4 ways to keep your passwords safe-Vanessa Sanchez

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Chances are you have an online account that requires you to 

enter a username and password. And if you do, chances are your information has already been exposed to hackers. In 2014 the Ponemon Institute, an information security research center, released a study noting that 47% of US adults had their personal information exposed by hackers.  

These attacks are no doubt on the rise, with major companies like LinkedIn, Sony – and even Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg – as well as Yahoo Finance parent Yahoo being victim to cyber breaches. Although it’s difficult to keep up with today’s technology, here are 4 strategies to help keep your passwords safe.

Use your browser

Take advantage of the secure features already a part of your everyday use. Most browsers have a password management system that allows you to save the passwords on to whatever sites you use.

You may recall getting a notification asking “Save password for this site?” When you’re prompted to do so, click yes. If you choose to personally manage your passwords you should be able to find that mangement system under the settings tabs on most browsers.

What’s really helpful about this feature is that you’re able to access these passwords on multiple devices. For example, if you save your passwords on Chrome using Google Smart Lock, once you access Chrome on your smartphone or laptop all of the passwords stored will also grant you access from those devices.

Just make sure you only use this feature on your own devices. You should never save passwords to any device that’s for public use – that’s just asking to be hacked!

Enable 2-step authentication

This is a feature most people have used and probably don’t think twice about. It’s an extra layer of protection to your accounts that require you to sign in with something you know, like your original password, and something you have, like your phone.

Some sites do this automatically, as hackers get better at their jobs, but for the most part you may have to set this up for whatever site you feel necessary. Not all sites offer this feature but you can find ones that are compatible here.

To make life even easier – and more secure – there’s new technology that allows you to use 2-step authentication without requiring a unique code.

Hypersecu, which caters to both businesses and individuals, offers several products that will simplify your 2-step authentication for both computers and mobile phone. The password card works with NFC technology on newer smartphones to completely eliminate the need to flip back and forth from app to text messages to get your unique code. All you do is download the Edge Programmer app to your phone and register your card. Once you go to a site that offers 2-step authentication and enter your password, tap the card onto your phone for access.

The company also offers a FIDO U2F Key that does the same as the password card but made for computers. The small chip enters into your USB port and once you’re ready to log in to your account, just enter your password and press a button. You can find more info on FIDO technology here.

Use free apps

There are tons of apps out there to help you manage all of your passwords. Some do the basics and just keep your passwords in a safe place so you don’t forget them, while others offer additional services.

Dashlane and LastPass are one of the best apps to work with. Not only do they store your passwords but they also have the ability to store your credit card information. Similar to the information stored on your browsers, these apps also have the option to link all of your devices.

And if you’re ever clueless on how to create an unhackable password, don’t worry – there’s an option for that too. Both apps offer a free and premium version of a service that generates a password for you, depending on what your needs are.

Don’t visit personal accounts when connected to a public wi-fi network

These days free wi-fi is widely accessible. Many companies like Spectrum and Optimum have hotspots everywhere so that their customers can easily connect to their networks. While this makes life super convenient and may even save us a few bucks, it’s not always safe.

Never underestimate hackers and their ability to intercept your information. By downloading free software, hackers can monitor all the traffic on a public network. The software notifies the hacker once a username and password are entered and that’s all it takes to steal from you. This is also the reason why you should never use the same password for everything. If you do, it’s only a matter of time before that hacker tries one to crack open every account you have.

Culled from Yahoo Finance

Donald Trump cuts short 'worst call by far' with Australian PM-By Sharon Marris

Image Caption: US leader Donald Trump had a heated chat with his Australian counterpart during the weekend

Australia is one of the US's most loyal allies but Donald Trump put that aside during his chat with its leader Malcolm Turnbull.

Donald Trump has slammed a deal made to take refugees from Australia, amid reports of a heated phone call with its prime minister.

On Twitter, the US president said he would "study this dumb deal", referring to an agreement reached between Australia and the Obama administration late last year.

Video: Turnbull tight-lipped over 'abbreviated' Trump phone call

Under the terms of the deal, the US would re-settle up to 1,250 asylum seekers, most of whom are held in processing camps on the Pacific islands of Nauru and Papua New Guinea.
In return, Australia would take refugees from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
But during Mr Trump's weekend conversation with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the US president is reported to have described the refugee agreement as "the worst deal ever".

Image Caption: Mr Trump is reported to have cut the one-hour conversation short after just 25 minutes

According to The Washington Post, he also accused Mr Turnbull of trying to export the "next Boston bombers", referring to Tamerlan and Dhozkar Tsarnaev, Kyrgyz-born US citizens who set off two bombs at the 2013 Boston marathon.
Three people were killed in the blast and more than 260 injured.
Mr Trump reportedly told Mr Turnbull: "I don't want these people." He is also reported to have said that he had spoken to four world leaders that day and "this is the worst call by far".
He is reported to have told Mr Turnbull that it was "my intention" to honour the deal, words that would leave him room to back out.

About 25 minutes into the call, which had been expected to last an hour, Mr Turnbull reportedly tried to steer onto other topics, such as Syria.
But Mr Trump had had enough and, despite Australia being one of the US's staunchest allies, he cut their conversation short, the Post said.
Mr Turnbull would not confirm the reports, saying: "It's better that these things - these conversations - are conducted candidly, frankly, privately."
The Australian leader told reporters: "The fact we received the assurance that we did, the fact that it was confirmed, the very extensive engagement we have with the new administration underlines the closeness of the alliance."

Image Caption: The deal was agreed between Mr Turnbull and Barack Obama late last year

There are also mixed messages coming from Washington DC.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer said on Wednesday that Mr Trump had agreed to honour the deal but a White House statement sent to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday said Mr Trump was "still considering whether or not he will move forward with this deal at this time".
The State Department also said the US would honour the agreement "out of respect for close ties to our Australian ally and friend".
But Mr Trump tweeted: "Do you believe it? The Obama administration agreed to take thousands of illegal immigrants from Australia. Why? I will study this dumb deal."

Culled from Sky News

7 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Retire - Sheiresa Ngo

Retirement may seem like a long time from now, but it’s closer than you think. Don’t keep putting off your plans to get your finances in order. A survey conducted by the Employment Benefit Research Institute found that American workers are falling behind when it comes to preparing for retirement. You can start the planning process by taking an inventory of your financial situation. Here are some important questions you must answer before you retire.

1. Do you really have enough money to retire?

Retirement savings | iStock.com

Guessing won’t cut it when it comes to figuring out how much money you’ll need to live comfortably in retirement. It’s not a good idea to leave this part of retirement planning to chance, because it can be difficult to catch up once you realize you’re off track. Among the Americans surveyed in the Employment Benefit Research Institute study who said they are not saving enough, 20% said they plan to save more later, while 15% said they will have to work during retirement, and 14% said they have no choice but to delay retirement. Not knowing how much you need to retire means you’re not going to be saving enough in the meantime. If you don’t know the answer to this question, there are plenty of retirement tools available to help you figure this out. One tool recommended by the experts is the T. Rowe Price retirement income calculator.
If you come to the conclusion that you are indeed behind on retirement savings, you can still maximize contributions each year. For 2016, you’re allowed to contribute a maximum of $18,000 to a 401(k). If you’re age 50 or older you can make an additional catch-up contribution of $6,000.

2. How much debt do you have?

Debt | iStock.com

Take a moment to tally up all of your outstanding debt. Expenses such as high-interest credit cards and a mortgage will deplete your retirement income. Once you know how much you owe, make an effort to pay down as much of your debt as possible before you finally hang up your work hat. It will be tough to pay off debt once you’re retired and living on a fixed income, so take care of repayment sooner rather than later.

3. How will you pay for long-term care?

Healthcare workers | iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages

You may be feeling good and healthy as ever right now, but your chances of needing long-term care increase with age. Those turning 65 years old today have a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care, according to LongTermCare.gov. In addition, roughly 20% of today’s 65-year-olds will need long-term care for more than five years. In light of these statistics, it would be in your best interest to have long-term care insurance.

4. When should you apply for social security?

Social security card | iStock.com

It depends. Experts are divided about whether you should delay Social Security until you reach age 70. Those who say it’s a good move reason that waiting will allow you to collect a higher monthly benefit. Whether you choose to follow this advice depends on your individual situation. Some experts say if money is tight once you finally retire, you might want to apply for benefits sooner (age 62 is the earliest you can collect Social Security benefits) rather than later. Other experts say if you can afford to wait, and you’re in relatively good health, you may want to wait it out until age 70.
Waiting until your full retirement age (age 67 if you were born in 1960 or later) to take Social Security benefits will yield a benefit amount that’s roughly 30% higher than if you take benefits at 62. Waiting until 70 results in a benefit that’s roughly another 32% higher. On the other hand, if you’re not in such great health and you need the money, by all means apply for your benefits when you’re eligible.

5. Where will you live?

House | iStock.com

You’ll need to move to a place where you can stretch your retirement dollars. Retirement life will likely mean lower income and possibly higher health care costs. Do your research or you’ll end up blowing through your nest egg too quickly. Besides cost of living, you’ll also need to consider weather and convenience. As you age, driving may not be a possibility, so make sure to find a residence that will offer adequate mobility. While doing your research, you’ll want to make sure to stay away from these 10 worst retirement cities. Consider these 10 best places to retire instead.

6. What will your retirement expenses be?

Money and piggy bank | iStock.com

Account for expenses such as the retirement lifestyle you would like to have as well as the cost of medical care. Remember that if you’re in poor health now, you will most likely spend a pretty penny during your golden years when it comes to health care costs. If you want to get a better picture of your future expenses, start by filling out a retirement expense worksheet like the one featured here on the Vanguard website.

7. Have you thought about your social life?

friends enjoying a meal | iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages

This may seem trivial, but once you stop working you’ll have contact with fewer people. If most of your friends and former co-workers are still working, they may have less time for you. They also may be more focused on work, so there may be fewer experiences to share. Make sure you’ve prepared for your social life after retirement. You can do this by planning to connect with a local senior center or volunteering within your community. Just make sure you plan to get out and socialize. A study by the Institute of Economic Affairs found that retirement can increase your clinical depression risk by 40%. This is because many workers closely link their identity and sense of purpose to their jobs.

Culled from Wallstreetcheatsheet

Customs Seizes 661 Pump Action Rifles Imported from China

Hameed Ibrahim Ali

Eromosele Abiodun

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in Ikeja, Lagos, has arrested three men identified as Oscar Okafor, Mahmud Hassan and Sadique Mustapha for the unlawful importation of 49 boxes containing 661 pump action rifles which were concealed in a container conveying steel products and other merchandise goods.

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Col Hameed Ali (rtd.) who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, stated that the arms were cleared at the Apapa Port with the aid of two customs officers who are now under investigation.

He said the arms originated from Turkey and routed through China before they were smuggled into Nigeria and falsely declared as steel doors.

He said the roving team of the NCS’ federal operations unit, while on intelligence patrol on Sunday, January 22, 2017, intercepted a Mark truck with registration number BDG 265 XG, conveying a 1×4 container with number: PONU/825914/3 along the Mile 2, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos.

The truck, he said, was immediately taken to the premises of FOU Zone A, Ikeja, where a physical examination revealed what was in the container.

While decrying the harm that hard drugs and arms had inflicted on Nigerians over the years, he said: “These rifles are under absolute prohibition, therefore their importation was illegal. Such deadly contravention of the law is even more unacceptable considering the fragile security situation in some parts of the country.

“Already, three suspects have been arrested in connection with this illegal importation. Investigation has already commenced and I have directed that the dragnet should be wide enough to fish out all persons involved in the importation and clearing of the consignment.

“The customs officers involved in the clearance of this container are with the Comptroller, FOU Zone A, Ikeja.”
The seizure, he added, underscored the determination of the NCS to enforce all laws relating to importation and exportation of goods into and out of Nigeria, thereby contributing to the economy, security and wellbeing of the country.

He added: “This feat was no doubt commendable and represents the new normal in the service, where most officers and men are on a daily basis ensuring that illegalities are not allowed unchecked.

“I commend the FOU Zone A Comptroller, all officers and men involved in this great seizure.”

Ali also called on all Nigerians to work with the customs service by giving information that would help in stopping unscrupulous elements from importing harmful products into the country.

  Culled from Thisday