a correlating surge in the popularity of ID theft insurance. Advertisements for this type of insurance are everywhere - billboards, radio, magazines, TV and online - but how do you know if you...(read more)

Three Keys to Staying Safer Online

Linda Criddle — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:33:00 GMT

Though there are several skills you can acquire to stay safe depending on your activities, there are three main aspects to Internet safety that every user must understand and incorporate into online behavior to be protected online. Understand the potential...(read more)

Time to Test Your Spam Skills

Linda Criddle — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:27:00 GMT

It seems that in spite of a major ‘spam bust ’ in October, the amount of junk coming to my email account continues to increase and I suspect you are experiencing the same phenomena. Knowing how to spot spam is one of the best ways to increase your Internet...(read more)

Websites That Get You Moving

Linda Criddle — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:26:00 GMT

If your waistline started the outward slide from the Thanksgiving feast through the holiday parties, the Web is a great resource to can help you get out, and get moving. Greg Adler, of PC World recently recommended his five favorite sites for outdoor...(read more)

Are You Suffering from ‘Cybercondria’?

Linda Criddle — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:17:00 GMT

Are You Suffering from ‘Cybercondria’? New research from Microsoft explores the impact of health-related Web content on consumer behavior. Their conclusion? A great many of us suffer from ‘cyberchondria’ - the practice of drawing dire conclusions about...(read more)

New Email Scams to Watch Out For

Linda Criddle — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:13:00 GMT

A new crop of email scams making the rounds follow the 2 key principles every scam artist learns: make the scam relevant to the concerns of consumers today, and attempt to be plausible. Practice your scam spotting skills to avoid being ripped off by the...(read more)

Kid-Safe Web Worlds – Déjà vu or Smarter the Second Time Around?

Linda Criddle — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:20:00 GMT

Several new kid-safe websites like KidZui and iLand5.com have emerged that provide controlled environments where the content and communication are carefully monitored to protect kids from a variety of online risks. Sound familiar ? These products represent...(read more)

Product Review - eGuardian

Linda Criddle — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:08:00 GMT

Product: eGuardian Claim: Provides “unparalleled protection from online predators” Price: $29.00 for a lifetime enrollment Their pitch: Their Guarantee: “ eGuardian is guaranteed to protect your child online — while not limiting his or her Internet options”...(read more)

Savvy Shopping this Holiday Season

Linda Criddle — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:18:00 GMT

With the economy down, online bargain hunting is fast becoming a national sport. Internet retailers are expecting to win big as traditional stores struggle to match the Internet’s convenience and prices…. and the holiday sales wars are just heating up....(read more)

What are Bots, Zombies, and Botnets?

Linda Criddle — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:23:00 GMT

News about internet crimes often mentions 'bots', 'zombies', and ‘botnets’. It’s not hard to figure out from the context that these are computer or network security threats. But what exactly are they and how do they work? A 'bot' is a type of malicious...(read more)

Protecting Children From Online Sexual Predators

Linda Criddle — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:44:00 GMT

I recently asked “how can parents help protect their children from sexual predators online?”. The answer is, the same way you help keep them away from predators everywhere else. Protect children when young, arm them with the skills they need to value...(read more)

Cellphones Help Connect Families

Linda Criddle — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:59:00 GMT

N ew research confirms what many families already knew – cellphones help them stay closer. While most news articles focus on the negative aspects of new technologies and Internet services, the benefits we reap as a society, as couples, as families, and...(read more)

LOOKBOTHWAYS and CyberPatrol Launch Internet Safety Video Series

Linda Criddle — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:09:00 GMT

In recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, LOOK BOTH WAYS and CyberPatrol have created four family-oriented Internet safety videos that give parents, educators and others, quick and accessible advice on how to protect children online....(read more)