Glass Passwords… Cause Shattered Dreams!

Glass Passwords… Cause Shattered dreams!

By Nicholas Ashton,  CEO/CIO, Commsmart Global Group

Sadly it seems you cannot see the wood for the trees when it comes to information security. 

Change is required and demanded!  It is A Frugal Corporate Innovative World...

Remove the word "password" from your vocabulary.  Just like glass, if it was invented today, we would never use it, as it is far too dangerous and causes more problems than you wish to think about.

Glass, once broken, is like a hacked/broken password, dangerous and the glass shards cause irreparable harm, damage, and heartache.  The pieces of a password once broken are then used by the hacker, sold to others and brings disruption to the owner’s life.

Now let's open our minds and look at what we once used passwords on and for.  Access, to the most private items in our lives, personal data, our fortune we keep in a bank account, email openings and access to our accounts and corporation identity.  All that you keep private.

A password is an access to the system you are signing on to.  Your system does not even know if it is you or not!  It could be your mother, girlfriend or the wife.  Heaven help you if it is your boss at work!  So what is the only thing a password is doing?  Opening the door to a treasure cave and all that is you and your company!

TRUSTED REMEDY does something that is so simple and easy you have been missing for over twenty years.  What is it?  Let me tell you…

When you log-in from any computer device, Desktop PC/Mac, Laptop, Tablet, Smart Mobile Phone, Automobile or even the Air-conditioning or Refrigerator you have to identify yourself with a password.  TRUSTED REMEDY does not rely on that method, it makes that device your Access code, token, old fashion password if you like, your computer identity DNA.  It is only for you and it is trained to know it is you.

TRUSTED REMEDY is a 99.9999% secure connection end to end.  Your device is pre-approved for the connection through corporate servers and both parties, each end, know each other.  This a like a solid bullet and bomb-proof tube that your data travels through and delivers the needed data.  It is certified and approved! 

Once it has communicated, that certificate or approval is withdrawn, gone in a blip and never to be seen in its travel again.  It now resides with the receiver, securely on the servers or with the person it was intended for.  The Hacker, Phisher or Man in the Middle Brutal Attacker cannot access the data.

Phew, now I have got that out of the way I have to mention, it is such a corporately available investment.  Retail, it is just the price of an inexpensive latte per device, per month or less depending on volume. 

TRUSTED REMEDY works literally on any smart mobile phone, laptop or tablet, so you can Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and be 100% secure!  No additional purchase of hardware required.

To send that data, message, email, even from a Public Hotspot or Hotel Wi-Fi you can do so without any concern.

Big Box Stores, secure your Point of Sale, end to end and in turn protect your customers and clients from hacked bank information.  In fact, your Vendor Network is totally secure, even if someone steals the existing password, it is useless as it will not work!

Loyalty programs, like Marriott, Hilton, and all others.  Those massive subscriber-based companies, the likes of Netflix or Red Box can protect your personal bank and personal information, that simple and that smart!

If you have technicians in the field accessing and sending data or information all will be secure, Comcast is a perfect example.  No more flimsy passwords on unsecured networks, all is secured end to end.

If you want the unbreachable end to end communications, TRUSTED REMEDY is the only option, it is that impenetrable connection that keeps all with a peace of mind!

WE are in the NOW and

KEEP YOU; in the KNOW…

www.commsmart-global.com

Worldwide Call: +1 (330) 366.6860
Email: change@commsmart-global.com

Copyright 2016

STOLEN DATA & INFORMATION - It Is Not A Blame Game, It Is YOU!

STOLEN DATA & INFORMATION

It Is Not A Blame Game, It Is YOU!

By Nicholas Ashton, CEO/CIO, CommSmart Global Group

The "Blame Someone Else Syndrome" is alive and sick, living within you. 

Please give up on the idea that others care, will protect you and telling you the truth, when it comes to most things in life.  

They are NOT!

The government is a perfect example, especially the leadership or those that wish to be your new leader.  They will tell you what they think and expect you want to hear.  Sadly, YOU, in the majority, believe them.

The Internet of Tragedy is the same way.  You have heard so many times, "it has to be true, I read it on the Internet".  Ask Al Gore and his Global Warming Cosy Buddies, oh, their answer will be a lie also!  

Just listen to the group of misguided politicians in Paris on what they are saying about Global Warming or the security of refugees.

The Internet is a Sewer and so are the Apps you continue to download onto your Smartphones and tablets.

It is stated that "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach".  The way to financial success is to steal other people's information by the billions and live a great life, whilst those you stole from, suffer.  

Why is it so easy to do to this? 

Simple, Humans have traits, which mean they fail more than they succeed.

Wanting to have the latest gadget, smartest mobile phone and be ahead of the curve is utter nonsense.  Security above all is the key and will make you far happier in life.  It use to be that way prior to the invention of the Internet!

We use to talk, discuss, think, daydream, read books, listen to music as a collective group, went to the movies and we were happier in the way we communicated.

Then IT came along!  Yes, Information Technology and placed people in charge that had no earthly idea of the boundaries we were crossing.  No, I am not blaming them, it is us all that failed to grasp and understand, that we have released our grip at the wrong time.  

A climber does not uncouple himself before he knows that he has secured his next move.

Parents who purchased Vtech computer toys thought they had found the perfect babysitter until Vtech was hacked and over 5 million users information was stolen.

The Internet of Things sounds all well and good until you realize that each day, some geek with a half brain idea, which he shares with a marketing guru, launches an App without the full cyber security of the information of the users and the connection.

Simple solution, we take YOU out of the picture, hold your hand and control how you enter the Internet of Things securely.  Allowing you to play to your heart's content, securely and not affecting anyone else in the room, street or a corporation.  

We isolate the security issues, shutting down the screens and cutting off the fingers of the Hackers, Phishers, and Man in the Middle Brutal Attackers.

You have failed so far and it is affecting us all.  Fear no more, we have created a comfort zone for us all.

No, we do not want to be your friends, we want to protect ourselves and enjoy life as it should be.

Yes, this is a reality, available and implementation is straightforward.  Is it new? No, we have been successful for decades with "like-minded" people and now, we must expand.

Those corporately who have extremely large client databases, access via a password to services, like:

• ISP's 
• Cable Entertainment
• Loyalty Programs 
• Medical Records
• Big Box Stores
• Online Shopping

In fact, anyone worldwide that uses the Internet corporately!

The Password is DEAD!  It is all about Device DNA...

Come join us...

www.commsmartglobalgroup.com

Email: redtagged@commsmartglobalgroup.com

copyright 2017

The Other side…

The Other side…

By Nicholas Ashton, CEO/CIO, CommSmart Global Group

Immersed in business, priorities of services and solutions is an addiction for us that are passionate about our place in life.  

We sometimes forget there is another side of those we meet with, take time out of their day and always forget there is a private side of their lives like their family, wives, husbands, and children.

We are all private people with other private agendas.  As you sit with a prospect or client, remember they are attached to other people, who are part of the jigsaw of life, which shows the full picture of the past, present, and future.

When you get a call that someone cannot meet with you or has to change an appointment, you may think it was an internal business matter or they are blowing you off.

DON’T!

This was more evident last week when a meeting changed and the lead individual was not going to make the meeting and selected someone else to fill in.  They, in turn, had to ‘beg off’ for whatever reason, but the meeting went ahead any why and was a success.

Thinking nothing of it and rolling with the punches, I never really questioned why the first individual could not attend.

This morning I found out why.

The man’s wife died of a sudden brain hemorrhage.  Young, the middle fifties and a loving couple.  I never met her, only knew he was married.

It hit me like a lead balloon and brought an emotional void and tears to my eyes over someone I never knew and will never know.

Today is the funeral.  A lifetime together and the sudden departing. 

A few days have gone by, not enough to say to them, ‘I Love You’, smile, hold hands and kiss for the last time.

Life, I have been reminded is precious and is be gone in a flash. 

Treat each moment as if it is your last together.

 

Remember our departing is guaranteed…

‘Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow’

There is now a jigsaw picture missing a single piece, which will always be remembered.

You are in thoughts and prayers…

The Art of Conversation Without Moving Your Lips!

Social Media Interaction

The Art of Conversation Without Moving Your Lips!

By Nicholas Ashton, CEO/CIO, CommSmart Global Group

How do you wrap your communications around your fingers and thumbs and still be a successful communicator? 

Simple, learn to type short, sharp statements without anger or retribution.  Concise statements and questions will reach your intended and publicly receptive audience.

Fingers and Thumbs Can and Do Control the Art of Conversation!

Social media is sorting out the ‘wheat from the chaff’ and those that use anger, nonsensical verbiage or pure trolls, will fall and stumble by the wayside. Just like a true debate, those that have no viable statement cease to speak and move on.

Social media is the most excellent means of:

• placing significant information
• calls to action
• marketing facts
• product placement
• public event particulars
• asking those all important questions 

All to draw attention and cause dialogue.

Social Media is an Art Form that we all can participate in.  Just like a writer, painter or social wall fly, it is a precise means of exercising your points of view.

Prominently, it is free, insomuch that it only takes your time to produce.  The quality of statements is a priority and this why corporations, small business and Public Safety (police, fire, and EMS) are expanding their digital writings.

Working with your clients and community to inform them there is a ‘New Town Crier’ at your fingertips on your Smartphone, which goes everywhere with you.

Signing up your customers, community businesses, and the public to understand this, is the most defined means of communications ever! 

Fully understanding ‘The Art of Fingers & Thumbs Conversation’ is a supreme priority for us all.  We are not talking anymore, we have our heads down, pressing keys on a smartphone and is not quality time. 

It is though being used by a majority that cannot live without information.  It is like they have an insatiable appetite for facts, data, digital conversation and gossip.

Social media is the search engine of society. 

When it comes to products, travel, vacations, even which hotel to stay at, social media, Twitter, Facebook etc. are used far more than Google.  You trust your friends within social media for their opinions and experiences.

Some five years ago in the U.K., the Borough of Lambeth police agency started using social media, it was a direct change in communications skills within the borough.  Today it is stronger, although all law enforcement needs to have refresher courses on how to use social media more successfully and with compliance. 

It has changed and we can change it more for the better for you. It is not going away and only getting stronger if you can control your fingers and thumbs!

CommSmart Global Group, a LexisNexis Risk Solutions Partner uses social media to delve deeper into how criminals use this communications system.  It affords us more information so our crime analytics and predictive analysis are the success they are today.

Our social skill sets are available globally with cost effective coaching and mentoring for corporations, small businesses, via your Chamber of Commerce and global law enforcement.

Converse? 

Use your Fingers & Thumbs to connect to us and see digitally where your improvements will lead.

www.socialmediainteraction.online

INCREASE STOP & SEARCH - The Fear Factor Is Within Over Zealous Control Freaks.

INCREASE STOP & SEARCH

The Fear Factor Is Within Over Zealous Control Freaks.

by Nicholas Ashton, CEO/CIO, CommSmart Global Group, a LexisNexis Risk Solution Partner 

Policing is simple, ask Sir Robert Peel via his Nine Peelian Principles, with the added Tenth Peelian Principle, Digital Policing technology.  

The magic dust is not the  'control freaks' who are power crazy with pips on their shoulders!  Decision making is a simplistic 'art form' that seems to have eluded management on all levels, especially from Public Safety aspects!

This has been CommSmart Global Group, a LexisNexis Risk Solutions Partner achieved mission since Day One! 

Not to sound like a broken record, but, 'The People are the Police and the Police are the People'!  

You all come from the same streets, communities, so start working cohesively, instead of this messed up 'THEM & US' SYNDROME.  

Get On the Stick, before YOU are the DEADLY Statistic!

Converse, we do not bite!

WWW.COMMSMARTGLOBALGROUP.COM

EMAIL: digitalpolicing@commsmartglobalgroup.com

copyright 2017

Swipe That! Credit/Debit Card Hack, The Communists Always Want It All!

Credit/Debit Card Hack, The Communists Always Want It All!

By Nicholas Ashton, CEO/CIO, CommSmart Global Group

Do not just blame the Russians and a Ukrainian for hacking into databases containing credit/debit card information. It was there for the taking, as the

banks and data silos had open doors to let them walk right in!

For over seven years they penetrated computer networks of more than a dozen major American and international corporations, stealing and selling at least 160 million credit and debit card numbers, resulting in losses of hundreds of millions of dollars.

The individuals who purchased the credit and debit card numbers and associated data from the hacking organization resold them through online forums or directly to others known as "cashers," the indictment said. According to the indictment, U.S. credit card numbers sold for about $10 each; Canadian

numbers were $15 and European ones $50.

The credit/debit cards used in the USA are outdated, obsolete and downright open invitation to the hacker!

Yes, we have changed to a chip solution, sadly not all retailers have the correct credit/debit card machines to cope.  If you get hacked through their failure to upgrade, it is a nightmare to get your money back.

4 digit pin numbers are the easiest to crack! If you visit the web, you find a YouTube video to assist you in achieving the end result of theft.

The rest of the world does use Smart credit/debit cards, which are far harder to break into and have so many more security options.

Smart Chip is a credit card technology where cards are embedded with chips and a cardholder must put in their pin or sign for each transaction to be approved. 

With “chip & pin” especially, this is an ultra-secure method that makes it much harder for credit card hackers and fraudsters to steal from consumers since, rather than just stealing the information contained in a card’s magnetic strip, they’d have to know the carrier’s pin number as well. 

The other type of chip card, “chip & signature,” function more like US swipe cards, only they can be used with portable electronic readers that require you to insert the card rather than swipe it, and then sign for it as you would with a regular old swipe card. Although chip & pins are prevalent in Europe, the cards issued in the US with chips tend to be overwhelmingly chip & signature, so you might still have some issues using them at certain merchants, but having a chip at all can be a big help when using cards at ticket machines or other vendors that require a chip of some sort.

Most US cards are just “swipe and sign” cards with a simple magnetic strip

and the verification of signature standing between you and credit card fraud. From time to time, US swipe cards also make it more difficult to charge things while abroad where many merchants use mobile credit card portals where you stick your card into a slot and enter your pin into a keyboard rather than swiping it through a reader. While many merchants, hotels, and restaurants let you use your swipe cards, many, especially in Europe, do not, including some restaurants, hotels and even public transport.

The banks say it is too expensive to change over to the newer technology, say what? Look how much it is costing in money loss, time for the hacked consumer to report and obtain new cards. Millions!

Challenge your bank, as the new technology is smarter than your bankers!

WE are in the NOW and

KEEP YOU; in the KNOW…

www.commsmartglobalgroup.com

Call: +1 (515) 330.6130

Email: problem@commsmartglobalgroup.com

Copyright 2017

The Poop on Red Robin’s - Customer Service & Lack There Of...

The Poop on Red Robin’s

By Nicholas Ashton

A corporate response would be nice!

April 22^nd, 2017, Earth Day, my birthday and one screwed up American Eatery.

Certainly, the lack of management, training, customer service, and professionalism flew out of the cuckoo’s nest this day!

What started out as a relaxing day of a Cracker Barrel breakfast, now there is a professional operation that should be the envy of the restaurant trade, ended at a Robin Robin’s in Des Moines, Iowa. 

I mean ended!

Was not interested in their ‘Free Birthday Burger’ as I don’t eat beef, much to the annoyance of Iowa Beef Farmers. 

Gout! Beef inflames my gout and no cow is going to annoy me or pain me that much!

Seating was quick, ordered an Onion Tower, which was a greasy delight.  We were surrounded by tables full to the brim who had been seated way before our ‘bums’ hit the chairs.  Yes, they were waiting and waiting. 

Our order was taken for a chicken sandwich and good ole’ Fish & Chips, American style.

The wait was more than extreme and had I clear view of the kitchen, cooks, line managers, and servers, which to my dismay was atrocious in many derogatory ways in running a kitchen of such a large operation.

The surrounding tables were still not acknowledged and our food was either being hatched, laid or cracked with the Fish still in the Atlantic waiting to be caught by some trawler or other and the potatoes in the field spouting.

The other tables were now being attended to after a good twenty minutes and our awaited food arrived.  I broke off a piece of fish with my fingers as us Brits do and it was cold, I don’t mean sea water cold, I mean cold!  The chips, the same way.  Not acceptable at all and this ‘straight talking’ guy will not sit silently!  It is our right to enter an eatery and expect to receive what is advertised on the menu in a reasonable and professional manner.

Did not happen!

The waitress came over and asked how the meal was, I explained directly it was cold, to take it away and not bother replacing it.  (I know what goes with replacement food and to someone who challenges so called professionals!)

She took the plate back to the kitchen and I saw her dump the food in a bin.  She never sought out management at all.

She did return and I explained that she should have sought out management and instead that she did so. 

Management?  The excuse who came to our table was more than pathetic and only hardened my initial thoughts of the service and cold food that had arrived at our table.

First words out of her mouth were an excuse!  I am only the floor supervisor, she states, the General Manager is an on weekend off.  I am new at this… I fully understand, I know we have a problem!

I explained my issues and stated I understand the food business extremely well.  The kitchen line manager was in my view at all time and it was not a competent crew at all.  The work ethic was missing completely!

Food service is not a game, it is worth billions of dollars a year and can be lost in the wink of an eye or through ‘Fingers & Thumbs’ with social media.

The excuses from the temporary management were abysmal, pathetic and an insult!

What should have happened never entered this person’s head, was never given as training to this individual, who was put in an invidious position and represented the whole company more than poorly.

Look, things go wrong, but in plain sight and who the hell can mess up Fish & Chips? 

‘Red Robin’s’ can and does!

A piece of advice to all, including Red Robin’s local management, regional managers, CEO, and shareholders, get your act together and stop thinking that a little hiccup will go away, it will not.

What should have happened was empathy for the client who is worth more than one meal to the eatery chain and the wait-staff who rely on tips.

Let me suggest:

• I am so sorry for your experience, it is not the norm! 
• Have you eaten with us previously?
• What will it take to get you to come back at another time and let us make it right for you?
• If you will allow us to do that, I will be very happy for you to have the meal of your choice on us and will give you my personal card and voucher for this.
• That simple and customer service etiquette that reaches out to the upset customer.

At least twenty-five other people that were at surrounding tables had a terrible dining experience yesterday, ‘Earth Day’ which in Red Robin’s case should have been called ‘What on Earth Do You Think You Were Doing Day’!

In the world of social media ‘Tweets’ reach millions and in this case the Red Robin was singing the wrong song!

Some Major Lessons to be Learned, If Arrogance Does Not Get in the Way!

Email: straight-talking@commsmart-global.com