CAPTCHA Compromised - Spam Ensues

Anti-spam services have been forced to delay messages from Gmail and Yahoo due to growing abuse of the mail services to send spam. Over recent months security firms have reported that the Windows Live CAPTCHA used by several online mail providers, as well as many other sites, have been broken by automated attacks.

Every Internet user has probably entered a code at some point in time-"let us know you are human", "man or machine"-CAPTCHAs, Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart help ensure that online accounts can't be created until a user correctly identifies letters depicted in an image. The tactic is designed to frustrate the use of automated sign-up tools by spammers and other miscreants.

With Gmail accounts set up, spammers are able to gain access to Google's services and receive an address whose domain is highly unlikely to be blacklisted. This helps them defeat one aspect of anti-spam defences. Anti-spam filtering services have responded by slowing down the connection using mult-stage scanning and filtering processes. This is designed to make it difficult for spammers using botnets to send spam through compromised webmail accounts.

Contrary to original ideas that automated tools had been developed to defeat security checks and establish webmail accounts, cyber criminals are employing sweatshops in India for as little as $4 a day to defeat anti-spam security checks, according to a recent analysis by net security firm Trend Micro. Previous systems to solve the CAPTCHA security check included the creation of a virtual stripper programme that awarded dupes with the removal of an item of clothing when they typed text shown in an accompanying image, served up from a web service sign-up CAPTCHA.

An analysis of spam trends in February 2008, by MessageLabs, revealed that 4.6 per cent of all spam originates from web mail-based services. The proportion of spam from Gmail increased two-fold from 1.3 per cent in January to 2.6 per cent in February. Yahoo! Mail was the most abused web mail service, responsible for sending 88.7 per cent of all web mail-based spam.

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Try Out New Podcasting Tools For Better Podcasts

Podcasting is such a familiar word over the internet these days. It is one of the most recent and highly innovative tools ever created online. Somehow, it has brought a different level for online marketers to promote their web page. With this new innovation bring about the demand for podcasting tools since most marketers online were rushing their ways to learn this new technology and apply it to their sites. With podcasting tools, online broadcasting became easier for many internet users who want to use this technology for their own benefit at a very convenient manner. Internet users who use podcasting technology can achieve better results especially when they use this innovation for their businesses.

You have to be equipped with effective podcasting tools to come up with quality podcasts. These tools are designed to optimize your media output for better results when launched online. You don't really need to be a genius at computers but basic knowledge on computers is a prerequisite. Although to do a podcast is made easier nowadays, having the basic knowledge on computers and the internet will make it easier for you to comprehend the basic steps in doing a podcast. One of the basic podcasting tools that you will need is an audio or video recording software. It is important that you choose the right quality of software in making podcasts.

The clarity of your podcast output is very essential since internet users will not like it when your output is in poor quality. You may increase traffic through podcasting since web pages with these features can easily catch more internet users' attention. This is such a good tool to use when you are selling a product or a service on the internet. You can do a video demonstration through podcasts or you can have testimonials in this form, too. After recording your podcasts, you need to optimize it prior to uploading it on the net. You may use another software to convert your video or audio podcast.

One thing that you need to put into consideration is the speed of uploading your page with the podcast. The most common format is MP3 file since it is easier and faster to upload. It does not make your web pages heavy for downloading. This is quite important since most internet users do not like web pages that take a long time to download. If your site is like this, then you will only give your potential customers all the reason to navigate to other sites. So, make sure that your podcasts won't make your site too slow to download.

To give this podcasting endeavor a final topping prior to launching on the net, you need to do a dry run by playing it first in any available media players. This will check the quality and performance of your output. Advantages of podcasting in online marketing can be enormous especially when you have discovered the secrets to using it to your advantage. With the right combination of different podcasting tools, you can be assured of having a quality output. So, choose the best and the most reliable podcasting tools. It won't be a difficult job to do since there are plenty of these tools available in the market.

Just check out the right features to suit your requirements.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install or Purchase a CCTV System or Camera?

Step 1: Decide how many cameras you need

For a Mid Terrace house you usually would want to cover front and back of the property.

A semi detached property you should consider protecting front and back and also the side. Consider also the front of the garage, so at least 3 or 4 cameras.

For a detached, as a bare minimum you should cover all 4 sides, and think of any other crevices, blind spots, weak areas, that would benefit from a camera. It is not uncommon to have 8 cameras for this sort of house layout

Step 2: Decide on quality and function of your camera

Night vision cameras are a must, do not buy poorly equipped night vision cameras, most theft and vandalism is done under the cover of darkness, so you should invest in a highly equipped or top spec camera.

The TVL or resolution is another deciding factor, you should look for cameras that are at least 540 TVL. Cameras that are sold in Maplin or high St retailers are usually 420 TVL and provide substandard video quality, why overspend for inferior quality when there are a multitude of options online

Cameras can range from the cheap and nasty - approx £30-£40 with poor picture quality and poor build quality, you may have seen them dotted around many places, taking the shape of a small little dome. These are not good cameras as when it comes to playback if the evidence you need is poor, the cctv system has failed to do its job to enable you to identify them.

If your budget can stretch, I would recommend a 700 TVL Camera, they start at the £80 range, but have better clarity and image resolution.

Step 3: Decide on the Video Recorder

Check out my previous article about DVRs, to guide you about their function, a DVR and a Hard disk together (1 TB or 500 GB at least) will set you back about £200, and most are usually reliable, but check the capacity to add extra cameras on at a later date.

Step 4: DIY or professional??

With everything in life, when it comes to a trade, the labour is usually the most expensive part, labour rates can run in to the thousands for some property! I would suggest trying to install it yourself if your a competent and basic DIYer, the installation is not very hard but does require some drilling and maybe ladder climbing. But this step could save hundreds, spend more on your equipment than on labour, and fix it yourself.

So when it comes down to it you could have a great system for approx under £500 or even £300 depending on how far your budget will go.

Always check your property and plan in advance before purchasing, make sure you do your homework before purchasing a kit.

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Things To Consider When Choosing A Bail Bondsman

No one ever expects to receive the "I've been arrested, can you please help get me out of jail" call from a friend or family member. Most people go their entire lives without needing to help bail someone out. In many cases, the only exposure they've had to our industry is based on what they've seen on television. That can be scary.

At this point, the only thing they can focus on is getting their loved one out of jail fast. They might start their search for a bondsman by grabbing the local Yellow Pages or hopping on the Internet. This can soon become overwhelming because bail bonds companies are a dime a dozen. How do you know which one to choose?

Referrals are always a good place to start. Do you know someone who has worked with a bondsman before, or do you know a criminal defense attorney who can make a recommendation? If someone has had a good experience with a particular company in the past you may consider giving them a call.

If you are unable to get a referral you may want to do a little bit of research on a company before you hire them. How long have they been in business? Are they accredited with the Better Business Bureau? Do they offer 24-7 bail bonds service? What types of payment do they accept? Do they have a website and if so, does it provide client testimonials? Client testimonials are a great indicator in terms of shedding some light on the type of service the company provides.

You may also want to ask if they require you come into their officer or if they can assist you with bail bonds by fax and email.

When you bail a person out you are first and foremost taking responsibility the defendant will go to court and handle their case. The bondsman you're working with will need you sign a contract acknowledging that responsibility. You will also be asked to provide some basic contact information for you and the defendant and to sign off on the agreed method of payment for the bond.

Some companies require you complete this paperwork in person. Others allow their clients the ability to fill out paperwork via fax or email. This can be especially convenient if you're stuck at work, are unable to immediately travel to their office or if you are calling from out of state. It can be even more convenient if you receive the call for help in the middle of the night.

Bailing someone out of jail is a lot less complicated than many people think. The biggest challenge comes in choosing the right bondsman. All California bail agents are required by law to charge the same rate but that is not to say they all provide the same level of customer service. Do you get the sense you can trust the person you're speaking with? Does it seem as if they genuinely care about your situation, or does it seem as if they are trying to "wheel and deal" you?

Finding out someone you care for has been arrested can have your world feel as if it has been turned upside down. Finding a reputable bail bondsman you can trust can make a world of difference when it comes navigating an unfamiliar situation and ensuring the defendant can get out of jail fast.

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Criminal Arrest Records and Employee Background Checks

The Importance Of Criminal Records Check For Employers

Employers typically perform a criminal background check on all candidates for employment before offering a job. This record has to be clear of things like an incarceration record, arrests, sexual offenses, and other offensive behavior. Otherwise, an employer will often turn down an application even if the candidate is otherwise suitable.

It is not always true that arrest records will cause an applicant to be rejected if he is suitable for the position. A manager might consider things like how old the person was when the crime was committed. Enough time could have passed for the applicant to demonstrate a change of behavior. The crime itself might have been minor; an act of youthful stupidity. If this person has grown out of such mischief, it will typically show in his references, attitude, and later personal or professional achievements.

If this individual is on probation, the offense was recent, or the crime was severe, the employer might deem this applicant too risky to hire. Even misdemeanors will be viewed harshly if the offender has a history of frequent bad behavior, demonstrating that he cannot be trusted.

A previous criminal arrest record does not necessarily stop individuals from finding employment, even if the record includes a felony. The consequence might be that certain jobs are out of the question. For instance, anyone with a past sexual offense cannot work with children in any capacity. Crimes committed in the workplace might, however, make it very tough to find work.

A person can perform a criminal search on his or her self these days too. The internet makes it easy to find out what exactly is on your record and what others will find out about you.

It is possible to search United States databases for U.S. sex offenders. They will show up across a map, providing name and offense, along with a photo in many instances. Numerous states provide arrest records online. You can search these without paying a fee. Many records are not complete, but this is a place for employers to start. Some sites do charge a fee, however. One example is the certified criminal record check provided by a number of state courts.

It is always better to be safe then sorry. That is why it is vital that you do a thorough background check before deciding to employ anyone. You never know if that person will be an asset or a liability either way, but there are things you can do to protect yourself.

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What You Should Know About Assault, Aggravated Assault And Battery

There is a lot of confusion that exists about assault and battery. Most people are under the impression that both of these are the same thing and the aggravated classification is simply a more serious form of the crime. However, this is not so. Assault and battery are two distinctly different crimes.

Assault V/S Battery

Criminal law defines assault as a deliberate act that causes the victim to believe that they are about to be physically harmed. If you threaten another person and you are obviously capable of carrying out that action, then you can be charged with assault. You need not have actually made any physical contact or carried out your actions. Just making the threat is sufficient to get you charged.

What this means is, if you are threatening another person, a police officer can intercede and arrest you for it without actually waiting for you to physically inflict any harm on your victim.

On the other hand, when there is actual physical contact, the crime is classified as battery.

The main difference between the two is the absence of physical contact in one and the definite occurrence of physical contact in the other.

What is Aggravated Assault?

While a simple assault involves just making a threat, there are several different factors that can change the level of danger involved. For example, holding a gun or a knife in your hand while making the threat, raises the act to an aggravated assault, even if you do not make use of the weapon. Just holding it in your hand while making the threat shows intent to cause grievous harm and can put your victim in serious fear for their safety.

Some crimes are classified as aggravated because of the victim's status. These include threats that are carried out on teachers, fire fighters and police officers or any threat made while the person was carrying out their duty.

The assailant's mental state of mine can also play a role in categorizing an aggravated assault as such. For example, if the threat was made with the intention to cause fear of severe harm of if the person was acting irresponsibly with absolute indifference to human life.

In some states, a sexual assault is classified under a separate category, whereas in other states it could be charged as aggravated, assault/battery, sexual assault or rape depending upon the state and the nature of the crime itself.

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