This Week: The Black Hat Conference… Tips to stay safe when using Wi-Fi… Who can attend the Advanced Survival Tradecraft course… A cheap item you should add to your survival gear… And, the easiest way to bring ammo to the AR-15 workshop.

Last week in Las Vegas was the annual Black Hat Conference at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.

If you’re not familiar with Black Hat, it’s a convention where some of the top tech security experts gather. While a lot of the attendees work for companies such as Apple and Microsoft many people there are the top computer hackers in the world.

In other words, even though many of the people at the conference work for legitimate companies there are people who are there to commit crimes.

In fact, here’s an article I found from a Las Vegas news station warning of the risks of being near the convention:

Hundreds of the world’s best hackers are gathering for the Black Hat convention this week, putting locals and visitors at risk of being targeted for identity theft.

While many are coming to learn about new technology, others have a darker motivation — to find and target your phone or computer and hijack your personal information.

In some cases, they even demand a ransom.

Leon Mare, a computer forensics analyst, says that while some hackers may be in it for the thrill, others are more sinister.

“If there are a large amount of crowds … a lot of people there interested who can maybe make some money … especially if they can get into someone’s phone, especially if they can get to the credit card numbers, the passcodes,” Mare said. “They get access to everything because nowadays, their whole life is on their phone. 

With more hackers in town, there’s more risk.

Anyone can become a target, and with the action centered around Mandalay Bay, Mare says he doesn’t even trust taking his personal phone inside.

Word of advice — if you’re headed down to the Strip near Mandalay Bay, leave your phone at home or turn it off or on airplane mode.

Clearly, you need to be extremely careful if you’re near this sort of convention.

However, no matter where you are there are things you need to always remember to stay safe because hackers can obviously be at any hotel and at any location.

1) Always use a virtual private network when you are using an unknown Wi-Fi. I use a service called Tunnel Bear, which is around $50 a year. Click here to learn more about Tunnel Bear.

2) Turn off “sharing” on your device. Many devices are set to automatically share files so double check to make sure this is turned off.

3) Enable your firewall protection and make sure your anti-virus software is up to date.

And, the next time you are staying at a hotel you may want to check into what type of conventions are being held there before you make your reservation.

The news story originally appeared on News 3 Las Vegas by Nathan O’Neal.

http://news3lv.com/news/local/hackers-up-the-stakes-and-descend-upon-the-strip-for-the-black-hat-convention

 

The Mailbag

From Karl M: I just finished your book and appreciate the good advice. One thing I do at home is use window pins. These are an inexpensive and effective way to prevent someone breaking a window, then reaching in to unlock and open the window.

A: This is a good and inexpensive way to increase security. I love the simplicity of it.

From Jay M: Jason, I haven’t take your Escape and Evasion course so can I still take the Advanced course?

A: Yes, you can still attend the Advanced course. Right now, there are only 9 out of 50 seats left so click here before this training is sold out.

From Jon H: Hey Jason I wanna thank you on everything you have sent me. I’ve always wanted to be CIA. The stuff you teach really works. Your awesome man. Thanks.

A: Thank you for the kind words. I give it my best and you’re absolutely right that this stuff really works.

From Joseph M: When hunting or traveling, I carry a computer disc with me. It’s a good reflector if you find yourself in a survival situation. They are light and everyone has them! Just saying

A: That is a great idea if you don’t have a signal mirror with you.

From Jerry M: I’m signed up for your Underground AR-15 workshop in October.  Is there a place in Cedar City where I can purchase ammo and the other items I’ll need for my rifle?

A: Most people who attend buy their ammo online and have it shipped directly to us. When you register we’ll tell you where to ship your ammo. Click here for more information about the AR-15 workshop in October.

From Abraham C: Hi, Me and my partner wanted to buy the 2-Second Survival Training. Once I purchased it online. How can I access the Videos? Will there be a membership website to where we can access the Video Anytime – unlimited?

A: After you purchase the 2-Second Survival you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how you can immediately view the course online. Also, it is a membership site and you get unlimited access to the videos.

 

Stay safe,

Jason Hanson