80. That’s the number of luggages that are being pilfered in airports worldwide. That’s according to Specialists in air transport communications and IT solutions (SITA).

How? Simply by breaking through the zipper with a pen which is the easiest way to gain access to your luggage. And here I thought that padlocking the zippers together would be enough to secure the contents of my luggage. And I also though that pen trick only works on those cheap luggage bags. Nope, it works on all types of zipper and thieves can seal it back without leaving a trace.

Check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf-DGKUNffI

Sometimes there’s this modus operandi where the technician manning the X-ray machine will tag hot luggage bags, those with laptops and other gadgets inside which are easy to sell. His partner, usually a baggage handler, will then access the contents simply by breaking through the zipper. Once done, he will run the zipper (even when padlocked) through the opened portion to seal it back again. 10 seconds tops and you won’t know your bag has been pilfered unless you immediately check the contents.

Airline ticket rules – the ‘contract of carriage’ – excludes liability for any valuables in luggage, such as computers, cameras, electronic equipment, jewelry, business documents, artwork or similar valuable items.”

Not only you can lose your valuables this way but people can also plant drugs or evidence in your bag by opening it through the zipper.

Fortunately, Delsey, a French luggage company, came up with a simple and ingenious way to prevent this. Their ZIP SECURI TECH features double zippers, a zipper within a zipper. And this prevents thieves from accessing your bag through its zippers.

I was given a demo and yes, it’s impossible to break through the ZIP SECURI TECH zipper. I even tried it myself, punching the zipper line using a pen with a long, sharp, thin tip and I couldn’t get through unlike trying it on a bag with the typical zipper. I also tried it on an old luggage of mine when I got home and boy it was easy.

If you’re the paranoid type when it comes to your luggage being broken into, you can completely stop worrying about it when you use a Delsey luggage with the ZIP SECURI TECH. Or go with the crude solution, put your luggage inside a bigger luggage.

[Delsey]

With a lot of people moving to smartphones these days, it becomes more of a problem if one loses his or her smartphone. It’s not simply about losing messages and photos but also allowing somebody access to your online accounts such e-mail, social network, calendar, cloud storage, etc.

Kaspersky introduced their Mobile Security app for Android devices which comes in free and paid version. Even the free or “Lite” version has some nifty features that you may find useful if you’re an Android user.

• Anti-Theft. The free version has an Anti-Theft feature that allows you to protect or even locate your phone when it’s stolen. You can send a special text message (with your passcode) to your phone that will render it useless for the person holding it. Or you can also send a special text message to wipe your data off it instead. Then you can also Find your phone by sending a message to it and it will reply to you via SMS its GPS coordinates.
• Call and SMS Filter. Another cool feature of the free version of Kaspersky Mobile Security is the Call and SMS Filter which lets you add contacts to your black or white list. HTC phones have a built-in block caller feature but blocking text messages is twice as useful. It’s like the Spam button on your mail client. When you receive a spam text message, put it in your black list and you won’t be bothered by that number again.

Sounds really nice for a free app so what can the paid version do for you? Well you’ll get real-time antivirus protection, on-demand and on-access scanning, and regular antivirus database updates via GPRS or Wi-Fi. You will also get another feature for Anti-Theft called SIM watch which will send you an e-mail the new number of your phone if the SIM gets replaced and locks it.

The paid version currently retails for PHP433.70 in the Android Market.

Distribution company IPSYSTEMS Inc has announced today the availability of new Bitdefender Total Security 2012 in Philippine retail computer stores such as Octagon Computer Superstores, Accent Micro, PC Express, PC Worx, Bodega Site, and others.

Bitdefender Total Security 2012 boasts a completely overhauled user interface with key new features such as social networking protection, an Autopilot mode and scan dispatcher to maintain system performance. It launches alongside sister products Bitdefender Internet Security 2012 and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2012.

Bitdefender’s new social networking security feature will filter and block social-networking specific e-threats by scanning the links users receive from friends on Facebook, whilst also monitoring and advising on privacy settings. This would be really useful to stop the spread of those irritating porn phishing links.

When in Autopilot mode, the product makes intelligent, optimal security-related decisions without input from the user. This means no pop-ups, no alerts, and nothing to configure after setup. Importantly, users can still easily access the dashboard to make their own in-depth decisions should they wish to do so.

Meanwhile, the scan dispatcher finds and uses time-slices when system resource usage falls below a certain threshold to perform recurring scans of the entire system. This way Bitdefender does not interfere with user-initiated actions and does not impact system responsiveness.

The range of new and improved features in Bitdefender Total Security 2012 also includes:

• New - Safebox - Online Backup & File Synchronization. Bitdefender Safebox monitors important files and instantly backs them up to a secure remote server whenever a change is detected. Backed up files become available to users’ other computers on which Bitdefender is installed. Bitdefender Total Security 2012 comes with 2GB of free storage.
• New - Rescue Mode. If e-threats, such as rootkits, cannot be removed from within the Windows operating system, the computer is re-booted in Rescue Mode-a trusted environment which is then used for cleanup and restoration.
• New - Virtualized Browser. Launches the browser in a Bitdefender-provided environment, isolating it from the operating system.  This is done to prevent browser-based e-threats from exploiting vulnerabilities to gain control of the entire system.
• Improved - Flexible Interface. Drag and drop modules to get quick access to the actions you perform most often directly from the main window.
• Improved - Streamlined Installation. Bitdefender 2012 easily installs with just a few clicks, and in half the time required by the previous version.

Symantec Corp. today announced it is planning to offer Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet, the first comprehensive data loss prevention (DLP) solution for the monitoring and protection of sensitive information on tablet computers.  Available first for the Apple iPad, Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet will provide content-aware protection for this remarkably popular new corporate endpoint. The solution is designed to maintain user productivity and protect an organization’s confidential data at the same time.

“As more people bring their personal tablets into the workplace, organizations are struggling to extend information protection to this new consumer tool as it is increasingly being used to access the enterprise networks.” said Luichi Robles, senior country manager for the Philippines, Symantec. “Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet will enable IT to better support their businesses in adopting this new technology, while also maintaining strong protections for their sensitive information.”

“While CISOs and security organizations want to be seen as business enablers who embrace the newest productivity device, first they need to be able to ensure the confidential data on these devices will be protected,” said Jon Oltsik, principal analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. “The extension of DLP benefits to the newest corporate endpoint, the iPad, will help them to satisfy both sides of the equation.”

Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet will enable users to utilize the tablets they are demanding while monitoring and controlling the transmission of confidential data from these devices with content awareness. The product is designed to enable organizations to support work and personal use concurrently across corporate and personal email, web communications, and common applications available for the iPad. The protection will extend to the device and information on it irrespective of whether the user is connected via 3G or Wi-Fi. Support for the Android tablet operating system is also scheduled to be available next year.

Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet will be the latest addition to Symantec DLP and Mobile Management solutions. The product is designed to let current Symantec DLP customers leverage their existing investment by utilizing the same policies and management infrastructure. The company also offers a complete set of encryption solutions ranging from full disk encryption and removable storage to email and server solutions. These include the recently announced Symantec PGP Viewer for iOS. The viewer enables employees of organizations with Symantec PGP Universal Server in place to read encrypted messages on their preferred Apple iOS devices including the iPad and iPhone For example, executive team members can receive and view encrypted copies of a sales report with assurance that both its privacy and security are intact.

Availability and Pricing

Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet is expected to be available for the iPad in early 2012. The product will be priced per tablet. Support for the Android tablet operating system is scheduled to follow. Symantec PGP Viewer for iOS is an Apple iOS application currently available for download from the Apple App Store.

For two weeks, I got the opportunity to try this out D-link DCS-932L. I initially thought that I was to review a webcam but it dawned on me that it was a network surveillance camera upon receiving the box. I don’t really have any experiences with other brands to compare it with but I used to write marketing and SEO articles for a company that sells surveillance cameras, so I basically had set my expectations on this one, hence my insights on the gadget.

Hardware

When you open the package, you’ll find the network camera, power adapter, the Ethernet cable and the CD installer with the manual. The camera, which is just about the size of a regular-sized mobile phone, is noticeably lighter than it looked.

You’ll find four IR LED lights surrounding the camera lens that should support low-light environments or at night. On the rear portion, you will find the Ethernet and power ports plus the joint that screws the camera to the stand. By its look and feel, it would pass as a toy. I like how easy the camera can be pivoted to the direction of the area you wish to monitor.

The cord of the power adapter was too short for me, hence the limited positioning of the camera. Using extension cords will increase the flexibility and may allow you to mount the camera on higher areas.

Set up

Setting up is probably one of the down sides of this network camera. The packaging highlights one of its best features such as “Easy do-it-yourself Installation” following only 3 simple steps which wrote:

1. Unpack Contents
2. Insert CD
3. Run Wizard

To install successfully, you will need a PC running Windows XP or Vista, an internet connection and a router connected to your modem. Before you can actually use the network camera for live viewing, you will need to run the CD included in the package and it should automatically run the Wizard.

Sounds easy right? But no it wasn’t. First of all, the install guide, which is what most people will typically look for when setting up a new gadget lacked substance for me. The step by step information didn’t really help and the Troubleshooting page only has the FAQs when in should also contain information down to the smallest details. Installation CD was supposed to make things easier for the user, but outright the wizard didn’t run automatically.

As I went through the Installation Wizard, it will help you set up the hardware. Plugging the camera should turn the LED light below the camera lens red. If you intend to connect your camera through Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), then pressing the WPS button at the back of the camera and of your router should turn the LED light green. (BTW, the Wizard will not move to the next step until the light is green). Also note that every time you will open and connect the camera to your network, you will always have to plug the Ethernet cable to your PC or laptop until the LED light turns green before the camera would work properly.

Since the router I was using didn’t have a WPS, I had to connect the Ethernet cable to it but then it interferes with the Internet connection, a prerequisite to successfully make this thing work. Setting it up was sort of a trial and error process. I unplugged the Ethernet cable and it was only that time the device had detected my Internet cable and finally complete the Installation. Phew!!

User Experience

After the long-dreaded process of setting up the DCS-932L, your efforts will bear fruit. D-Link cameras allow you to view camera feed through the Internet but you first need to create and activate a MyDLink account. The best part here is that you can access it in almost all of your devices: laptop or desktop from their website www.mydlink.com, iPad, iPhone and even your Android device.

A MyDlink Lite application is available for download and you can easily get the live feed from your camera. This means that you can practically get live feeds from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection but if accessed outside of your network, you only have 60 seconds to view and will have to refresh the page. This is what a usual live feed looks like during the day:

The camera is highly sensitive to light. For the most part of the time I was reviewing this unit, the camera is automatically set to its night vision.

Viewing live feeds online allows you to zoom the camera in up to 4x and you can also get a screenshot. Below are some screenshots using My DLink Lite from my Android phone.

Simba, our bunso.

That’s I while viewing live feeds from my cam

I also tried viewing live feeds from the D-Link home network, which would require you to enter the admin password you had initially set during installation. Once you’re in, the page would look like this:

Hey that’s my mom over there!

Verdict

Overall, I would give this a rating of 6 out of 10. Performance wise, it does its job pretty well. I like how this device enables you to get live feeds instantly on a number of devices. Nowadays, mobility is key. I loved how I was able to easily install the My D-Link app from Android Market and use it to get live feeds from my phone.

However, I was really disappointed with having to undergo the tedious setup procedure – not so very user-friendly. Maybe D-Link routers with a WPS button will fare well. Also, DCS 932-L is limited for indoor use. Outdoor monitoring cameras are specially protected to be able to withstand all types of weathers under different lighting conditions. This will be useful though if you want to monitor the baby’s room, or see what the maid is up to when nobody’s home.

The D-Link DCS-932L WiFi home network camera will set you back Php6,500.

D-Link offers other specialized cameras depending on your needs, you may check their website if you wish: www.dlink.com.

Editor’s note: This post is contributed by Kristel Serra with some slight revisions by the editor. Kristel is a technical writer by profession, used to be a lead vocalist for a band, and is now just happy to be trying out new gadgets. She’s also multilingual and can out-burp any guy.

In an inevitable turn of events, cybercriminals were found leveraging the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs through Facebook scams within hours after it was announced. The particular scam involves a website which claims that Apple has decided to give away 1000 iPads, in memory of Steve Jobs.

The said site displays the following:

The site asks users to share the page in order to be eligible. After the user follows the instructions, he is directed to an ad site, while in the background, the link is posted on their Facebook wall.

“As dubious as the offer sounds, it seems like some users are falling for the scheme. Here in TrendLabs we are seeing increasing number of posts bearing the website’s URL,” Marco deLa Vega, Trend Micro, Threats Researcher.

The catch behind this scam is that there is no such offer from Apple, and that only ones who will get anything from this are the cybercriminals, who will earn money from the displayed ads every time a user is tricked into following the instructions. Also, as more users share the link, the number of potential victims also increases, as well as the profit for the scammers behind it.

“The deaths of known persons have become staple topics of social engineering schemes for the past years. Just a couple of months ago, we saw scams that took advantage of the death of singer Amy Winehouse, as well as rumors about the death of Lady Gaga.  We are strongly advising users not to click on posts like these if they see them on their Facebook newsfeeds. We also suggest users to educate those who have been tricked to stop the spread of such scams,” Dela Vega added.

Access to the mentioned website is now blocked through the Web Reputation Service. Users of the latest Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security are also protected from this through the Social Networking Security feature.

ESET, the leader in proactive protection against cyber-threats, today announces the launch of its flagship products ESET Smart Security 5and ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5.

The latest generation of the company’s home user products offers even more advanced detection technology and multi-layered security features. ESET has been pioneering security solutions against malware since 1992and has been awarded with the highest consecutive number of Virus Bulletin VB100 awards.

The top five new features of these latest products are:

• ESET Live Grid, cloud-based reputation and protection technology
• New Removable Media Control, with more granular control of external devices
• Parental Control (ESET Smart Security 5 only)
• Advanced Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS)
• Gamer Mode

According to an independent security research and testing organization, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 9 leads the web browser industry in protecting users against malware. Microsoft’s latest version of their web browser builds on the security features and contains a robust set of built-in security and privacy technologies.

NSS Labs reported that IE9 caught an exceptional 99% of live threats, of which 95% were blocked with its SmartScreen URL Reputation, and an additional 4.8% with Application Reputation. What really makes it stand out is that other browsers are left way behind when it comes to security against malwares.

[Source: NSS Labs, August 2011 – Socially Engineered Malware Protection Comparative Test Results, Asia-Pacific] https://www.nsslabs.com/research/endpoint-security/browser-security/socially-engineered-malware-asia-pacific-q3-2011.html

In addition to this, the report also states, “IE9 with SmartScreen offers the best protection of any browser against social engineered malware.”

IE9 provides the first Download Manager with integrated SmartScreen malware protection and introduces SmartScreen download reputation. SmartScreen download reputation is a groundbreaking browser feature that uses reputation data to remove unnecessary warnings for well-known files, and show more severe warnings when the download has a higher risk of being malicious. Users today are often conditioned to ignore generic warnings that are shown for every download. Other browsers show the same warning whether a file is an extremely common program or a piece of malware created literally minutes ago. IE9 is the only browser that uses download reputation to help users make safety decisions.

“Users are always looking for a browser that will let them explore the Web without worrying about unnecessary nuisances and Microsoft provides them with a tool that gives them just that,” said Mae Moreno, Windows Client Product Manager, Microsoft Philippines. “With Internet Explorer 9, users are not only equipped with a browser that will allow them to unlock the beauty of the Web, but also give them an experience that is rich, fast and secure.”

Most IT administrators know that to have a secure network, firewalls, proxies or spam filters are not enough to prevent threats. They work great against outside threats but what about those coming from the inside?

It’s not that your employees are bent on wreaking havoc on your network. Sometimes, they’re just the curious type who wants to sniff your network for shared folders or somebody who unknowingly plugged in a harmful USB stick that slowed down the whole network. I’m sure that problem is something that your network administrator also has to worry about.

ForeScout CounterACT is a Network Access Control solution that lets you see and control everything on your network–all devices, all operating systems, all applications, all users.  This includes external drives connected to a PC on a network as well as smartphones or outside laptops introduced into the network. With a number of policies you can implement, you can block such devices or sandbox them so as to limit access to the network.

What’s nice about ForeScout CounterACT is that it’s brand agnostic making it an affordable solution even if you already have an infrastructure in place. It doesn’t rely on a particular brand of routers or switches or what have you, it can play nicely with every brands. Speaking of affordable, ForeScout claims that their CounterACT platform can save you 50% more against leading network brands out there. Yes, we’re talking about the big “C”.

Another good thing with ForeScout CounterAct is that it includes everything in a single appliance. No software to install , nothing to configure into client machines. Built-in integration lets you leverage your existing infrastructure including directory, switches, endpoint security systems, patch management systems, ticketing systems and reporting systems. This simple set up makes deployment quick and hassle-free that even your standard IT people can figure it out in a short while.

ForeScout CounterACT focuses on key industries that include defense, financial, local and federal government sector, enterprise, medical, and educational verticals. In fact, one of the biggest banking institution in the country recently adopted this platform.

According to Marc Fernandez, ForeScout Regional Vice President for Sales-Asia Pacific, many of their customers have seen real reductions in their cost of managing the network by implementing automated control mechanisms with ForeScout.

“We have helped them automate the end-point compliance and risk mitigation by constantly scanning the network for policy violations and security gaps,” he said. “We have also helped in providing complete visibility into the types of devices or applications that are connecting to their networks, avoiding the risk of threats that may infect their entire network.”

Well what do you know? According to a test made by AV-Test which is an independent IT-security institute, BitDefender’s Internet Security Suite 2011 provides the best performance for a security software in the areas of protection, repair and usability.

The test results indicates performance for the 1st quarter of 2011 only though. They were 9th in the 3rd quarter of last year. Where are the other big names for the 1st quarter of this year? Kaspersky: ISS 2011 is at number 4 while Norton Internet Security 2011 is trailing behind it. Microsoft’s Security Essential 2.0 is way below at number 21.

The report looked at twenty-two security software suites in the categories of protection, repair and performance.  BitDefender Internet Security 2011 was found to have the joint-best overall score, alongside another product that uses BitDefender technology. It was also the only product to receive the maximum score for protection.

Andreas Marx, AV-Test CEO, commented:

“BitDefender offered the best protection during our tests, which ran for the full first quarter of 2011. Besides this, it also reached very good scores for cleaning up already infected systems without slowing-down the system too much or producing a lot of false positives. That’s a very impressive result.”

So anybody using BitDefender here?