How to Set and Manage Password

Your Daily Real Estate Blog

From

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

 

How to Set and Manage Password

 

As use of the internet continue to grow and become dominant in our society, password protection continues to be a concern. New data about some of the recent big password leaks shows that the most common passwords on the Internet are passwords followed by 123456 and 12345678. Suffice it to say, passwords aren’t being taken seriously enough. Here are some simple password-related tips for you to consider:

 

1. Create passwords that are difficult for anyone to guess, including friends, family and hackers.

Avoid passwords that relate on a personal level, instead use upper and lower case letters, random symbols, and do not use any word found in the dictionary. One trick is to choose the first letters of each word from a random phrase such as “I like to eat pineapple daily”, to get “iLtEPd”, with the addition of a symbol and number for added measure. Remember, passwords should be changed every 30 days.

 

2. Do not utilize default passwords such as “1234” that were provided automatically or by system administrators.

Using such a password means someone else or a system has a record of the current password, making it unsecure. Change defaults immediately to a memorable and random password.

 

3. Writing down passwords is an especially troublesome habit.

Pieces of paper provide others with a simple way to capture and exploit passwords. Use a secure tool to manage various passwords, or take parts of a unique and memorable phrase to create a password.

 

4. Avoid duplication at all costs.

Using the same or very similar passwords (Charles10 and Charles17 for example) across multiple logins exposes individuals and entire enterprises to significant risk. Be sure to use different passwords for every login.

 

I hope this information is useful.

Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224.  Feel free to visit us on our website or any of our social media sites.

Have a Supreme Day!

 

Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders

Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

1840 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL 60643

(773) 785-0127 Direct

(773) 797-9640 (fax)

www.SMSrealestate.info 

10 Halloween Safety Tips for Kids and Teens

Your Daily Real Estate Blog

From

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

10 Halloween Safety Tips for Kids and Teens

Kids love Halloween! They get to dress up and get free treats! But as adults we know how exciting Halloween can be and that can make you forget to be careful. Here are some tips that we have just for your kids, to help keep them safe on Halloween night.

 

1. Get on the internet and check your local state website for sex offenders.

Almost every state has one, just do a search for your state sex offender site. Look up your zip code and it should have a list of registered offenders in your area that includes street addresses.  In Illinois the website is http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/ . Make sure that your kids stay away from these houses!

 

2. Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them.

We highly recommend that you go Trick or Treating with your children.  But if you feel it is safe for your kids to go out alone, l them know that they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Make sure that they know not to deviate from the planned route so that you always know where they will be.

 

3. Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe.

Make sure that any costume your children decide to wear is fire proof or treated with fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision. Make sure that if your child is carrying a prop, such as a scythe, butcher knife or a pitchfork, that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.

 

4. Know what other activities a child may be attending.

If they are going to be at a friend’s home, get the phone number and make sure that you've met the parents.

 

5. Make sure you set a time that your kids should be home by.

Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time or to call immediately if something happens and they are going to be delayed.

 

6. Explain to kids of all ages the difference between tricks and vandalism.

Throwing eggs at a house may seem funny but they need to know the other side of the coin as well, that clean up and damages can ruin Halloween for everyone. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.

 

7. Some sick people find Halloween a great night to hurt cats. Explain to your kids that animal cruelty of any kind is not acceptable.

Kids may already know this on their own but stress the point that it's not acceptable behavior. Make sure that they know that harming animals is not only morally wrong but punishable by law and will not be tolerated.

8. Serve your kids a filling meal before trick or treating and they won't be as tempted to eat any candy before they bring it home for you to check.

Check your local grocery store or craft store for Halloween cook books full of tasty treats on a horror theme for both kids and adults.

 

9. Teach your kids about not getting into strangers cars or talking to strangers, no matter what the person says to them.

Explain to them as simply as you can that some adults are bad and want to hurt children, that they should never go into a house that they don't know, get into a car or go anywhere with a stranger. Also, tell them what to do should this happen, to scream as loud as they can to draw attention and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.

 

10. Be sure to show your children know how to cross a street properly.

They should always look both ways before crossing the street and should only cross at corners or crosswalks. Make sure that if you have more than one child, they know to take the hand of the younger child when they cross a street

 

I hope this information is useful.

Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224.  Feel free to visit us on our website or any of our social media sites.

Have a Supreme Day!

 

Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders

Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

1840 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL 60643

(773) 785-0127 Direct

(773) 797-9640 (fax)

 

www.SMSrealestate.info 

 

8 Tips for Safe Social Networking

Your Daily Real Estate Blog

From

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

 

8 Tips for Safe Social Networking

 

As we continue in our series of blogs about internet safety, I think it is important to address safety while on social networking sites.  Social media is the new way to connect with current and new friends. But participating in online social networking sites leaves a trail of personal information that can make stealing your identity a whole lot easier. Here are 8 tried-and-true tips for staying safe as you mingle in the online world.

 

1. Beware of TMI

Protecting yourself from sharing Too Much Information (TMI) can save you from identity theft and even protect your physical safety. Never share your social security number, your birth date, home address or home phone number. Of course, you should protect all of your passwords, PIN numbers, bank account and credit card information.

 

2. Customize privacy options

Social networking sites increasingly give users more control over their own privacy settings. Don’t assume you have to take whatever default settings the site gives you. Check out the settings, configuration and privacy sections to see what options you have to limit who and what groups can see various aspects of your personal information.

 

3. Limit work history details on LinkedIn

Would you put your full resume online for everyone to see? Probably not. It would be too easy for identity thieves to use the information to fill out a loan application, guess a password security question or social engineer their way into your company’s network. Limit your work history details on sites like LinkedIn.

 

4. Don't trust, just verify

There are lots of reasons why someone might impersonate an identity online. How can you verify that the page belongs to who you think it does before sharing too much information? Start by being on the lookout for anything unusual or out of the ordinary. If the content on the site doesn't look like the person you know, avoid it.  

 

5. Avoid accidentally sharing personal details

Micro-blogging tools like Twitter and “What are you doing right now?” features in Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networking sites make it easy to let details slip you wouldn’t otherwise tell friends or strangers. Be aware of what information you put out there which others might use for nefarious purposes.  For example, it is ill-advised to let the public know you are traveling, especially if you live alone.  You are making yourself susceptible to a home invasion.

 

6. Search yourself

It is a good idea to search your name on Google and check out your profile as others see it on social networking sites. Understand where you show up and what information is available about you, and then adjust your profile, settings and habits appropriately.

 

7. Don't violate your company's social networking policies

As blogging and social networking sites enter the workplace, so too are corporate acceptable use policies (AUP) being updated to define boundaries for employees, contractors and the company. Data leakage incidents, making inappropriate public statements about the company, and using corporate resources for personal uses can all be grounds for reprimand or dismissal. Social networking sites are another way those things can happen and they create an easy digital paper trail to investigate.

 

8. Learn how sites can use your information

Social network sites are typically free to use which means they are making their money by advertising to you. And that means they are collecting information about you. Is your information shared with outside companies and partners? Review the site’s privacy policy and watch closely the privacy settings you can control.

 

I hope this information is useful.

Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224.  Feel free to visit us on our website or any of our social media sites.

Have a Supreme Day!

Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders

Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

1840 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL 60643

(773) 785-0127 Direct

(773) 797-9640 (fax)

www.SMSrealestate.info 

 

6 Tips for National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Your Daily Real Estate Blog

From

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

 

6 Tips for National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Steps to stay safe when shopping and banking online

 

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. It’s time to take stock of the security measures you’ve been using to see if you’re properly protected. The Internet makes shopping and banking easier, but it also makes things easier for digital thieves. Here are six tips to protect your financial transactions.

 

1. Don’t overshare. 

Social media is a great way to connect with friends and loved ones, but it’s best not to publicly post personal information. Limit what you post on social media sites or online forums and activate your privacy settings. You never know who might be lurking online.

 

2. Lock your computer. 

Lock your computer whenever you step away from your desk at work. If you leave with your computer unlocked, everyone around will have the opportunity to read and get your private materials. So, don’t forget to lock the computer and set a password to your screen.

 

3. Set strong passwords. 

Using a combination of upper and lowercase letters and numbers can make it harder to guess your password. But the work doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve made up a cyber-criminal-proof password, don’t give it out to anyone.

 

4. Install updates. 

Don’t ignore those messages urging you to update your software. This simple step can save you a world of trouble.  Just make sure they are valid requests from valid vendors.

 

5. Use firewalls and anti-virus software. 

Firewalls and anti-virus protection are crucial to shielding your computer from threats. There are even some great products available that are free of charge.

 

6. Beware of emails requesting financial information. 

If you get an email requesting you to verify financial account information online, beware. Even if the communication appears to be from your bank, there’s still a chance it could be from a cyber criminal, seeking to steal your financial information. Always call your bank directly, and make sure it’s the same number you usually use.

 

I hope this information is useful.

Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224.  Feel free to visit us on our website or any of our social media sites.

Have a Supreme Day!

 

Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders

Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

1840 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL 60643

(773) 785-0127 Direct

(773) 797-9640 (fax)

www.SMSrealestate.info 

 

How to Correct Errors on a Credit Report

Your Daily Real Estate Blog

From

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

 

How to Correct Errors on a Credit Report

 

You just discovered errors in one or more of your credit reports, or even worse, inaccurate references to late payments or other negative issues that lower your credit scores. Take a few deep breaths and try to stay calm, because credit report errors can be fixed. It's possible to remove many negative items, too -- and without help from companies that promise to repair your credit.

 

l  Make a copy of your credit report and circle every item you believe is incorrect.

 

l  Write a letter to all 3 major reporting agencies (the address will be printed on the report). Explain each dispute and request an investigation to resolve the issues. If you have supporting paperwork, send it along, coding pages to match dispute paragraphs. Do not send your originals.

 

l  Send all materials by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you can prove the packet was received.

 

l  Send a similar letter of dispute to the creditor whose reporting statements you disagree with. Refer to a billing statement to find the correct address for disputes, because it's usually different from the payment address.

 

l  The credit reporting agencies MUST respond to your dispute in writing within 60 days.

 

I hope this information is useful.

Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224.  Feel free to visit us on our website or any of our social media sites.

Have a Supreme Day!

Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders

Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

1840 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL 60643

(773) 785-0127 Direct

(773) 797-9640 (fax)

www.SMSrealestate.info 

9 Fast Fixes for Your Credit Scores

Your Daily Real Estate Blog

From

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

 

9 Fast Fixes for Your Credit Scores

 

If your credit scores are below 760, you may not be getting the best rates for loans or insurance -- so doing some credit repair can save you money. Here are nine steps you can take to speedy credit repair:

 

l  Get a credit card or secured debit card if you don't have one.

 

l  Add an installment loan to the mix.

 

l  Pay down your credit cards.  Make sure your balance stays below 35% of limit.

 

l  Use your cards lightly.  Don’t charge what you cannot payoff when the bill comes in.

 

l  Check your limits.  Make sure your total outstanding debt is less than 35% of your total limit of all cards.

 

l  Dust off an old card.

 

l  Put high interest cards in the safe.

 

l  Renegotiate terms.

 

l  Dispute old negatives

 

l  Blitz significant errors

 

I hope this information is useful.

Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224.  Feel free to visit us on our website or any of our social media sites.

Have a Supreme Day!

Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders

Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

1840 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL 60643

(773) 785-0127 Direct

(773) 797-9640 (fax)

www.SMSrealestate.info