16 Sept 2012

$$$ Prevent Credit Card Fraud!

In our age of online shopping through the many websites available, the focus on online security is doubtlessly important. But, we shouldn't avoid primitive forms of attacks. Recently, a close family friend was rudely awakened in the wee morning by a call from the bank. Someone had 'phished' credit card details and gone on a shopping rampage. A 5-figure sum was quickly spent by the thief within a night!

How did it happen?

The credit card parted with the owner at a food establishment. The service staff swiped the card details, including the CVV code while settling our friend's bill. What technology do you need? Primitive. No card scanner, RFID card replicator... Just a good memory, pen & paper or a camera phone to swipe the data that is unencrypted.
Scratch out your CVV after you memorize it.
(Image from cvv.number.com)
Now, my card goes around without the CVV code. I've scratched  out the 3 digits. It wouldn't prevent more sophisticated attacks like server attacks, trojan hacks or phishing scames. But at least, I can pay my bills knowing the staff can't do any hanky panky.

Keep safe, enjoy life!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Please check with your bank if rights are provided to you for the defacement of your credit card. Any consequence or inconvenience resulting from this action is, without doubt, your own. 

13 Sept 2012

Quality, always. Cycling v.s. SMRT

Always buy quality.

Cheap or poorly made stock AA batteries supplied with my $35 Rav-X rear light leaked within 3 months and the bike store had to offer a 1 for 1 exchanged. While there's no monetary costs to me, is there no impact on our already fragile environment? I think the Rav-X brand is pretty good, the light worked well. I did not expect my user-experience to be impacted by the battery that Rav-X chose to supply with the lights.

Rav X super bright rear light.
(Image from bikebug.com)


Always procure quality.

Rapid depreciation of brand value is not worth the low OPEX in the short term. Serving your customers disgust is the fastest way to cheapen your business. Sounds familiar? Think SMRT and their cut-cost-on-maintenance strategy.