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Author Archives: Tamila McDonald

 About Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.

Your Camera Could Betray You: 10 Lesser Known Security Flaws in Smartphone Cameras

Posted on February 20, 2024 - 8:30 am by
SmartPhone Camera

SmartPhone Camera

In the digital age, smartphones serve as our windows to the world, but they can also be gateways for privacy invasions, especially through their cameras. While common security risks like hacking and malware are widely recognized, several lesser-known vulnerabilities pose significant threats to our privacy. Let’s look at 10 such obscure security issues associated with smartphone cameras, offering deeper insights into the potential dangers and ways to safeguard against them.

1. Exif Data Exposure

Data Exposure

Photos taken with a smartphone carry Exif data, which reveals the time, date, and GPS location. This data can be a goldmine for stalkers or criminals looking to track a person’s location. Users should be cautious about sharing photos on public platforms, and consider using apps that strip Exif data before uploading pictures. Understanding how to manage and erase this data can significantly enhance personal security.

2. Camera Shutter Sound Disabling

Camera Shutter

In certain regions, laws mandate a shutter sound for smartphone cameras to prevent covert photography. However, some apps can disable this sound, enabling silent photo-taking which raises serious privacy concerns, especially in private or sensitive environments. Users should regularly review app permissions and remain vigilant about apps that can control camera settings.

3. Third-party Keyboard Apps Accessing Camera

Keyboard App

 

 

Some third-party keyboard apps request access to the camera, which they can misuse for surreptitious recording. Users should be wary of granting unnecessary permissions to keyboard apps and prefer using default or well-known keyboards with clear privacy policies. Regularly auditing app permissions can prevent such vulnerabilities.

4. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

zero day vulnerabilities

Zero-day vulnerabilities present a unique challenge as they are exploited before the software vendor becomes aware of them. These flaws can be particularly dangerous when involving camera access, allowing hackers to intrude into personal moments. Staying updated with the latest security patches and avoiding suspicious links or apps can mitigate these risks.

5. Camera Access Via Voice Assistants

voice assistant

Voice assistants, if not properly secured, can be tricked into granting unauthorized camera access. This risk is heightened in public places where unintended voice commands might be picked up. Users should configure voice assistants to recognize only their voice or disable voice control for sensitive features like the camera.

6. Infrared Camera Hacking

Infrared Camera Hacking

Infrared capabilities in cameras can be exploited for invasive purposes, such as seeing through certain materials. While this technology has legitimate uses, it can also be misused for unethical surveillance. Awareness of your device’s capabilities and potential misuse is vital for maintaining privacy.

7. Video Conferencing App Vulnerabilities

video conferencing

Video conferencing apps, if not developed with robust security, can become avenues for attackers to access camera feeds. This vulnerability was highlighted as the use of these apps surged in recent years. Users should ensure they use updated and reputable conferencing apps and be cautious of unsolicited conferencing requests.

8. Flaws in Biometric Authentication Systems

facial recognition

 

Camera-based facial recognition for unlocking phones can be compromised, leading to unauthorized device access. Users should be aware of the limitations of facial recognition technology and consider using additional security measures like passwords or PINs for enhanced protection.

9. Camera Apps With Hidden Malware

Hidden Malware

Malicious camera apps can contain malware that takes control of your camera without your knowledge. Users should download apps only from official app stores and read reviews and permissions carefully. It’s crucial to have a reputable antivirus installed to detect and prevent such intrusions.

10. Side Channel Signal Emission Exploits

Side Channel Signal Emission Exploits

Sophisticated hacking techniques can exploit the electromagnetic signals emitted by smartphone cameras. These signals can potentially be decoded to understand what the camera is seeing. Awareness of such advanced threats and keeping your smartphone’s firmware updated can provide an additional layer of security.

Be Aware of These Security Flaws in Smartphone Cameras

Security Risks

In summary, while smartphone cameras add immense value to our daily lives, they also come with a set of security risks that require our attention and action. Being informed about these lesser-known vulnerabilities and adopting prudent digital habits can significantly enhance your privacy and security in the smartphone era.

Have you implemented any security measures to protect your smartphone camera? Share your strategies in the comments and help others stay informed and protected. Remember, in the world of cybersecurity, being proactive is always better than being reactive.

Effective Ways To Handle Financial Inequality in a Relationship

Posted on August 20, 2022 - 10:51 am by
Financial Inequality

 

It’s fairly common these days that one spouse makes more money than the other — causing financial inequality in a relationship. This can be overcome by taking a few steps to ensure both people in the relationship pull their weight, without either party feeling burdened. Here are some effective ways to handle financial inequality in a relationship.

Percentages Work

If one spouse makes significantly more money than the other, it can be difficult to determine how to split shared expenses. One way to overcome this is by each person contributing a percentage of their income to the shared expenses. This will help ensure both people are contributing equally, without putting too much financial strain on either party.

Willingness To Contribute the Most

Another way to overcome financial inequality in a relationship is by willingly contributing the most to expenses when you earn more. This way the person that is making the least amount of money isn’t feeling financially bankrupt after bills are paid.

Whoever earns the most, in all fairness, should be willing to contribute the most. In the end, they will still have more excess for other wants and needs.

Make A Budget Together

Making a budget together is another way to help ensure both people are contributing equally to the shared expenses. This will also help you see where your money is going and make adjustments accordingly. Before making any large purchases, the monthly payment should be added to the budget to ensure it’s manageable for both parties. If it’s not, the purchase may not be the best move.

Save and Invest Money As A Team

Saving and investing money as a team can help reduce financial inequality in a relationship. By having both people contribute to a savings account and investing for the future, it can help even out the playing field. This is also a good way to make sure you’re prepared for unexpected expenses that may come up.

Don’t Keep Money Secrets

Financial infidelity can be just as bad as any other type of betrayal in a relationship. As a couple, you should be able to talk about your finances even if they aren’t the best. Hiding how much you make or how much debt you have will only hurt the relationship in the long run. Be open and honest about where you are financially. This way everyone wins.

Communication Is Key

As with most things in a relationship, communication is key when it comes to managing financial inequality. You need to be able to talk openly about your finances and work together to find a solution that works for both of you. If one person feels like they’re always the one footing the bill, it will only lead to resentment.

Financial inequality doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker in a relationship. By taking some proactive steps, you can ensure both people are contributing equally and no one feels overburdened. With effective communication, you can overcome any obstacle in your relationship.

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How To Financially Support Your Spouse During a Career Change

How To Financially Support Your Spouse During a Career Change

Posted on August 8, 2022 - 1:24 pm by
Financially Support Your Spouse During a Career Change

Financially Support Your Spouse During a Career Change

One aspect of having a career is the possibility of a career change. This may be especially difficult when you’re married and dependent on two incomes. If your spouse is thinking of changing careers, there are some important steps you need to take as a partner. Here’s how to financially support your spouse during a career change.

Talk About Your Career Change

Talk about the career change with your spouse early on and be open about the plans and concerns. You and your spouse should have an honest discussion about the impending career change and what it means for both of you financially.

This is a critical step in deciding whether or not to proceed with the change. If it’s inevitable, come up with a mutual agreement about how to best move forward.

If you’re not on the same page about the career change, it’s likely that one or both of you will be unhappy with the decision down the road. However, if both are willing to make compromises, you’ll be in a much better position to financially support each other during the transition.

Come Up With A Budget

Be sure to factor in your spouse’s needs when creating a budget for the household. If your spouse earns more, you may need to take on additional hours at work or find a part-time job to make ends meet. Alternatively, you may need to cut back on your own expenses in order to free up more money to support your spouse during the transition.

Working together to create a budget that meets both of your needs is critical to ensuring that you’re able to financially support each other during the career change.

Discuss Who Will Handle The Finances

It’s important to have a discussion about who will handle the finances during the transition period. Depending on your situation, it may make sense for one spouse to take on the financial responsibility while the other focuses on the career change. Alternatively, you may decide to split the responsibilities equally between both spouses.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to communicate openly about your expectations and come to a mutual agreement. Having a clear understanding of who is responsible for what will help to avoid any financial disagreements down the road.

Make Sure You Have 6 Months of Living Expenses

Before making any drastic changes, be sure to have a cushion of savings that can cover your living expenses for at least six months. This will give you both peace of mind and financial security during the transition period.

If you don’t have enough saved up, consider delaying the career change until you’ve been able to build up your savings. This will help to ensure that you’re able to financially support your spouse during the transition and avoid any financial stress.

Career Changes Can Be A Difficult Decision

Making a career change can be a difficult decision, but it’s one that you and your spouse can make together. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re in a strong position to financially support each other.

What other tips do you have for financially supporting your spouse during a career change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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5 Money Challenges for Couples Trying To Save Up

5 Money Challenges for Couples Trying To Save Up

Posted on July 21, 2022 - 11:58 pm by
Money Challenges for Couples

Money Challenges for Couples

Have you ever noticed that the moment you start trying to save money, something always seems to come up? This is also true for many couples today – top it with inflation causing food, gas, and utilities to rise.

Money isn’t going as far as it used to and savings are taking a beating. Here are 5 money challenges for couples trying to save up.

Rising Inflation

One of the money challenges for couples trying to save up is rising inflation. Everywhere you look, costs are outpacing salaries. Many couples are finding it difficult to save anything at this point. With inflation now at 9.1%, changes must be made in order for couples to meet this challenge. This could include working from home to save on gas, cutting subscriptions you don’t use, and only buying products you know you’ll consume.

Housing Costs

Another money challenge for couples trying to save up is housing costs. In many parts of the world, housing prices have skyrocketed. According to Fortune.com, we can expect home prices to increase another 11% this year. This makes it difficult for couples to afford a home, let alone save money. If you’re currently renting, the rental picture isn’t much better. Finding a roommate may be one way to overcome your money challenges. You may also want to consider moving to a less expensive area.

Incidentally, if you are looking to save money on housing by moving in with your boyfriend or girlfriend, here are some questions you should probably be asking yourself first. 

Student Loans

For many couples, student loans are a huge money challenge. With the average college undergraduate now owing $36,635, it’s no wonder why. If you’re struggling to make monthly payments, consider consolidating your loans or enrolling in an income-driven repayment plan. You may also want to look into refinancing your loans to get a lower interest rate.

Medical Bills

Although Obama Care seemed to be the answer that many were looking for when it came to health care, many consumers are still uninsured. Unexpected medical bills can be a real money challenge for couples trying to save up. If you have a high deductible health plan, you may have to pay several thousand dollars out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. This can make it difficult to save money.

The Cost of Living

One of the biggest money challenges for couples trying to save up is the cost of living. In some parts of the United States, the cost of living is so high that it’s difficult to make ends meet. If you live in a high-cost area, you may want to consider moving to a less expensive area. This could free up some extra money each month that you can use to save up.

Take a look at some states in the South or Midwest. You may find a great place to live and great ways to save some cash.

Agree To A Budget And Stick To It

While it can be difficult to save money as a couple, there are ways to overcome the challenges. Money management is vital when it comes to saving money as a couple. Try communicating with your partner about finances and setting realistic goals. You should also make a budget and stick to it. Finally, be patient and don’t give up if you have a setback.

Trying to save money can be a real challenge for couples. However, by making some changes and being mindful of your spending, you can overcome these challenges and reach your savings goals. What other money challenges do you think couples face when trying to save up? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Discuss Estate Planning with Your Partner: 5 Tips For A Smooth Conversation

Posted on June 30, 2022 - 7:10 am by
Discuss Estate Planning with Your Partner

Discuss Estate Planning with Your Partner

No one likes to think about death, but it’s a reality that we all have to face. One of the most difficult aspects of estate planning is discussing it with your partner. It can be tough to broach the topic, but it’s important to do so in order to make sure your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. Here are 5 tips for having a smooth discussion about estate planning with your partner:

1. Discussing Estate Planning Can Be Emotional, So Try To Stay Calm and Rational.

It’s important to have a calm and rational discussion about estate planning with your partner. This is a sensitive topic, so it’s understandable if emotions start to run high. However, it’s important to try to stay calm and rational in order to have a productive conversation.

If things start to get too emotional, take a break and come back to the discussion when you’re both in a better frame of mind.

2. Make Sure You Both Have All the Facts Before Making Any Decisions.

Before making any decisions about your estate plan, it’s important to make sure that you and your partner are both well-informed. Discuss what assets you have, what debts you owe, and what your wishes are for after you’re gone. Once you have all the facts, you can start to make informed decisions about your estate plan.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider talking to a financial advisor or estate planning attorney. They can help you understand the process and make sure you’re making the best decisions for your situation.

If you have young children, it’s also important to think about who will care for them if something happens to you. Discuss your wishes with your partner and make sure you have a plan in place.

3. Discuss What You Want Your Loved Ones To Know About Your Estate Plan.

Your estate plan is a way to protect your loved ones after you’re gone. Discuss what you want them to know about your plan and how you want them to be taken care of. It’s also important to make sure they know where to find your estate planning documents.

Making sure your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone is a top priority. Discussing your estate plan with your partner is the best way to make sure they’re prepared for what’s to come.

4. Be Prepared for Some Disagreements.

It’s normal to have some disagreements when discussing your estate plan with your partner. You may have different ideas about what you want or how you want your assets to be distributed. Try to be understanding and open-minded during these conversations.

It’s important to remember that you’re both working towards the same goal: making sure your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone.

If you can’t seem to come to an agreement, consider talking to a mediator or estate planning attorney. They can help you work through your disagreements and come up with a plan that works for both of you.

5. Discuss Your Plan Regularly To Make Sure It’s Up-to-Date.

Your estate plan should be reviewed regularly to make sure it’s still up-to-date. Things such as marriage, divorce, birth, and death can all affect your estate plan. As your life changes, so should your estate plan.

Discussing your estate plan with your partner on a regular basis will help ensure that it’s always accurate and up-to-date.

Estate planning is an important part of protecting your loved ones after you’re gone. Discussing your estate plan with your partner is the best way to make sure they’re prepared for what’s to come. Use these tips to have a smooth and productive conversation about your estate plan.

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SumUp: The Point-of-Sale App Empowering Small Business

Posted on December 5, 2018 - 8:03 am by

SumUp payment processing

Many small startups have the same dilemma when it comes to their business: how to process payments. Although there are numerous point-of-sale offerings available, the fees can be exorbitant. Well, now there’s a company that has the answer to your most pressing issue. That company is SumUp.

SumUp’s mission is to become a global mobile point-of-sale system (mPOS). If they accomplish this soon, they will become the first in the world. SumUp has already become the first mPOS to cross the Atlantic. SumUP currently has operations in 33 countries, and in 2017, they were voted “Europe’s number #1 fastest growing company.”

What Makes Sum Up Different?

When businesses consider point-of-sale systems, factors like functionality, the cost of proprietary software and hardware, hidden transaction fees, customer service, and actionable insights are crucial to the business owner’s decision.

SumUp provides a solution to many of these needs, which is why they’ve received recent backing from American Express and Groupon, in addition to the many investors and partnerships acquired since 2012.

SumUp is the perfect option for the business owner who uses one or two devices to accept payments. The company caters to the small business owner who would like a point-of-sale system that requires no minimum transaction volume, a flat rate transaction fee (2.65%), a compatible software for multiple mobile devices, incredibly reliable hardware, and superb customer service.

Why Your Business Needs a SumUp Card Reader

Because SumUp produces their proprietary hardware in-house, their card readers rate high in quality and user experience. The readers have a battery life that allows for 500 transactions when fully-charged, and they retail for a mere $69. Pair all of that with the fact that the card reader processes payments for most credit cards as well as Apple and Google Pay, the business owner has an incredibly functional and affordable mobile point-of-sale system for his or her small business.

Small business owners also need to integrate their point-of-sale processes with their accounting, which can sometimes feel overwhelming and cumbersome. SumUp provides insights like Payout Reporting, employee accounts, and the ability to export sales data on a daily, monthly, or all-time basis. The ability to generate these reports at any time allows more fluidity in the bookkeeping of a small business, the tracking of sales trends, and also adds a layer of accountability with varying employee transactions.

With SumUp, you can also simplify the sale of multiple products and develop an inventory within the point-of-sale system. Businesses can create products and build shelves of those products to easily select when preparing for transactions, instead of keying in separate values for multiple products. This advanced feature gives a business the opportunity to manage their application in a way that saves them time and provides another layer of organization.

Top-Notch Security

Finally, with regard to security, the small business can be confident that their transactions between their customers and themselves are of the utmost importance to SumUp. They hold the following certifications for the business owner’s peace of mind:

  • PCI PTS V4.0 Certified
  • SRED EMV Level 1 & Level 2 certificates
  • Mastercard Pay Pass
  • Visa Pay Wave
  • American Express Expresspay
  • MasterCard TQM
  • MasterCard TIP
  • Visa ADVT certified
  • Visa Ready certified

SumUp is the foremost mobile Point of Sale Company in Europe. It is no surprise with a location in Boulder, CO in the heart of the startup scene, SumUp helps to empower new startups with low transaction rates and world-class customer service.

Signing Up Is Easy

You can sign up with SumUp in 5 minutes or less. Simply create an account by providing your email address and password. Once you’ve completed this step, you can order your EMV Card Reader which will arrive within 3-4 days.

Finally if you have a cash flow, but you’re incorporated now might be a good time to think about it.  Part of the process of getting incorporated is choosing a registered agent.  This can be you, or a registered agent you hire, your needs depending.  In any event, it pays to give the issue some thought.

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