I've posted about Vivint Security Systems on this blog and have personally dealt with this company personally as they tried to sell me on their ultimate security system but, I ultimately rated them as a D as a business after a little research. Now, as an Army veteran who found this ABC News report on them, I now demote them down to an F- with all kinds of malice!. If there was a lower grade, believe me, I would rate them as low as is possible! BTW, the Better Business Bureau has demoted Vivint to a big fat F*cking F. And, I'm not one to curse.
I feel compelled to relay this information on Vivint to my security minded followers after finding this report on ABC News. As you well know, many businesses will readily jump on whatever hot bandwagon is popular simply for the sake of profits after having their legal team write contracts with legal loopholes and shady wording on their contracts and have their sales force promise all kinds of pies in the skies to make make the sales and lock them into legal quagmires. Well, as this ABC report clearly shows, Vivint appears to be just another money hungry company jumping on the veterans bandwagon to take clear advantage of US vets by means of legal mumbo-jumbo for profit by "legally contractual" means. Just another reason to avoid this deceptive and disgusting alarm company.
At this point, I wouldn't let them install their system in my dog's house. As a Desert Storm and 19 year US Army vet, I feel like an innocent kidnapped virgin sold as a whore for some scumbag's profit who will will just use me for my body then discard me off to the side of the alley as soon as the band wagon profits dropped.
Vivint, let me ask you something. Where is your focus? Veterans who answered their call of duty to defend the very democracy that give you the opportunity to live a prosperous life, or financial gain for your corporate officers and shareholders? Is your personal luxurious life more important than the lives of patriotic Americans who have sworn their lives to the US Constitution and sacrificed their lives? Can you possibly be that f*cking shallow? Really? A fancy car and mansion is more valuable to you than a fellow American life who is willing to stand up for your rights and the basic human rights of others less fortunate? For your personal gain??? Then you hide behind legal "contracts" you deceptively wrote for that purpose?
Vivint, go ahead and hide behind the deceptive cloak of Capitalism, the American Dream, The US legal system, The dog eat dog world, every man for himself, who ever ends up with the most toys, wins, the every minute there's a sucker born mentality, however your sick mind can justify your pathetic behavior. You will NEVER win and ultimately wind up just another has been company who attempted to undermine true American truth!
OK Vivint, before you sic your legal team on me for defamation and slander, let me ask you this? How many lawyers do you have on retention and payroll willing to risk their legal careers versus how many military vets since WWII and truly patriotic Americans willing to stand firm for vets over a company who was re-branded from APEX because of customer complaints? Just remember Vivint, there is enough on you online to for us to prove our point regardless of your overpaid legal team. Your legal maneuvering will NEVER override the truth because financial gain can never beat out the American patriotism of American vets and true Americans!
Suck it up buttercup! Oh sorry Vivint. did I offend you or legally violate your profits and reputation over my sacrifice which is not legally standing? Are you now searching for some other legal recourse to stop me from interfering from you rightful legal profits? No problem Vivint, go ahead and throw this 19 year vet in jail and see how your profits skyrocket. Not only will that show your shallowness, it'll also clearly show your deceptiveness on your support on "VETERANS" except the ones you intentionally screw by your "legal means" as you see it by your legal rights.
Vivint, you've been called out. One hundred fifty one other vets and bloggers have this post waiting for you to slam me, sue me, throw me in jail, and shut me the f*ck up or get off the veteran bandwagon. I'll lay off. I promise as a non-commissioned officer who's word is better than any or business legalities. I'll be watching and waiting.
My post on Vivint, Dec 2013:http://adventpersec.blogspot.com/2013/12/vivint-security-alarms.html
ABC News Post, May 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyiAMfU6Q8I
Was my 18 years of military service just spent for someone else's sole purpose of personal financial gain? What about my friends and brothers in arms who gave the ultimate sacrifice? Was it for some CEO and investors' profit? Is that what we Americans are fighting for?
P.S. Vivint, You must pay $5,120.00 for me to remove this post from my blog because your representative showed me this figure on his"official" Vivint paperwork. Sorry that the salesman is not an "official representative" but only a sub contractor who has no official capacity but, that is the only contract I have before me which I was deceived into signing. Sorry I cannot show it to you but, that is the legal agreement that was signed by your representative and not subject to scrutiny by any party herein included. When you pay the $5550.00. (administrative and processing fees included), I will remove it from this blog and notify the Better Business Bureau, The Consumerist, Consumer Reports, and Scam Businesses.com, and several other scam sites, to show the claim as "resolved". Please be advised that these are the legal terms as stated by US laws such as the ones you used on our US vets and and as such, don't necessarily mean that anything was actually resolved. It simply means that you made a lame attempt to contact your victim, probably via robo calls which you will probably attempt to consider a legitimate call to evade responsibility. All the while, without providing the promised services you actually promised laughing your a$$ off on the way to the bank.
By paying the $5,550.00 fee. Vivint must agree that we cannot fully guarantee that all derogatory posts against Vivint will be removed from internet sites as stated in this agreement once you have agreed and paid the fee. Advent, here as known as, the awesome company will make every effort to remove any and all derogatory and negative posts about Vivnint that have been posted by Advent Personal Security as known by it's known history of posting negative blog posts and review postings regarding the the deceptive claims made by Vivinit Seccurity Systems.
How do you like them apples Vivint? F*ck with one vet, you f*ck with all vets since from all branches of service since WWII and all true Americans. Is that worth a buck?
To my readers, feel free to search Vivint on YouTube and Google reviews: Formerly known as APEX.
Disclosure: I normally don't interject my personal feelings in my posts but this one
is the exception as not only am I an Army vet but, I have lost friends
in Iraq and Afghanistan and feel that this scam is the lowest form of
douchebaggery any American can do over the life of another American who
sacrifices his or her life for the American way.
As a neutral researcher, I believe in being open and looking at both sides of every story. I personally dealt with Vivant and it was the only company I considered to having install a security system in my house even though I worked for a rival company a few years back. In theory, Vivint's system is awesome and have found many positive things about Vivint. But, after a bit more research, I found that their monitoring was not only lacking, but their sales methods were a bit on the shady side. After some further research and talking to some Vivint owners, I found that the the company practices we geared more towards profits from monitoring rather than security. I was really disappointed because I thought I had found a good secure system but eventually came to find out that Vivint was only a re-branded company (APEX), that had changed names because of high customer complaints.
Although Vivint changed names, their sales and service practices hasn't really changed much. From this point on, I'll let you decide by doing some simple online research. I would like to ask any more vets or Americans who are willing to stand by side once again against this this greedy behemoth, to please contact me if and when when we must do battle against this anti vet greedy business.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Are You Being Watched?
Voyeurism
The act of one obtaining sexual gratification from observing unsuspecting individuals who are partly undressed, naked, or engaged in sexual acts; broadly : one who habitually seeks sexual stimulation by visual means.
One of the crimes I despise most is voyeurism. Not only does this crime violate peoples' privacy, the perpetrator goes the extra step and distributes this violation online for other perverts to further violate the victims' personal life. Imagine you most intimate moments captured on video and distributed online for others and possibly being exposed to the wrong people. Aside from extortion, the humiliation and questioning of your integrity is now in question.
So how do you protect yourself from this perverted crime? Well, for starters, read the
The act of one obtaining sexual gratification from observing unsuspecting individuals who are partly undressed, naked, or engaged in sexual acts; broadly : one who habitually seeks sexual stimulation by visual means.
One of the crimes I despise most is voyeurism. Not only does this crime violate peoples' privacy, the perpetrator goes the extra step and distributes this violation online for other perverts to further violate the victims' personal life. Imagine you most intimate moments captured on video and distributed online for others and possibly being exposed to the wrong people. Aside from extortion, the humiliation and questioning of your integrity is now in question.
So how do you protect yourself from this perverted crime? Well, for starters, read the
Safety in a Hotel post here http://adventpersec.blogspot.com/2014/01/safety-in-hotel.html
Aside from being spied on in hotels and other places, you must consider places like your own home and other familiar places where webcams are installed. Since the advent of webcams, perverts with basic hacking abilities have figured out how to hack into commonly used webcams people use every day for security and other purposes.
Webcams are great for many uses but unfortunately, developers did not consider security when developing the cams. Therefore, many webcams out there are streaming video with absolutely no security from hacking or "tapping in". Since most webcams are connected to a computer, once a hacker gains access to your computer, the webcam is under full control of the hacker to turn on and off as he wishes.
What happens once this happens? It get's post online on sites such as, http://www.opentopia.com/ and http://www.insecam.org/ These are just two site where webcams are streamed but there are many many more.
The webcams on these sites have been easily hacked because most are not secured or password strength is easily guessed. Is your password strong enough? Or, are you more concerned with convenience. Are you willing to risk your webcam capturing your private moments? One simple solution is to cover your webcam lens with a piece of tape or disconnect it until you need to use it.
Don't let your private moments go viral.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Open Carry in Texas.
As we've now heard, Governor Abbot's open carry law has passed and will go into effect in January of 2016. This will allow licensed Texans to openly carry a weapon in most places, people must understand that there will still be some places that open or concealed carrying will not be allowed. Surprisingly, Whataburger, a true Texas tradition, has already publicly stated that openly carried guns will not be allowed in their restaurants. Personally, I find that as a insult from Texans to Texans but I will not contest it because I understand that the Whataburger is just another corporate entity that has has succumbed to profiteering and the poilticlal correctness movement in favor or profit over truth and constitutional rights. Ok, I get it, it's about corporate greed before true Texas traditional and constitutional rights. Whataburger, I love your burgers but I'm sadly disappointed in your decision to to to defy a true Texas right over profit and political correctness!
I'm going to put my neck on the chopping block here and tell you why I think open carry is not a good idea. Before the haters and anti gunners start their whining, hear me out. I'm a proponent for the Second Amendment, gun ownership, concealed carry permits, guns for self defense, and self defense in general. The main reason I am against open carry is because I do not believe people will understand that criminals are not afraid of open carriers because you're armed and also because people who fear guns will eventually whine to the point that their safety is more important than your right to bear arms. Some liberal wussy politician will eventually make a big fuss and make all gun carriers look the bad the bad guy. Kind of like the global warming conspiracy theorists. Anyway, here's what I predict,
Gun thefts.
Here's a guy sitting on a park bench watching his kids play in the park. He feels secure because he thinks no one will mess with him because he's armed. A criminal will see this exposed gun as an opportunity for a free gun and possible robbery of the gun owner. Many open carriers just don't have the training with gun use and ownership. Untrained open carriers have this belief that showing they're armed is enough to keep them safe. I predict many stolen guns and armed robberies. I can take his weapon away and turn it against him before he knows it's gone. He has no locking mechanism on his holster. If I later commit a crime with his gun and it's traced back to him, he'll be legally held responsible.
Racial profiling.
These two guys walk into the restaurant your at with your family. They're both openly carrying. You get a bad feeling about the guy on the right and decide to call the police because you're convinced he's up to no good.
The guy on the left has an extensive criminal history including rape, aggravated assault and narcotics use. He's on parole and should not be in possession of weapon but cannot be questioned by law enforcement about carrying. The guy on the right is military combat veteran, reserve county deputy, addiction counselor, lay minister at his church and father of three. This happens all the time even without the guns. Profiling is a societal norm commonly accepted by our society due to preconceptions of races and racial perceptions.
Accidental shootings.
Some leather holster have been known to misform over time and press against the gun trigger causing the gun to fire after some movement or pressure is applied. I recommend a plastic or composite type holster with a locking mechanism to avoid accidental discharge or theft.Unintentional discharges will happen. This will also take time from police officers' time as they must investigate these accident which will take time from their regular duties and patrols.
Stand your ground shootings.
Road rage or any incident of confrontation will be taken as a threat to life and claimed as "I feared for my life" shootings. "He looked threatening and cussed at me, I feared for my life so I shot him".
Lost guns.
Even police officers and soldiers have been know to lose weapons. A civilian with minimal training will inadvertently forget a weapon where some criminal dirtbag or child could find it. The consequences could be devastating.
Officer Safety.
Regardless of how strongly you feel about your 2nd Amendment right or the legality of the open carry law, the police officer is the legal enforcer who must deal with the laws on a daily basis and make split second decisions. This poor guy who has sworn to uphold the law of the land will have to confront armed citizens every day. Aside from putting his life on line for our society's safety, He or she must risk every single encounter with an armed citizen multiple times a day. While YOU may be a law abiding citizen with your rights in the forefront, there is no way for him or her to know your intentions upon approach. For their safety, they must assume some level of hostility on your part and take every precaution to safeguard their lives while performing their duties. Just for a second, put yourself in their shoes and imagine pulling a stranger over who is carrying a loaded gun as you approach their car. Are you POSITIVE they are a law abiding citizen? I predict many people will get in serious trouble and or lose their right to open carry for challenging an officer's authority over their rights. I also predict some civilians will get shot by officer for challenging the officer's authority over their "rights" to open carry. Unfortunate, but it will happen.
Reciprocity Laws
While Texas may allow open carry, other states around Texas may not. People who live along bordering states may inadvertently forget they have a gun in the car when crossing state lines may get arrested if caught with a weapon. Now that Texas has made it legal to carry a gun, other states may not allow a gun in the vehicle. I predict many people will get into some legal troubles while traveling into Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico for having an accessible weapon in the car. Those surrounding states will now be extra careful to stop and search any vehicle with Texas license plates. God forbid you should get caught in Mexico with a gun. You're going directly to prison. You will not pass go or collect $200. Solitary with no chance of parole.
The Second Amendment
Sorry to burst your bubble but the second amendment does NOT trump your state laws. The US constitution has been challenged many times for this and has always lost to state laws. If you get busted in Washington DC or any other state for carrying an unlicensed gun registered in another state, the second amendment does NOT give you the rights to carry a weapon in that state regardless of what you believe. Regardless of how you interpret the Second Amendment, (muskets or AR 15s) state law will usually always win. I predict many Texans still believe that the Second Amendment and reciprocity laws will guarantee their "RIGHT" to bear arms and wind up with criminal records.
Forgetfulness
People are human and forget. After openly carrying all day everywhere, people will forget they're carrying and walk into someplace where weapons are not allowed. Using cell phones in the church, piano recitals and theaters are good example of this even though it's clearly posted and mentioned in the previews. People forget or just believe the that the law gives them the right to carry anywhere. Who really looks for the little sign on the door that states that carrying weapons openly is prohibited. I myself spotted a man with a gun in a place clearly marked with a 30.06 guns prohibited sign clearly posted on the front door. He wasn't paying attention when he entered but fortunately, I was able to discreetly inform him of the sign and being that he was a law abiding citizen, scurried out and left his gun in his car before re-entering the business. There will be times when people will not notice legal postings and carry into places where guns are not allowed and get into legal troubles.
I believe if Thomas Jefferson's words, the US Constitution and especially the Second Amendment but I also believe that today's threat is not so much from the government but the criminal element. In Jefferson's day, everyone had a at least one gun for true personal protection and hunting and was well versed in it's use, maintenance, and purpose, but remember that we don't live in Jefferson's days. Today, guns are and our laws are much more complex and must be learned before use and their implementation. Political correctness, public opinion, and laws must also be considered before we jump on the supposed overall encompassing Second Amendment, street justice, and claiming self defense like back in the days of Jefferson. Our society hes become very complex since the days of Jefferson and when our constitution was written. We, as a society cannot just revert back to the days of yore and claim our right to bear arms as a Constitutionally given human rights without regard to modern rights and law.
As I have mentioned many times before in this blog, We live in a different time, where things are different from times we learned in our history classes. As such, the times of Jefferson and colonial days, 2015 is very different as our laws our. This is where we as a society must accept this change and follow the new societal norm that we have created. Sorry if you don't agree with it, but you played a part in creating it whether you accept it or not.
UPDATE:
Ironically, or as proof of my point, the day after I wrote this, I went to work and was informed that a federal agent in the building I work in, accidentally discharged his duty weapon in the office! My partner who was on duty at the time heard the blast and went to investigate. Upon finding that there were no injuries, went back to work but noted the incident in his duty log. Apparently, this was the agent's second accidental discharge and is a fully trained firearms instructor! If this can happen to a firearms instructor, when will a similar occurrences accidentally injure or kill an innocent bystander by accidental discharges by open carriers who are not fully trained or openly carry just because they feel it is they're constitutional right.
Folk's you MUST understand that just because you have the Second Amendment legal RIGHT to bear arms, it does NOT mean that you are immune from the legalities of the state laws governing the bearing of weapons! Every state define the misuse of guns, gun safety, ignorance of the law, or even the legal repercussions of shooting another person differently. You MUST understand that even though the Second Amendment gives you the right to bear arms, there are other laws that govern the standards and conditions that govern HOW, WHEN, and WHY you may exercise those conditions according to each state in the US. Those laws are set by the states and are NOT automatically overridden by the US Constitution!
As proof of this point, there are NO reciprocity rules or laws in the US that will excuse an ANY concealed or open gun carrier for weapons violations in the US who claims his 2nd Amendment right as justification. Just because you can openly carry in one state, does NOT mean you can openly or conceal carry in another state regardless of your licensing, certification, or misguide interpretation of the 2nd Amendment. This is proof that each state can have laws that seam to override the US Constitution. But, what many people fail to recognize is that, while the US Constitution may be the law of the land, the Constitution ALSO gives each state of our union, the right to have it's own constitution and the federal government must respect each state's constitution.
Suck it up Buttercup.
Dave
I'm going to put my neck on the chopping block here and tell you why I think open carry is not a good idea. Before the haters and anti gunners start their whining, hear me out. I'm a proponent for the Second Amendment, gun ownership, concealed carry permits, guns for self defense, and self defense in general. The main reason I am against open carry is because I do not believe people will understand that criminals are not afraid of open carriers because you're armed and also because people who fear guns will eventually whine to the point that their safety is more important than your right to bear arms. Some liberal wussy politician will eventually make a big fuss and make all gun carriers look the bad the bad guy. Kind of like the global warming conspiracy theorists. Anyway, here's what I predict,
Gun thefts.
Racial profiling.
These two guys walk into the restaurant your at with your family. They're both openly carrying. You get a bad feeling about the guy on the right and decide to call the police because you're convinced he's up to no good.
The guy on the left has an extensive criminal history including rape, aggravated assault and narcotics use. He's on parole and should not be in possession of weapon but cannot be questioned by law enforcement about carrying. The guy on the right is military combat veteran, reserve county deputy, addiction counselor, lay minister at his church and father of three. This happens all the time even without the guns. Profiling is a societal norm commonly accepted by our society due to preconceptions of races and racial perceptions.
Accidental shootings.
Some leather holster have been known to misform over time and press against the gun trigger causing the gun to fire after some movement or pressure is applied. I recommend a plastic or composite type holster with a locking mechanism to avoid accidental discharge or theft.Unintentional discharges will happen. This will also take time from police officers' time as they must investigate these accident which will take time from their regular duties and patrols.
Stand your ground shootings.
Road rage or any incident of confrontation will be taken as a threat to life and claimed as "I feared for my life" shootings. "He looked threatening and cussed at me, I feared for my life so I shot him".
Lost guns.
Even police officers and soldiers have been know to lose weapons. A civilian with minimal training will inadvertently forget a weapon where some criminal dirtbag or child could find it. The consequences could be devastating.
Officer Safety.
Regardless of how strongly you feel about your 2nd Amendment right or the legality of the open carry law, the police officer is the legal enforcer who must deal with the laws on a daily basis and make split second decisions. This poor guy who has sworn to uphold the law of the land will have to confront armed citizens every day. Aside from putting his life on line for our society's safety, He or she must risk every single encounter with an armed citizen multiple times a day. While YOU may be a law abiding citizen with your rights in the forefront, there is no way for him or her to know your intentions upon approach. For their safety, they must assume some level of hostility on your part and take every precaution to safeguard their lives while performing their duties. Just for a second, put yourself in their shoes and imagine pulling a stranger over who is carrying a loaded gun as you approach their car. Are you POSITIVE they are a law abiding citizen? I predict many people will get in serious trouble and or lose their right to open carry for challenging an officer's authority over their rights. I also predict some civilians will get shot by officer for challenging the officer's authority over their "rights" to open carry. Unfortunate, but it will happen.
Reciprocity Laws
While Texas may allow open carry, other states around Texas may not. People who live along bordering states may inadvertently forget they have a gun in the car when crossing state lines may get arrested if caught with a weapon. Now that Texas has made it legal to carry a gun, other states may not allow a gun in the vehicle. I predict many people will get into some legal troubles while traveling into Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico for having an accessible weapon in the car. Those surrounding states will now be extra careful to stop and search any vehicle with Texas license plates. God forbid you should get caught in Mexico with a gun. You're going directly to prison. You will not pass go or collect $200. Solitary with no chance of parole.
The Second Amendment
Sorry to burst your bubble but the second amendment does NOT trump your state laws. The US constitution has been challenged many times for this and has always lost to state laws. If you get busted in Washington DC or any other state for carrying an unlicensed gun registered in another state, the second amendment does NOT give you the rights to carry a weapon in that state regardless of what you believe. Regardless of how you interpret the Second Amendment, (muskets or AR 15s) state law will usually always win. I predict many Texans still believe that the Second Amendment and reciprocity laws will guarantee their "RIGHT" to bear arms and wind up with criminal records.
Forgetfulness
People are human and forget. After openly carrying all day everywhere, people will forget they're carrying and walk into someplace where weapons are not allowed. Using cell phones in the church, piano recitals and theaters are good example of this even though it's clearly posted and mentioned in the previews. People forget or just believe the that the law gives them the right to carry anywhere. Who really looks for the little sign on the door that states that carrying weapons openly is prohibited. I myself spotted a man with a gun in a place clearly marked with a 30.06 guns prohibited sign clearly posted on the front door. He wasn't paying attention when he entered but fortunately, I was able to discreetly inform him of the sign and being that he was a law abiding citizen, scurried out and left his gun in his car before re-entering the business. There will be times when people will not notice legal postings and carry into places where guns are not allowed and get into legal troubles.
As I have mentioned many times before in this blog, We live in a different time, where things are different from times we learned in our history classes. As such, the times of Jefferson and colonial days, 2015 is very different as our laws our. This is where we as a society must accept this change and follow the new societal norm that we have created. Sorry if you don't agree with it, but you played a part in creating it whether you accept it or not.
UPDATE:
Ironically, or as proof of my point, the day after I wrote this, I went to work and was informed that a federal agent in the building I work in, accidentally discharged his duty weapon in the office! My partner who was on duty at the time heard the blast and went to investigate. Upon finding that there were no injuries, went back to work but noted the incident in his duty log. Apparently, this was the agent's second accidental discharge and is a fully trained firearms instructor! If this can happen to a firearms instructor, when will a similar occurrences accidentally injure or kill an innocent bystander by accidental discharges by open carriers who are not fully trained or openly carry just because they feel it is they're constitutional right.
Folk's you MUST understand that just because you have the Second Amendment legal RIGHT to bear arms, it does NOT mean that you are immune from the legalities of the state laws governing the bearing of weapons! Every state define the misuse of guns, gun safety, ignorance of the law, or even the legal repercussions of shooting another person differently. You MUST understand that even though the Second Amendment gives you the right to bear arms, there are other laws that govern the standards and conditions that govern HOW, WHEN, and WHY you may exercise those conditions according to each state in the US. Those laws are set by the states and are NOT automatically overridden by the US Constitution!
As proof of this point, there are NO reciprocity rules or laws in the US that will excuse an ANY concealed or open gun carrier for weapons violations in the US who claims his 2nd Amendment right as justification. Just because you can openly carry in one state, does NOT mean you can openly or conceal carry in another state regardless of your licensing, certification, or misguide interpretation of the 2nd Amendment. This is proof that each state can have laws that seam to override the US Constitution. But, what many people fail to recognize is that, while the US Constitution may be the law of the land, the Constitution ALSO gives each state of our union, the right to have it's own constitution and the federal government must respect each state's constitution.
Suck it up Buttercup.
Dave
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Too Easy to Hack Your Email
I usually don't post much on cyber security security because it is a such a large crime and the variations and techniques are so varied, I would spend way too much time on just that. Every once in while I will come across a cyber crime I will feel compelled to share with my readers for what ever reason.
In this particular hack, I felt was worth of your knowledge because it is ridiculously simple and I also feel it would most likely be perpetrated by someone you know.
This hack is being made known by the awesome Symantec technology company known for their security, storage and backup software. I thought it was cool of them to produce this video.
What could a hacker learn about you be accessing you email account(s) and how could they exploit the information they have access to?
Aside from getting to know more about your personal life, I also see the potential for identity theft by possibly getting more valuable information from your emails that could be pieced together to create your personal profile. That profile could further be used to apply for credit cards, loans, and various other things which would devastate your life.
Remember, identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world.
Take heed.
Dave
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Advent Is Growing. Thanks To You.
Many Advent PerSec readers who have been to one of my
presentations, have asked me why I don’t post articles about the subjects I
talk about in the live presentations. The biggest reason I didn’t is that I
felt posting the subjects online would drive down the attendance of the live
presentations. My thinking was that people would not attend my presentations if
they could just read about it online.
Well, after some thought and convincing by a reader who
attended a presentation, I have relented. I did so but only with the readers’
understanding that reading about some of the security threats cannot replace
seeing some of the demonstrations in person or the countermeasures I
demonstrate in the presentations. In other words, reading posts online can
never replace being there in person and seeing it for yourself.
Another reason I decided to bring more information to this
blog is because Advent Personal Security as a business is growing at a good
pace. I now have followers from 11 states in the US and a few from other countries.
While I can handle the growth by myself so far, there is no way I can do
presentations outside of my own community thereby neglecting many people of
valuable information that could benefit them.
So, from now on, I will post most if not all the information
discussed at my live presentations. There are some things I will not be able to
post such as demonstrations and product use but I will try my best to inform my
followers on how to protect themselves and be safe from personal safety
threats. I am also looking into producing some Advent videos to post on the
blog so, watch for those in the future.
Also, be aware that I am launching an Advent Personal
Security website with almost 200 security products available. I am hoping to
launch in early July 2015. Also, this blog may move to a different address
around the same time but not to worry, I will leave a link to the new blog site
and website on this page so you can visit and re subscribe on the new blog
site.
Thanks to all my followers and customers for your loyalty
and support. Your safety is my goal. BTW, I have managed to reinstall the Follow and RSS buttons which mysteriously disappeared for awhile but had my Advent email hijacked. If you have received any advertisements for a home security systems from adventpersecblog.com, please know that it was not me, it was probably from some teenaged Russian script kiddie hacker and you should disregard. I will never solicit your business directly. If you want to contact me directly, you can do so at dave@adventpersec.com
Dave
There, I Said It!
Well, here I go again, defending my beliefs. No post on this blog has gotten more negative and hateful responses than my martial arts posts. Naturally, most responses I've gotten come from martial arts (MA), instructors and practitioners who believe their style is the ultimate in self defense and that I'm stupid because I don't agree with their belief in their MA style.
First and foremost, I want to say that my intention is NOT to degrade any particular martial arts form or person. My only intent is to state that not all martial arts forms are a viable form of self defense regardless of the form or style.
I totally understand loyalty to your martial arts style and beliefs but, it doesn't take rocket science to understand that grappling, high kicks, back flips, and bokkens is NOT self defense. True self defense is the knowledge of how to avoid an attack and the knowledge of physical defense if needed with what you have available. It is NOT engaging the enemy with force to emerge victorious. Besides, who the heck does back flips and carries martial arts weapons with them at all times?
Ladies, do any of you carry these with you at all times? Anyone? .....Anyone? This woman is a brown belt in some "self defense" martial arts course. Would she be able to defend herself against a larger male in a dark parking lot after being attacked from behind without her weapons? What is she going to do, pull out her Sai from her purse and impale her attacker? Her instructor has convinced her she is "self defense ready". Folks, that is NOT self defense.
Some "self defense schools" will gladly "upgrade" you training with "weapons training" for a small fee. Seriously? Swords and bokken as self defense? Please! This is 21st century USA, not 17th century China.
As proof of the lies, I decided to experiment and prove my point by going to a local Kung Fu martial arts school a few blocks from my home to see how their "self defense" course faired. The sign on the building clearly stated "self defense training" so I entered and was quickly greeted by a young man who told me he was the Kung Fu master (instructor). How a 28 year old guy can become a Kung Fu master is beyond me but I played along. BTW, Kung Fu is actually Gung fu in Chinese. Kung Fu is often used in the West to refer to Chinese martial arts. It is only in the late 20th century, that this term was used in relation to Chinese martial arts by the Chinese community. Kung-fu is a primarily an UNARMED Chinese martial art resembling karate yet this Kung Fu sensei proceeded to tell me about all the Kung Fu weapons they train in and how Karate is inferior. He was also quick to ask me if I was interested in the weapons self defense course they had for "special training price". I simply told him I saw his class practicing out in the parking lot a day before which got my attention, (they were practicing outside with swords (bokken).
His first question was if I had ever taken any martial arts courses before. I lied and said no. That was his que to employ the sales pitch. Next, he asked if I would take some "tests" to see where I should be placed in the class. He donned some punching mitts and told me to punch them as hard as I could. I gave a half hearted effort while in a pitiful stance. Next, he asked me to kick a punching bag. Again, I gave a wimpy low kick and pretended to lose my balance. After that pathetic performance, the "instructor" told me I had good potential and should be placed in the black belt fast track. No big surprise that the black belt fast track costs $30 more that the advertised self defense price. So, after a few more questions about my wants, he also somehow figured out that I would be an excellent candidate for the special weapons course which was and additional $50. more. All this from a sissy punch and a weak low kick! Self defense? I think not. He's not an instructor, he's a salesman trying to make a buck off my supposed ignorance, period!
As any regular Advent reader knows, I am a martial arts practitioner (Combat Judo & Brazilian Ju Jitsu) and a firm believer in martial arts as a self defense method, but you must understand that not all martial arts are a self defense form regardless of the advertisements and credentials of the instructor.
So, to you martial arts practitioners and "senseis" who have deceived people and hated on me, where is the integrity and discipline of true martial arts it requires now? Is it in your dojo or is it your bank account? Check yourself before you criticize. If you can justify money over discipline and integrity, you're wrong because that is not the way of the true warrior.
Peace be unto you.
First and foremost, I want to say that my intention is NOT to degrade any particular martial arts form or person. My only intent is to state that not all martial arts forms are a viable form of self defense regardless of the form or style.
I totally understand loyalty to your martial arts style and beliefs but, it doesn't take rocket science to understand that grappling, high kicks, back flips, and bokkens is NOT self defense. True self defense is the knowledge of how to avoid an attack and the knowledge of physical defense if needed with what you have available. It is NOT engaging the enemy with force to emerge victorious. Besides, who the heck does back flips and carries martial arts weapons with them at all times?
Some "self defense schools" will gladly "upgrade" you training with "weapons training" for a small fee. Seriously? Swords and bokken as self defense? Please! This is 21st century USA, not 17th century China.
As proof of the lies, I decided to experiment and prove my point by going to a local Kung Fu martial arts school a few blocks from my home to see how their "self defense" course faired. The sign on the building clearly stated "self defense training" so I entered and was quickly greeted by a young man who told me he was the Kung Fu master (instructor). How a 28 year old guy can become a Kung Fu master is beyond me but I played along. BTW, Kung Fu is actually Gung fu in Chinese. Kung Fu is often used in the West to refer to Chinese martial arts. It is only in the late 20th century, that this term was used in relation to Chinese martial arts by the Chinese community. Kung-fu is a primarily an UNARMED Chinese martial art resembling karate yet this Kung Fu sensei proceeded to tell me about all the Kung Fu weapons they train in and how Karate is inferior. He was also quick to ask me if I was interested in the weapons self defense course they had for "special training price". I simply told him I saw his class practicing out in the parking lot a day before which got my attention, (they were practicing outside with swords (bokken).
His first question was if I had ever taken any martial arts courses before. I lied and said no. That was his que to employ the sales pitch. Next, he asked if I would take some "tests" to see where I should be placed in the class. He donned some punching mitts and told me to punch them as hard as I could. I gave a half hearted effort while in a pitiful stance. Next, he asked me to kick a punching bag. Again, I gave a wimpy low kick and pretended to lose my balance. After that pathetic performance, the "instructor" told me I had good potential and should be placed in the black belt fast track. No big surprise that the black belt fast track costs $30 more that the advertised self defense price. So, after a few more questions about my wants, he also somehow figured out that I would be an excellent candidate for the special weapons course which was and additional $50. more. All this from a sissy punch and a weak low kick! Self defense? I think not. He's not an instructor, he's a salesman trying to make a buck off my supposed ignorance, period!
As any regular Advent reader knows, I am a martial arts practitioner (Combat Judo & Brazilian Ju Jitsu) and a firm believer in martial arts as a self defense method, but you must understand that not all martial arts are a self defense form regardless of the advertisements and credentials of the instructor.
So, to you martial arts practitioners and "senseis" who have deceived people and hated on me, where is the integrity and discipline of true martial arts it requires now? Is it in your dojo or is it your bank account? Check yourself before you criticize. If you can justify money over discipline and integrity, you're wrong because that is not the way of the true warrior.
Peace be unto you.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Stealth Body Armor And Holster
The Ares Armor RAD Pack
About two years ago, I received an email from a fellow analyst at the FBI. It was an officer safety alert about a new product called the the RAD Pack. I watched the video and was amazed at the brilliance of the vest and how effective it was. The analyst side of me automatically saw how it could easily be used for crimes if people were not aware of it in large public gatherings. I thought it would be a good idea to show it to my readers so they would be aware of not only the the threat, but what is available for your use and safety.
Considering that this piece of equipment has built in armor, it also has a easily accessible gun holster built in which is ergonomically positioned. Not only that, you can carry your Red Bulls and granola bars while ensuring your safety.
Watch the video below and check out their site.
This is a good product for those in the personal security and conspiracy theorists who believe the men in black suits are tracking them. Regardless, I think this is something you as a safety conscious American should be aware of if only for your safety.
About two years ago, I received an email from a fellow analyst at the FBI. It was an officer safety alert about a new product called the the RAD Pack. I watched the video and was amazed at the brilliance of the vest and how effective it was. The analyst side of me automatically saw how it could easily be used for crimes if people were not aware of it in large public gatherings. I thought it would be a good idea to show it to my readers so they would be aware of not only the the threat, but what is available for your use and safety.
Considering that this piece of equipment has built in armor, it also has a easily accessible gun holster built in which is ergonomically positioned. Not only that, you can carry your Red Bulls and granola bars while ensuring your safety.
Watch the video below and check out their site.
This is a good product for those in the personal security and conspiracy theorists who believe the men in black suits are tracking them. Regardless, I think this is something you as a safety conscious American should be aware of if only for your safety.
Stealth Gun Safes
Well, an Advent PerSec reader contacted me and asked my about home gun safes. Being he is a gun enthusiast and recently moved to Texas, he was curious about gun safes because his new home just didn't have a well enough hidden area where his safes wouldn't "stand out". As a gun enthusiast and security expert myself, I immediately thought of Q-Line.
During my time in law enforcement, I remember getting several emails from associates regarding this awesome product and eventually purchased one myself to secure my weapons. I highly recommend them and believe they are worth the cost in regards to security and safety.
To avoid the long description, I have posted the video below. Genius!
For more information on these awesome products, go to:
During my time in law enforcement, I remember getting several emails from associates regarding this awesome product and eventually purchased one myself to secure my weapons. I highly recommend them and believe they are worth the cost in regards to security and safety.
To avoid the long description, I have posted the video below. Genius!
and visit and like their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/QLineDesign
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Stalking Methods
It’s easier than ever to stay in touch with people you know — including the ones you really don’t really want to hear from.
Growing numbers of men and women report being pursued by stalkers via cell phones, Internet services, GPS systems, wireless video cameras, and other technologies, according to law-enforcement agencies and victims’ groups.
Technology is more widely available, and so stalkers have more tools to use against their victims.
Of the 3.4 million Americans who reported being stalked between 2005 and 2006 — up from 1.4 million annual cases a decade earlier — according to the U.S. Department of Justice, 27% reported being cyberstalked, or stalked through computer programs, while one in 13 said their stalkers used tracking devices to monitor their locations.
E-mail and instant messaging are the most common stalking methods, according to the Justice Department— 83% of victims reported getting unwanted e-mails from their stalkers and 35% reported getting instant messages.
Six percent said that their stalkers stole their identities to open or close financial accounts in their names, steal funds from their existing accounts, or make unauthorized charges to their credit cards.
One victim recalls a man whose ex-girlfriend infiltrated his computer via a Wi-Fi account and repeatedly posted content onto his Web site in his name.
High-tech stalking comes in many forms:
• Caller ID. The Caller ID systems on many new phones reveal callers’ names and locations. Using an online phone directory, a stalker can pinpoint a victim’s new place of residence.
• Cell phones. Whenever a victim’s cell phone is in analog mode, a radio scanner can intercept it.
• GPS services. A Wisconsin woman wondered about her ex-boyfriend’s ability to continually find her whenever she was driving her car. Then she discovered the global positioning device he had installed beneath her car’s front grill. Many stalkers use these devices, which pinpoint carriers’ exact locations,
“Every cell phone has its own identifier, so you can theoretically know the location someone is in,” says Marling. “It’s definitely a growing problem.”
• Spyware. A Michigan man remotely installed a software program on his estranged wife’s computer; the program would e-mail him daily notifications listing all the sites she visited and the contents of every e-mail she sent or received. Stalkers can also use keystroke loggers, which record every key typed and thus disclose passwords, PINs, Web sites, and e-mails.
• Cameras. Cameras today are more powerful, less expensive, smaller, and easier than ever to secretly place inside a wall. A New Jersey man monitored his ex-wife daily through a video camera in her bedroom.
• Public databases. A surprising amount of information about individuals is public record. For example, the court system of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, publishes the names and addresses of individuals who obtain protective orders.
• Headers on fax documents. One woman fled an abusive partner, but had to send him papers. She faxed her attorney papers from her shelter’s fax machine, and he in turn faxed them to the abusive partner’s attorney, who passed them along to him. The woman’s partner spotted the shelter location on the fax head and tracked her down, forcing her to relocate a second time.
• E-mail and instant messages. Stalkers send their victims abusive messages. They can also impersonate their victims by sending out messages in the victims’ names. One abuser changed his wife’s e-mail password and sent threatening messages to himself from her e-mail account. Then he took the messages to the police and convinced them to arrest her.
Defending against Stalkers.
Stalkers who use e-mail and other electronic means are sometimes harder for law enforcement to stop. An executive director of the Stalking Resource Center, notes that many investigators don’t know how to prove that a stalker’s e-mails came from the stalker — consequently, they don’t count e-mails as evidence.
Technology can also protect victims, however. The Internet is a means to find counselors, employment agencies, housing opportunities, shelters, and support services. It also provides forums for victims to share their stories with each other. Meanwhile, communities have become much better-equipped to confront stalking. In the last 10 years, new programs for training law enforcement officers, new victims’ support services, and tougher laws have all been introduced.
The Justice Department report offers some advice for keeping safe from stalkers.
• Know who calls you. Use per call (*67) when you get an unknown call, and make sure your phone has caller ID.
• Keep your contact information private. Clear your name from any database that might be published or sold from one company to another.
• Do not send any confidential information via a personal computer. Use a library computer, which a stalker will not be able to track. Destroying as much personal information as possible and routinely check your computer for viruses and intruder programs.
Be smarter than your stalker.
Growing numbers of men and women report being pursued by stalkers via cell phones, Internet services, GPS systems, wireless video cameras, and other technologies, according to law-enforcement agencies and victims’ groups.
Technology is more widely available, and so stalkers have more tools to use against their victims.
Of the 3.4 million Americans who reported being stalked between 2005 and 2006 — up from 1.4 million annual cases a decade earlier — according to the U.S. Department of Justice, 27% reported being cyberstalked, or stalked through computer programs, while one in 13 said their stalkers used tracking devices to monitor their locations.
E-mail and instant messaging are the most common stalking methods, according to the Justice Department— 83% of victims reported getting unwanted e-mails from their stalkers and 35% reported getting instant messages.
Six percent said that their stalkers stole their identities to open or close financial accounts in their names, steal funds from their existing accounts, or make unauthorized charges to their credit cards.
One victim recalls a man whose ex-girlfriend infiltrated his computer via a Wi-Fi account and repeatedly posted content onto his Web site in his name.
High-tech stalking comes in many forms:
• Caller ID. The Caller ID systems on many new phones reveal callers’ names and locations. Using an online phone directory, a stalker can pinpoint a victim’s new place of residence.
• Cell phones. Whenever a victim’s cell phone is in analog mode, a radio scanner can intercept it.
• GPS services. A Wisconsin woman wondered about her ex-boyfriend’s ability to continually find her whenever she was driving her car. Then she discovered the global positioning device he had installed beneath her car’s front grill. Many stalkers use these devices, which pinpoint carriers’ exact locations,
“Every cell phone has its own identifier, so you can theoretically know the location someone is in,” says Marling. “It’s definitely a growing problem.”
• Spyware. A Michigan man remotely installed a software program on his estranged wife’s computer; the program would e-mail him daily notifications listing all the sites she visited and the contents of every e-mail she sent or received. Stalkers can also use keystroke loggers, which record every key typed and thus disclose passwords, PINs, Web sites, and e-mails.
• Cameras. Cameras today are more powerful, less expensive, smaller, and easier than ever to secretly place inside a wall. A New Jersey man monitored his ex-wife daily through a video camera in her bedroom.
• Public databases. A surprising amount of information about individuals is public record. For example, the court system of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, publishes the names and addresses of individuals who obtain protective orders.
• Headers on fax documents. One woman fled an abusive partner, but had to send him papers. She faxed her attorney papers from her shelter’s fax machine, and he in turn faxed them to the abusive partner’s attorney, who passed them along to him. The woman’s partner spotted the shelter location on the fax head and tracked her down, forcing her to relocate a second time.
• E-mail and instant messages. Stalkers send their victims abusive messages. They can also impersonate their victims by sending out messages in the victims’ names. One abuser changed his wife’s e-mail password and sent threatening messages to himself from her e-mail account. Then he took the messages to the police and convinced them to arrest her.
Defending against Stalkers.
Stalkers who use e-mail and other electronic means are sometimes harder for law enforcement to stop. An executive director of the Stalking Resource Center, notes that many investigators don’t know how to prove that a stalker’s e-mails came from the stalker — consequently, they don’t count e-mails as evidence.
Technology can also protect victims, however. The Internet is a means to find counselors, employment agencies, housing opportunities, shelters, and support services. It also provides forums for victims to share their stories with each other. Meanwhile, communities have become much better-equipped to confront stalking. In the last 10 years, new programs for training law enforcement officers, new victims’ support services, and tougher laws have all been introduced.
The Justice Department report offers some advice for keeping safe from stalkers.
• Know who calls you. Use per call (*67) when you get an unknown call, and make sure your phone has caller ID.
• Keep your contact information private. Clear your name from any database that might be published or sold from one company to another.
• Do not send any confidential information via a personal computer. Use a library computer, which a stalker will not be able to track. Destroying as much personal information as possible and routinely check your computer for viruses and intruder programs.
Be smarter than your stalker.
Martial arts for Self Defence
A few days ago, I was having a discussion about martial arts with friend in the break room. The conversion turned to martial arts as a self defense technique and he foolishly stated that his method of Jiu Jitsu was the best technique for self defense. Aside from that statement pushing all my wrong buttons. I just had state my protest.
I'm not going to get into all the intricacies of the differences in the different martial arts and their purposes here but, I want all my readers to know that I am firm believer in Jiu Jitsu and that I am a regular practitioner of Jiu Jitsu and have nothing against it. I just don't believe that Jiu Jitsu is a practical form of self defense for the average person regardless of what the sign in the dojo says. As a trained Ju jitsu practitioner, I can understand how they could perceive it as a form of self defense but, I cannot see it that way for the everyday soccer mom with three kids in a parking lot between two cars can defend herself against a 200 lb man with ground grappling and an arm bar while she's fearing for life and running on adrenaline.
I believe that true self defense is knowledge to avoid or escaping an attack, not engaging or attacking the attacker and having the ability to fight if need be. To some, that may seem like cowardice by avoiding any physical confrontation. To some, it may be a matter of machismo overriding civility or logic, but the ultimate goal of personal security is self preservation, your safety and security. It is not victory over the evil or enforcement of your rights.
The point of this post is two fold. Martial arts is not the only method self defense, and 2, every type of martial art has it's purpose. That purpose is is not always self defense.
I'm not going to get into all the intricacies of the differences in the different martial arts and their purposes here but, I want all my readers to know that I am firm believer in Jiu Jitsu and that I am a regular practitioner of Jiu Jitsu and have nothing against it. I just don't believe that Jiu Jitsu is a practical form of self defense for the average person regardless of what the sign in the dojo says. As a trained Ju jitsu practitioner, I can understand how they could perceive it as a form of self defense but, I cannot see it that way for the everyday soccer mom with three kids in a parking lot between two cars can defend herself against a 200 lb man with ground grappling and an arm bar while she's fearing for life and running on adrenaline.
I believe that true self defense is knowledge to avoid or escaping an attack, not engaging or attacking the attacker and having the ability to fight if need be. To some, that may seem like cowardice by avoiding any physical confrontation. To some, it may be a matter of machismo overriding civility or logic, but the ultimate goal of personal security is self preservation, your safety and security. It is not victory over the evil or enforcement of your rights.
The point of this post is two fold. Martial arts is not the only method self defense, and 2, every type of martial art has it's purpose. That purpose is is not always self defense.
New Credit Card Fraud
Do you remember the Target credit card breach in 2013? I do since my wife's credit card information was accessed and exploited. I didn't report it because apparently, the hackers were spending less than my wife was and my FICO score actually went up. All kidding aside, that breach was a turning point in the credit and banking industries. The Target breach finally brought the issue of how easy it is to steal credit card information to the forefront and got consumers made their voices heard.
Credit card companies, banks and retailers finally took action only because their bottom lines and reputations were affected, but more importantly, their profits and personal wallets. Until then, their focus on point of sale transactions was based only speed and convenience driven by customer demand and ease of use with no thought safety or security because, that, would of made the Point of Sale transaction "take to long" and "inconvenience the customer".
Now that the damage has been done and millions of consumers have had their their information stolen and have had to pay for bogus charges, the credit card companies have come up with a new method to supposedly prevent future attacks. While that may sound like a good move in the right direction, keep in mind that regardless of what actions credit card companies, banks, and retailer do to remedy the problem, the basis of their response will always be grounded on profitability and convenience, not security. How do I know this? Simple, These industries are focused on profits, not security. They know that consumers will always choose convenience and speed over security. That can be proven by the fact that hackers and information thieves always target the convenience based POS transactions.
After the Tearget breach, credit card companies came up with several alternatives to standard credit card POS transaction methods. Alternatives such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Bluetooth enabled cards, Flagship Merchant Services System, and other methods have been suggested. That's all fine and dandy but the original catalyst has not changed at all. All of the new suggestions are still based on convenience based on the demand of the customer and profitability, not securit since all of those suggested methods have known security flaws.
I feel that the industries affected are well of these current security flaws but will continue fleecing the consumer by trying to show that they care about your security by showing some effort to make changes that will supposedly make you safer. If this this case, hackers and ID thieves will simply shift their techniques to already known security flaws with these established technologies and continue to violate consumers.
To prove my point, many credit card companies and banks have made changes to their credit and debit cards by adding extra security features and other commonly used technologies to their procedures. That's all fine but, the card reading machine companies and retailer have not. So you may receive an unhackable super card from your credit card company or bank but, you may still have to use an easily hackable card reader at the store. Why? because the unhackable card readers cost the retailers money, money they're not ready to part with for your safety. And, card readers (skimmers), are easily installed in ATMs and gas pumps by hackers and ID thieves without the proprietors' knowledge. So, you may have a super unhackable credit or debit card but but get easily hacked and robbed by using that card at at convenience store ATM or gas pump with a skimmer.
Many of these new "hack proof cards" have already been issued and already in use by many of the credit card companies and banks but they won't be totally "hack proof" until late 2016 or later because the change to the new technology will cost retailers and banks money, money their not willing to part with until it affects their bottom line, profit. You saw how the banks blamed the credit card companies and the credit card companies blamed the banks after the Target breach. It was a simple matter of cost.
So what can you do to protect yourself in the mean time? Remember, cash is king, use cash whenever possible, avoid ATMs at businesses other than banks or reputable businesses, avoid using debit or gas cards at gas stations, learn what skimmers look like, use preloaded gift and credit cards with minimal amounts for online purchases, remember that just because you have a "secure" credit card doesn't mean the card reader is secure, get a credit monitoring service.
Credit card companies, banks and retailers finally took action only because their bottom lines and reputations were affected, but more importantly, their profits and personal wallets. Until then, their focus on point of sale transactions was based only speed and convenience driven by customer demand and ease of use with no thought safety or security because, that, would of made the Point of Sale transaction "take to long" and "inconvenience the customer".
Now that the damage has been done and millions of consumers have had their their information stolen and have had to pay for bogus charges, the credit card companies have come up with a new method to supposedly prevent future attacks. While that may sound like a good move in the right direction, keep in mind that regardless of what actions credit card companies, banks, and retailer do to remedy the problem, the basis of their response will always be grounded on profitability and convenience, not security. How do I know this? Simple, These industries are focused on profits, not security. They know that consumers will always choose convenience and speed over security. That can be proven by the fact that hackers and information thieves always target the convenience based POS transactions.
After the Tearget breach, credit card companies came up with several alternatives to standard credit card POS transaction methods. Alternatives such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Bluetooth enabled cards, Flagship Merchant Services System, and other methods have been suggested. That's all fine and dandy but the original catalyst has not changed at all. All of the new suggestions are still based on convenience based on the demand of the customer and profitability, not securit since all of those suggested methods have known security flaws.
I feel that the industries affected are well of these current security flaws but will continue fleecing the consumer by trying to show that they care about your security by showing some effort to make changes that will supposedly make you safer. If this this case, hackers and ID thieves will simply shift their techniques to already known security flaws with these established technologies and continue to violate consumers.
To prove my point, many credit card companies and banks have made changes to their credit and debit cards by adding extra security features and other commonly used technologies to their procedures. That's all fine but, the card reading machine companies and retailer have not. So you may receive an unhackable super card from your credit card company or bank but, you may still have to use an easily hackable card reader at the store. Why? because the unhackable card readers cost the retailers money, money they're not ready to part with for your safety. And, card readers (skimmers), are easily installed in ATMs and gas pumps by hackers and ID thieves without the proprietors' knowledge. So, you may have a super unhackable credit or debit card but but get easily hacked and robbed by using that card at at convenience store ATM or gas pump with a skimmer.
Many of these new "hack proof cards" have already been issued and already in use by many of the credit card companies and banks but they won't be totally "hack proof" until late 2016 or later because the change to the new technology will cost retailers and banks money, money their not willing to part with until it affects their bottom line, profit. You saw how the banks blamed the credit card companies and the credit card companies blamed the banks after the Target breach. It was a simple matter of cost.
So what can you do to protect yourself in the mean time? Remember, cash is king, use cash whenever possible, avoid ATMs at businesses other than banks or reputable businesses, avoid using debit or gas cards at gas stations, learn what skimmers look like, use preloaded gift and credit cards with minimal amounts for online purchases, remember that just because you have a "secure" credit card doesn't mean the card reader is secure, get a credit monitoring service.
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