As part of my constant survey of false and misleading job ads, I came across this interesting one on craigslist at this link. http://calgary.en.craigslist.ca/etc/1415300999.html
It tells us that if we participate in the “focus group” that we will get paid $100 for this. Well I’ve participated in many surveys and ‘focus groups’ and enjoy doing so, but many are not all they seem, and some are downright invasive about ‘knowing your personal lifestyle’ or worse, resellers of your information. So I decided to check it out and reply to the email listed in the ad as Haley.Axel@gmail.com. My first suspicion about this was when I received a reply almost immediately. Very rarely do ad responses get immediate replies, and instead of asking for a time to meet, it simply directed me to a ‘screener’ survey via Survey Monkeys. Well Survey Monkeys is a free online service anyone can use to generate surveys and submit them. So I’m thinking they wanted to stick me into doing a survey for free. Well the questions were in my mind serving nothing other than providing a clear redirect to the real company Lightspeed Reasearch, based in New Jersey, to ‘become a member’. Well membership is free so I’m thinking so far so good right?
Continue reading 'Focus Group Music Survey for $100 – I don’t think so.'»
Security
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Received an email this week that looks like your typical spam and it comes with a DOC file attached to it. I included the md5 in the subject for ease of tagging and searching.
It is boring stuff, but it seems very familiar. I am sure this template of spam (if you will) has been sent to me before. Its subject says its from Ms. Cynthia Chalker (From Canada), but the reply to is a South African address, and it’s using msn.com/hotmail.com as the method of delivery (apparently).
And like it says, I have a winning notification that I have won the South African…something. But I have won. Phone number to call to claim my winning prize, and a DOC file attachment.
Obviously I have not won anything. This could be a very simple attempt to get you to call and give information away, or for them to convince you to charge your credit card for processing fees I am not certain.
Continue reading 'Unknown DOC file in email a7b207839f751a525f2328f3a07e7cb9'»
Security
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I saw this comment today on a malware site and I normally read them to see how folks troll malware sites looking for blame.
Folks, malware is your problem, not anyone elses. I am constantly reminded how people fail to understand that its their actions and choices that cause the infections, and today social engineering is a big reason.
Even malware experts are not immune from falling victim to their tricks. Its been like this for years and outside of the increase in targetted attacks,
its still the #1 reason.
Continue reading 'Editorial: Understanding why Malware infects your PC'»
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If you had an opportunity to view your local newspapers job classifieds this weekend you may well find an ad like this one. 
It looks like a highly sincere advertisement seeking folks who would like an opportunity like this. They obviously are seeking to appeal to anyone interested in a highly flexible and possibly rewarding (getting paid to shop) opportunity. The site seems to indicate a 4-12 hour work week on average and you are considered part time. This is all cool. However, what isn’t so cool is the lack of ANY security features for the sites ‘job application’ forms.
In my eyes this is very troublesome that anyone would submit this much personal information without any measures at encrypting the data to the site. And it wants a LOT of data from you.
Continue reading 'Looking for Work – Qualityshopper.org wants you, but does it secure your data?'»
Security
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I was laughing so hard this morning. Who would have thought a review of the daily spam deluge could create such comedy. Don’t tell the spammers though, they’ll want more money. Headline in spam "Anti Free Protection Spyware". Get your’s here!! (link not included). I guess honesty in advertising is ok. So check your spam for your link to get ‘Anti Free’ Software 
So does this mean I have to pay for it?
So many jokes, so little time to add them
Security
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