DEMOCRATS AND SECURITY

DEMOCRATS AND SECURITY
Two more brief notes related to the Democratic security plan. First, the Iraq material is, of course, some pretty thin gruel. The Dems' position on Iraq involves calling for 2006 to be a "significant year of transition," even though the party won't have a chance to actually affect policy until (possibly) 2007 -- this confusion is sort of inherent to an "agenda statement" that's really a campaign document. Beyond that, their failure to specify any actual mechanisms by which the United States can induce "Iraqis [to] make the political compromises necessary to unite their country" is understandable, given that such mechanisms don't exist, but substantively it points to some rather starker conclusions about the right way forward. Various Democrats disagree in good faith about this issue so the banality on display here is probably unavoidable, but on the merits it?s problematic.
Secondly (and this is only tangentially related to the Real Security plan), one tendency liberals ought to avoid is conflating "support the troops" policies like boosting veterans' benefits, health care, and mental health services -- all important and valuable positions in their own right -- with a national security posture that actually addresses public suspicions about Democratic weakness on defense and foreign policy. These positions on social services and benefits are really just straight-up, bread-and-butter liberal domestic policies, only aimed at a military constituency. I think Americans recognize that, and that's why highlighting Democratic support for such measures isn't a particularly effective rejoinder against right-wing "soft on defense" attacks. I should caution that I don't actually mean this as a criticism in any way of the Democrats' Real Security plan, which covers a lot of ground beyond social service support for troops and vets, and engages major national security issue areas (terrorism, homeland security, Iraq, etc.). But it is a tendency I've noticed among plenty of liberals and Democratic politicians before.
The real sources of Democratic political weakness on defense issues go deep, and aren't all reducible to messaging -- they have to do with things like nationalism and war-making. Without, say, Democrats actually becoming a more affirmatively pro-war party (something I wouldn't want to see happen), I tend to think that, to at least some degree, this political vulnerability is intrinsic and insoluble, though Matt has certainly written extensively on ways it could be mitigated significantly.

ESCAPE FROM PHISHING

Simple steps to avoid being phished
Phishing is an increasingly common type of spam that can lead to theft of your personal details such as credit card numbers or online banking passwords.
Phishing attacks work by the scam artist sending "spoofed" emails that appear to come from a legitimate website that you have online dealings with such as a bank, credit card company or ISP - any site which requires users to have a personal identity or account. The email may ask you to reply with your account details in order to "update security" or for some other reason.
The phishing email may also direct you to a spoofed website or pop-up window which looks exactly like the real site, but has been set up for the sole purpose of stealing personal information. Unsuspecting people are then often fooled into handing over credit card numbers, passwords or other details.
According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, phishers are able to convince up to five per cent of recipients to respond.
How to protect yourself:
Never respond to emails that request personal financial informationBanks or e-commerce companies generally personalise emails, while phishers do not. Phishers often include false but sensational messages ("urgent - your account details may have been stolen") in order to get an immediate reaction. Reputable companies don't ask their customers for passwords or account details in an email. Even if you think the email may be legitimate, don't respond - contact the company by phone or by visiting their website. Be cautious about opening attachments and downloading files from emails, no matter who they are from. Sophos uses SPF (Sender Policy Framework). This is an anti-forgery solution which involves publishing a list detailing which servers are allowed to send Sophos emails.
Visit banks' websites by typing the URL into the address barPhishers often use links within emails to direct their victims to a spoofed site, usually to a similar address such as mybankonline.com instead of mybank.com. When clicked on, the URL shown in the address bar may look genuine, but there are several ways it can be faked, taking you to the spoofed site. If you suspect an email from your bank or online company is false, do not follow any links embedded within it.
Keep a regular check on your accountsRegularly log into your online accounts, and check your statements. If you see any suspicous transactions report them to your bank or credit card provider.
Check the website you are visiting is secureBefore submitting your bank details or other sensitive information there are a couple of checks you can do to help ensure the site uses encryption to protect your personal data:Check the web address in the address bar. If the website you are visiting is on a secure server it should start with "https://" ("s" for security) rather than the usual "http://".Also look for a lock icon on the browser's status bar. You can check the level of encryption, expressed in bits, by hovering over the icon with your cursor.Note that the fact that the website is using encryption doesn't necessarily mean that the website is legitimate. It only tells you that data is being sent in encrypted form.
Be cautious with emails and personal dataMost banks have a security page on their website with information on carrying out safe transactions, as well as the usual advice relating to personal data: never let anyone know your PINS or passwords, do not write them down, and do not use the same password for all your online accounts. Avoid opening or replying to spam emails as this will give the sender confirmation they have reached a live address. Use common sense when reading emails. If something seems implausible or too good to be true, then it probably is.
Keep your computer secureSome phishing emails or other spam may contain software that can record information on your internet activities (spyware) or open a 'backdoor' to allow hackers access to your computer (Trojans). Installing anti-virus software and keeping it up to date will help detect and disable malicious software, while using anti-spam software will stop phishing emails from reaching you. It is also important, particularly for users with a broadband connection, to install a firewall. This will help keep the information on your computer secure while blocking communication from unwanted sources. Make sure you keep up to date and download the latest security patches for your browser. If you don't have any patches installed, visit your browser's website, for example users of Internet Explorer should go to the Microsoft website.
Always report suspicious activityIf you receive an email you suspect isn't genuine, forward it to the spoofed organisation (many companies have a dedicated email address for reporting such abuse).
Further readingFor more information about how consumers and businesses can protect themselves against online fraud read the information published by the British banking industry and advice from the Australian Bankers Association.

SECURITY PRODUCTS

Auto Alarm Phone Dialers & Pagers Products
1. Emergency Voice / Pager Dialer, Skylink AD433S
Alarm Dialer Automatically Sends an Emergency Voice Message to: Pagers, Cellular Phones, Offices, Authorities, Relatives, Friends… Can be activated by RF accessories or via 'NC' inputs. When being used as a personal emergency system, it can be activated by remotes 01-2010 (PT434) & 01-2011 (HW434). Click here to find Additional Skylink Wireless Sensors, Products and Accessories Item No. 01-2000
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2. Alarm Sensor, Noise activated, Wireless, Skylink AS433E
Detects conventional alarm sound from existing security system, it transmits a signal to Emergency Dialer 01-2000 (AD433S) which then activates the automatic calling system. Item No. 01-2032
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3. 2-Channel Automatic Voice Alarm Dialer w/ Microphone, DL-125C
Use this automatic voice dialer as a stand-alone verbal reporting system for any N/O or N/C alarm sensor or to add auto voice dialing capability to most alarm systems. Dials 4 phone numbers, 2 phone numbers & one pager, or 2 pagers. Each channel has own recording & phone/pager list. Item No. 80-5018
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4. 2 Channel Automatic Telephone / Pager Voice Dialer, USP AD-2001
Use this dialer instead of the built-in monitoring station dialer in the hardwired security alarm systems and save on alarm monitoring station costs. 2 alarm or sensor Inputs / 4 Phone Number auto dial. Item No. 80-5010
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5. 4 Channel Automatic Telephone / Pager Voice Dialer, USP AD-2000
Use this dialer instead of the built-in monitoring station dialer in the hardwired security alarm systems and save on alarm monitoring station costs. 4 alarm or sensor Inputs / 8 Phone Number auto dial. Item No. 80-5011
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6. Freeze Warning Temperature Sensor 40 degrees
Perfect for sensing if Temperature is close to Freezing!Fixed temperature switch, normally closed and opens at 40 deg F for connection to phone dialers like the USP AD-2001 (80-5010) or AD-2000 (80-5011) or automation controllers. Item No. 80-5012
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7. Voice Dialer Power Loss Sensor for 110V
Connect to Auto phone alarm dialer (80-5010 or 80-5011) for remote monitoring of freezers, heaters, refrigerators, etc.Sensor detects loss of 110VAC power and outputs a dry contact closure and/or opening from SPDT relay. Item No. 80-5013
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8. Voice Dialer Power Restore Sensor for 110V
Connect to Auto phone alarm dialer (80-5010 or 80-5011) for remote monitoring of 110V power restoration.Sensor detects restoration of 110VAC power and outputs a dry contact closure and/or opening from SPDT relay. Item No. 80-5014
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9. Sensaphone auto alarm / alert Dialer Power and Temperature Alarm Environmental/Process monitoring & control, FGD400
The Sensaphone Dialer FGD400 monitors your house, cottage, cabin, computer rooms, equipment centers, offices, or any unattended facility to detect power failures, temperature extremes, intrusions, water incursion, sounds such as smoke and burglar alarms, and other conditions.Find Sensaphone Accessories that work with Sensaphone dialers Item No. 60-5030
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10. Sensaphone auto alarm / alert Dialer Power and Temperature Alarm Environmental/Process monitoring & control, FGD800
Same as the FGD400 (#60-5030) except with 8 sensor inputs and 8 phone number call out capability.Find Sensaphone Accessories that work with Sensaphone dialers Item No. 60-5031
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11. Streetwise Motion Activated Alarm with Auto Dialer, MA80
This security alarm device has an auto telephone dialer that calls up to 3 preset phone numbers when it is activated by the included wireless motion detector. Item No. 10-7425
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12. Mini Alarm Plus Motion Sensor with Call-Out, MA-5000
Protect your home and property with the motion sensor that calls you! The MiniAlarm Plus includes a powerful siren with a telephone dialer that will automatically one phone number every 15 minutes to alert you with a voice message that motion has been detected at your remote monitored home, cabin or business. Item No. 50-2013
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13. TeleSpy Intrusion Notification System
The TeleSpy is a clever and reliable combination of a telephone, a motion sensor, and a microphone. The TeleSpy is an ordinary telephone, until you decide to use it as a monitoring system.Simply enter any telephone number you choose (cellphones work great) and turn the motion sensor switch "on". That's it, you're done. Once "on", the TeleSpy provides 24/7 active monitoring and is free to operate. Item No. 02-3000