In the last few days, the US Government both mandated and rejected the same method of cybersecurity. It’s called Second Factor Authentication, specifically a One Time Passcode (OTP) sent by Short Message Service (SMS). So, together, its a “SMS OTP,” which is basically what happens when you receive a 4 to 6-digit security code to … Continue reading “Cyberschizophrenia” in the US Government
Second Stagefright Attack (Averted?)
A serious vulnerability was discovered today with a common picture file type called “Tagged Image File Format, or TIFF. It is an older type of file, but you probaly have many of then somewhere in your computer right now. Every now and then, a new way to hack a computer is discovered before any bad … Continue reading Second Stagefright Attack (Averted?)
Seven Myths About New Credit Card Fees
It’s been called a “Surcharge,” “Swipe Fee,” “Credit Card Fee” “Interchange,” or a “Checkout fee.” Until today, retailers were not allowed to pass these fees on to their customers. If you heard about it in the news, you may have the impression that you will have to pay 4% more for everything starting today. That … Continue reading Seven Myths About New Credit Card Fees
Top 8 Features of Square-Starbucks Launch
Square launched at Starbucks today, and it is an interesting step forward in the world of mobile commerce – not just for Starbucks, but for other Square retailers. For all of the good and not-so-good features of Square’s new app, remember that it is Square’s “Model T Ford.” They are just getting started in the … Continue reading Top 8 Features of Square-Starbucks Launch
WSJ Reports Carrier Payment Consortium Launch Date is October 22, 2012
A rumor that has been circulating for several days appears to have been confirmed: the joint venture of mobile carriers (previously called Isis) will launch in its two test cities (Austin and Salt Lake City) on Monday October 22, 2012. The rumor received some credibility when the Wall Street Journal reported it today. Also, the … Continue reading WSJ Reports Carrier Payment Consortium Launch Date is October 22, 2012
Five Reasons iPhone-5 Excludes NFC
Based on Apple’s press conference on September 12, their strategy can be described as: change customer behavior now, encourage an upgrade later. The Apple wallet going to be called, imaginatively, “Apple Wallet.” It works without an NFC chip, relying instead on geolocation to determine if an iPhone user is in the proximity of a compatible … Continue reading Five Reasons iPhone-5 Excludes NFC
