Investing

Will The Apple (AAPL) iPhone Allow Aliens To Read Your Mind?

In the old days, if you wanted aliens for outer space to have access to you thoughts all you had to do was put on a hat made of tin foil and two antenna. Now, you can just buy an Apple (AAPL) iPhone.

According to The New York Times, an organized group of hackers have gotten access to the iPhone using the device’s WiFi port. The hack can be used to download just about everything on the handset, including the user’s name, rank, and serial number. Credit card data and e-mail addresses are extra.

A group called Independent Security Evaluators claims that “Once you did manage to find a hole, you were in complete control.”

The popularity of the iPhone makes it an easy target. But, it does point out that the privacy protection and bug problems on PCs is moving to the mobile space.

While large private networks like the ones controlled by AT&T (T) Wireless may be harder to access, now that more and more handsets will have access to open networks like WiFi and WiMax security issues are just a matter of time.

It is ironic. As Google (GOOG) and other firms push for open access to wireless broadband and handheld devices are shifting to use inexpensive applications like VoIP instead of the metered minutes from the big phone companies, the price the user pays will be attacks on his private data.

Must be the price of progress.

Douglas A. McIntyre

Are You Still Paying With a Debit Card?

The average American spends $17,274 on debit cards a year, and it’s a HUGE mistake. First, debit cards don’t have the same fraud protections as credit cards. Once your money is gone, it’s gone. But more importantly you can actually get something back from this spending every time you swipe.

Issuers are handing out wild bonuses right now. With some you can earn up to 5% back on every purchase. That’s like getting a 5% discount on everything you buy!

Our top pick is kind of hard to imagine. Not only does it pay up to 5% back, it also includes a $200 cash back reward in the first six months, a 0% intro APR, and…. $0 annual fee. It’s quite literally free money for any one that uses a card regularly. Click here to learn more!

 

Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings to provide coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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