FBI reportedly probing hack of JP Morgan Chase, other US banks

Another weekly incident which we as Americans should be talking seriously.  Protect yourself and your family by having identity theft protection.  Please check out my site at www.myliberty1st.com


The FBI and other federal agencies are investigating a coordinated computer hack targeting JPMorgan Chase and at least four other American banks, according to multiple published reports late Wednesday.

Bloomberg News, citing a U.S. official and a person briefed by law enforcement, reported that the attackers stole personal data that can be used to empty bank accounts. A third person told Bloomberg that employee data was also targeted and that the scale of the theft indicated the potential for serious fraud.

Bloomberg reported that the FBI was looking at whether Russian hackers were involved as a way of retaliating for economic sanctions placed on Moscow due to its involvement in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The site's report cited security experts saying that the attack appeared "far beyond the capability of ordinary criminal hackers." 

 

However, an analyst quoted by The Washington Post said that any Russian cyber-retaliation was more likely to involve disruption of networks, not data theft. Bloomberg reported that that investigators had not ruled out Russian or Eastern European cybercriminals.
FBI Supervisory Special Agent Joshua Campbell told the Post that the FBI was working with the Secret Service "to determine the scope of recently reported cyber attacks against several American financial institutions." Bloomberg reported that the National Security Agency was also helping in the probe.

Security breaches at large banks like JPMorgan Chase are rare due to the multiple layers of security around their networks. Spokeswoman Patricia Wexler emailed a statement to the Associated Press and other news outlets saying in part that “companies of our size unfortunately experience cyber attacks nearly every day. We have multiple, layers of defense to counteract any threats and constantly monitor fraud levels."

JPMorgan is the largest U.S. bank by assets.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Published August 28, 2014

FoxNews.com

8 Ways to Protect Your Smartphone

Failing to protect your smartphone or tablet leaves your personal information vulnerable to thieves and hackers. Your personal information may be used to obtain credit, access bank accounts or make fraudulent purchases. These tips are designed to help you secure your smartphone or tablet and protect your personal information.

1. Set your phone to automatically lock when not in use. Leaving your phone unlocked is asking for trouble. If your phone or tablet is stolen or misplaced, keeping it locked will help protect your data. Some phones and devices can be configured to delete all stored data when an incorrect password is entered multiple times.
2. Use strong passwords and update them on a regular basis. Secure passwords include numbers, symbols, lowercase and capital letters. You should not use your name or other easily identifiable information such as a street address or birth date in your password. Do not use the same password for all of your accounts. It is also important to periodically update your passwords.
3. Beware of free open Wi-Fi hotspots. Configure your phone to only join networks you approve. Scammers sometimes set up free wireless networks in public places to lure users to log on. Joining the network could allow the scammer to track data going to and from your phone.
4. Update your device's software. Hackers are continually looking for new security flaws to exploit. Many software updates include important security patches that repair known flaws. Failing to update your software or apps may leave you vulnerable to hackers.
5. Location and anti-theft applications may help you locate a lost phone or deactivate a stolen phone. There are a wide variety of apps that help users locate a lost or stolen phone. Some apps allow you to delete data remotely or completely disable the device. Check reviews and specifications carefully and test the software before your phone is lost or stolen so you know how to use it when the time comes.
6. Only download reviewed and tested applications. Some apps and websites may include malicious software designed to capture your personal information. Read reviews and research new apps before installation.
7. Use encryption to protect sensitive information. If you use your phone or other mobile device for particularly sensitive business or financial communications, talk to your IT professional about using encryption to protect your data.
8. Report your device as lost or stolen. In an effort to curb the rising rate of smartphone theft, some mobile carriers track stolen phones and tablets. Tracking systems only work when thefts are reported. While you might not get your phone or tablet back, these systems can help disable the growing black market for stolen devices. You should also report any theft to your local police department.

9 Legal Tips Every Renter Should Know

These tips were developed to help you understand your rights and obligations as a renter generally. Your rights and obligations are most often determined by the terms of your lease and laws that vary greatly among the states and provinces. Call your LegalShield provider law firm and speak with an experienced attorney who will review the lease document BEFORE you sign it and explain your rights and obligations.

1. Understand the terms of your lease before you sign. One common mistake renters make is signing a lease without fully understanding their rights and responsibilities. As a LegalShield member you can have an attorney review your lease and discuss it with you before you sign.
2. Purchase renters insurance. In the event of a disaster, your landlord’s insurance may only cover the property the landlord owns. Renters insurance is generally affordable and offers protection not only for your personal belongings, but also against many personal injury claims that occur on or near your rental property.
3. Your landlord may be responsible for making repairs in a timely fashion and for keeping the premises safe and in compliance with health and other codes.  However, the landlord’s responsibility varies depending on the terms of the lease and state or provincial laws. Always consult with your provider attorney and ask he or she to review the lease with you.
4. In most cases a landlord must give you notice before entering your home. However, this may be subject to change depending upon the language of your lease or the local laws that apply to it.
5. Never stop paying rent to settle a dispute with your landlord. If you believe that you have a claim against your landlord, you may not be entitled to withhold your rent. Always talk to your LegalShield provider law firm immediately if you have a dispute with your landlord. Even if you have a legitimate claim against your landlord, the landlord may still be entitled to evict you if you do not pay your rent.
6. Under most circumstances, your landlord cannot take your property, change your locks or turn off your utilities merely because you failed to pay rent. However, the landlord may be able to file eviction proceedings against you in court. Call your LegalShield provider law firm if you have any dispute with your landlord.
7. Do not break a lease without understanding your rights and responsibilities. In some rare instances tenants can break a lease without notice, but laws vary and it is important to understand the proper procedure for breaking your lease. If you need to get out of your lease before it expires, call your provider law firm first.
8. Generally, the landlord’s cost for repairing normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from your security deposit. Before moving into and out of a rental property, take detailed pictures of each room. Before and after pictures may be helpful if the landlord claims damages you did not cause.
9. Your landlord must return your deposit in a reasonable amount of time. Specific time frames may vary. If you need assistance with the return of a security deposit, your LegalShield provider law firm can help.

Discount Car Insurance May Cost You....

There are many auto insurance companies advertising low cost coverage. Beware: saving on your premium could cost you if you are involved in an accident. Your LegalShield provider law firm can help review your policy to make sure you understand your coverage and the fine print details.
It is vital that you understand the different types of coverage available.

•Liability coverage protects against injuries and damage you may cause to other people and their property.

•Comprehensive policies cover damage due to something that is out of your control and not the fault of another driver. This may include fire, severe weather damage and accidents involving animals. It is also known as “other-than-collision” coverage.

•Collision coverage insures for repairs or the replacement of your vehicle when it is damaged in an accident for which you were at fault.

•Gap insurance covers the difference between what your car is worth and the amount you still owe on a loan or lease in the event your vehicle is totaled in an accident.

Car insurance companies offer low rate insurance because they limit or exclude certain coverage.

Beware of these types of exclusions.

•Increased deductibles are the most frequent means of
lowering premiums. Make sure your standard deductible is something you can realistically afford without breaking the bank.

•Decreasing your levels of coverage to the legal minimum may put you at risk. A major accident could be far more expensive than what the minimum coverage will allow. Make sure you fully understand what your policy covers and the potential medical and legal expenses you could be responsible for if your accident costs exceed coverage limits.

•Beware of driver exclusions in non-standard car insurance policies. Some of the policies decrease or limit coverage for younger or at-risk drivers.

•Step-down provisions may drop coverage to the legal minimums for permissive drivers. Permissive drivers are individuals who may borrow your vehicle for occasional use, with permission.

•Certain non-standard policies limit the number of miles you can drive in a year.

If you need assistance translating the fine print of your insurance policy or dealing with a claim, call
your LegalShield provider law firm today.

How Grandparents Can Pass Down Good Financial Wisdom

It can be tempting for grandparents to spoil their grandchildren; after all, isn’t that part of the job description? But experts warn the money and financial habits passed down from generation to generation are long lasting.

The value of a dollar and an education are the top lessons boomers can share with their grandchildren, but their numbers might be a little old-school ideas when it comes to just how expensive college is today.

According to a new TIAA-CREF study, conducted by an independent research firm, 20% of grandparents think a four-year college education costs $30,000 to $50,000 and 25% think it costs $50,000 to $75,000. In reality, a four-year public college costs about $100,000 and a private four-year school now averages $164,000, the study shows.

Joseph Stabnick, senior director, AARP College Savings Solutions from TIAA-CREF, offers the following tips for grandparents to positively impact their grandchildren’s money habits to ensure their financial security:

Boomer: How can boomers pass along good financial skills and money-saving habits? 
Stabnick: Boomers can make a positive impact on their grandchildren by sharing how their financial decisions – for better or worse – have affected their lives.

Only 8% of grandparents have conversations with their grandchildren about money and the importance of saving for college, compared to 85% of young adults who are open to having this conversation.

Only three in 10 grandparents think they can influence their grandchildren’s money habits. Yet, 73% of young adults indicate their grandparents actually do influence their saving and spending habits.

Only 59% rate their grandparents as very good to excellent savers.

Source:  FoxNews

What You Need to Know About Credit Repair Scams

If you have a poor credit rating, the promises made by credit repair companies, to provide clean credit histories and access to fresh lines of credit, may seem like a dream come true. Unfortunately, these offers are too good to be true and may leave you in even worse shape than when you started. Here are some of the critical facts you should know about credit repair scams:
Fraudulent credit repair companies often:

• Demand payment upfront;
• Fail to explain your legal rights;
• Instruct you to provide inaccurate information to credit reporting agencies or lenders;
• Dispute accurate information on your credit report; and
• Tell you not to contact or respond to credit reporting agencies yourself.

Companies offering “new credit identities” often charge a fee for what they call a “credit profile number” or “credit privacy number”. These companies will instruct you to apply for credit using this new number. These numbers are often either stolen Social Security Numbers (SSN) or fraudulently obtained Employer Identification Numbers (EIN). Using a fraudulent SSN or EIN is a federal crime and you could be held responsible. Penalties may include steep fines or possible jail time.
The process of improving your credit score takes time and effort, but it can be done. There are many steps you can take and your LegalShield provider law firm is ready to help. Your provider law firm can help dispute inaccurate information on your credit report. They may also help you negotiate payment or settlement agreements for outstanding debts. Call and talk to your provider law firm today!

9 Legal Tips to Help You

Summer is here and chances are you may be planning a vacation or making plans for children once school is out. These tips are designed to help you navigate summer’s potential legal headaches. No matter the season, your LegalShield provider law firm is ready to help you and your family.

1. If you plan to be away from home for any length of time this summer ask trusted friends or neighbors to keep an eye on your home. You may also notify local law enforcement that you will be away. Many police departments have programs that alert local patrol officers when you are away so that they may spot suspicious activity. Also, notify the postal service to hold your mail.
2. Be careful when mentioning your summer plans on Facebook or other social networks. Thieves sometimes use that information to target victims who are away from home.
3. Protect your identity when traveling. Only carry documentation you need. When traveling out of the country carry your passport and always keep it within your sight. Keep copies of all the important information from your wallet at home in case it is lost on your trip.
4. Traveler’s checks and credit cards offer the greatest level of protection from theft and fraud. Let your credit card company and bank know you will be traveling. Keep a list of important contacts so you can quickly notify your credit card company, bank and the police if you are the victim of theft or fraud.
5. If you plan to rent a vacation home make sure you understand the terms of your rental agreement. Your LegalShield provider law firm can review the lease and point out any potential problems.
6. Cruises and expense paid vacations can be a great way to travel within a budget, but make sure you understand the details of the trip before you leave. What is truly covered and what additional expenses are you responsible for during the trip? Your LegalShield provider law firm can help you review your agreement with the resort or cruise company.
7. If you decide to send your children to overnight or day camp during the summer find out about the staff and facilities. Are staff certified in first aid or trained to spot child abuse? Find out about the camp accreditations and inspect the facilities closely before leaving your child. Have your LegalShield provider law firm review any contracts or liability waivers before your sign them.
8. Trauma injuries and ER visits increase in the summer. Make sure you understand your insurance requirements and deductibles for ER visits. If you are traveling far from home, notify your insurance company and ask what your responsibilities are in the event of a medical emergency. Make sure your living will or advanced medical directive is executed and accessible.
9. Before traveling, leave a trusted friend or family member with a copy of your current will, power of attorney and insurance documents. If you do not have a current estate plan contact your LegalShield provider law firm today. Setting up your estate plan ahead of a pending trip allows time for executing the documents and distributing copies.