Hackers Develop Tools to Tap into Computer Systems

Excitement among software hackers is palpable upon the introduction of several new shortcuts that allow access to Microsoft Windows computers, though owners of said computers are understandably concerned.

It seems that The Shadow Brokers, a popular group in the hacker community, is responsible for seizing these hacks from the NSA, whose workers are required to tear holes in software for spying purposes.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time this has happened. The first round of hacks was leaked by the same group in August 2016. This second hit, however, may well be the most detrimental hit to the NSA that we know of.

Releasing the shortcuts at the start of Easter weekend was strategic on the group’s part, as many Windows owners will be preoccupied with cooking, cleaning, and socializing, while beginner hackers dubbed “script kiddies” test out their newfound skills.

Investigators claim that some of these new releases could threaten the security of several different Windows systems. For now, all active Microsoft users are urged to take a break from their computers until the dust has settled.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/74-hackers-develop-tools-to-tap-into-computer-systems.html

How to Avoid being Scammed by a Fake Locksmith

Imagine this Situation: Locked out of your home or car, you are in a pickle and call the first locksmith you come across in a google search. But this could be both a bad and expensive idea.
 

In fact, you could have just called a rogue locksmith and there’s no way of knowing that until they show up.

It has unfortunately happened where homeowners or car owners are taken advantage of and have had to pay hundreds to access their home.
 

The Lesson? Beware of prices that look too good to be true. What may happen is a locksmith will inform you that the price has gone up because it will take longer than expected.
 

Normally, this is not the case and getting into your car should not cost you hundreds of dollars. To protect yourself, make sure your locksmith has a uniform and a car marked with company logos. They are more likely to be trustworthy. You can also check reputations online, make sure you drill them about the cost and even better, check to see if they are part of an association of locksmiths or from a reputable company. Membership requires following a certain set of ethics.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/73-how-to-avoid-being-scammed-by-a-fake-locksmith.html

Finding the Best Locksmith for You

When you’re locked out of your house, the last thing you’re thinking about is how much a locksmith will cost. But if you’re charged more than you expect after the fact, you won’t be too pleased. So how do you know which locksmith to hire to make sure you get good service without breaking the bank?

First, get a quote or two. Be sure to ask the locksmith what the price will cover - many customers are surprised to find that the charge only covers the service, not the parts used, and are charged more than anticipated. If you’re short on time, ask for the names of the company representatives as well as all terms and conditions before signing anything.

While discussing the price of the job you want to be completed, get an idea of any additional charges that could be added should something go wrong. If you’re still satisfied with the price after learning about potential extra fees, see if the company has insurance in case of property damage. It’s also a good idea to evaluate the quality of service by looking for official company vehicles, positive customer input, and good overall business maintenance.

Request the locksmith’s ID and business card when they arrive, and in turn, offer them your own; mutual trust is important, even in short-term business transactions. Ask questions whenever necessary once the locksmith has evaluated the situation and proposed a solution, only agreeing to what you’re comfortable with.

If you have a bad experience with a typically well-praised locksmith, be more thorough in your future searches. Look for one with certifications including formal training, standardized test completion, and an ethics code they must abide by.

Follow all of the above suggestions and you’ll drastically increase your chances of finding a great locksmith for a reasonable price, even if you’re in a rush.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/72-finding-the-best-locksmith-for-you.html

Robbers Try But Fail To Crack Safe of BURS

What’s making news today is a frightful scene that occurred at Tlokweng International border that involved Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) workers. What they discovered was that thieves whose fundamental goal was to break into their safes, rummaged through their workplaces, but thankfully they were not successful in breaking into the safes. Luckily none of the workers were present so no one was injured.

On Tuesday morning it was reported that as workers of both units were accounting for undertaking, they discovered the disaster that had occurred. Their office entryways broken completely unlatched and found that there had been gatecrashers who had attempted to interfere their way into their safes however luckily couldn't and were additionally discouraged by the inescapable stunt. Clearly the robbers were not as successful as they wanted to be or very smart for the matter.  

Drake Ramaeba commented on the reports. He is the BURS Tlokweng Border gate Customs Manager. He stated, “It was evident that they were quite curious to get into the rooms and that they would stop at nothing by using dynamite, but they evidently failed. This hasn’t been the first time so they knew what they were getting into and were prepared hence the strong rooms.

Robson Maleka, the Tlokweng police headquarters Commander Superintendent mentioned how the incident was strange. The case was reported to their office and the details were confirmed. Cases like these although strange, are common. It’s important to make sure they can’t break into safes and that a safe workplace environment is established.

"It would seem that whoever was there, attempted to open the safes yet fizzled and they wound up going back on their intensions of ransacking both spots," he said.

Since the robbers failed to open the safes, they gave up and took off and didn’t bother robbing the other areas.

Maleka said the robbers have not been caught so unfortunately no arrests have been made. This of course will not stop the police from finding the crooks and from further investigating the case. 

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/71-robbers-try-but-fail-to-crack-safe-of-burs.html

Germans Lose Faith in Banks

Retail customers can expect charges from many German savings banks and institutions of finance just for holding their money in the aftermath of an announcement from the CEO of Deutsche Bank, John Cryan. Cryan stated what many interpret to be an early warning sign of monetary repression across Europe. It isn’t spelled out any clearer than “fatal consequences” for savers, to use his terms exactly.

German cooperative savings bank, Raiffeneisen Gmund am Tegernsee, located in a small Bavarian village was the first to make the announcement to customers that merely holding their cash will come at a charge. Consequently, home safes are rising as a popular alternative to risky savings accounts at negative interest rates. German savers seem to be wasting no time to put their savings in something more secure than grandma’s shoebox and not as risky as the bank.

As interest-rates plunge to abysmally negative depths, Germans are the first to follow in the footsteps blazed by the Japanese just over a year ago. Japanese consumers started stashing their cash at home upon the introduction of negative interest rates there.

Following the wisdom of basic mathematics, which proves zero is greater in value than a negative, home safes are looking more attractive than negative interest rates with additional charges for the mere safekeeping of cash — taxes added.

Cue a 25 per cent spike in safe sales from the largest safe manufacturer in Burg-Waechter KG. Increases are pushing manufacturers to limit. There are now waiting lists for safe-deposit boxes in many of Germany’s metropolises. And it’s not your average cast of tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy theorists acting contrary to the European Central Bank’s policies, but the banks themselves. 

It is reported that financial institutions such as the retail, savings and other investment banks are hoarding more cash along with some gold bars in preparation for an unclear economic future. The fallout of bankers announcing negative interest rates shows no end in near sight, and those with their eyes to the horizon are noting the benefits of stocking their savings in a place more secure than under their mattresses.

Some are opting to keep it in a safe-deposit box at the bank for extra security, but fees for this service can be avoided by investing in a quality home safe. Paying to save at a retail bank is nothing less than ridiculous according to one Munich-based entrepreneur. Many citizens echoed his sentiments when asked about the new bank charges for holding savings. 

In contrast to an array of European and North American nations where credit cards are often taken for granted as another form of cash, regardless of a negative balance, Germans are adhering to the old tried and true adage of their elders that, “Only cash is real.”

And they seem to mean it, at almost a 2:1 ratio of cash transactions comprising 80 per cent compared to U.S citizens.

Maybe we can learn from their foresight.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/70-germans-lose-faith-in-banks.html

Truck & Locksmith Tools taken by Thief

The Calgary Police Service and the RCMP are asking for public assistance in tracking down a person who stole a locksmith truck from Airdrie and then stole equipment that is used in making keys for properties managed by the City of Calgary.

Owned by Locksmith ABOE, who is a contractor with the Calgary Housing Company, the truck was taken from a parking lot in southwest Airdrie Monday night.

While the truck was found Tuesday morning on Township Road 264 in Balzac, a number of items were missing from the vehicle, including some equipment and tools that can be used to manufacture keys. In addition, a number of sensitive documents about several CHC buildings were also taken.

Fortunately, the missing documents do not contain any personal information such as tenant names, according to City of Calgary officials. However, the documents and the equipment create the possibility the culprits could manufacture keys for specific CHC properties.

Because of this danger, tenants are being notified about what happened.

“Above all else, we are focusing on the security and safety of our tenants,” said Calgary Housing Company President Sarah Woodgate. “Currently we are partnering with law enforcement, neighbourhoods, the Fire Department and other partners to reach out to tenants and offer support. We want to make sure that there is no risk to their safety and take precautions prevent future breaches like these.

According to the CHC, this is the first time such a theft has occurred. The CHC currently manages 7,300 units with 25,000 in about 211 properties scattered throughout the city. Officials aren’t sure about the number of tenants that would be impacted by the breach, but are working to change the locks on many of them.

They don’t have any estimate on how many units are in need of having the locks changed, but the work should last six weeks. There are also no details about where the money for the work will come from.

And for the time being, authorities are also boosting the number of security on CHC properties to help keep residents safe and they are working closely with tenants who have raised specific security concerns.

Officials have also declared their intention to start working more with contractors about their processes for storing and handling information. 

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/69-truck-locksmith-tools-taken-by-thief.html