Information and Communication Technology – Page 29

Taken : Your Computer and Financial Data as Hostages

Just when you thought Liam Neeson has kept your world safer, a sequel to Taken 2 may have been happening already right in front of your computer screen.

If you experienced logging into your computer and instead of the normal booting process a warning message pops up saying that you have been restricted access to your own computer, then your computer has just become the new character in Taken 3. Seriously.

The message usually appears as if it is coming from a cybercriminal enforcement agency as a warning that you have transmitted illegal or inappropriate information. There will also be a message telling you that your computer will remain encrypted and locked until you agree that you pay a certain reactivation fee or “ransom” so you can access your computer again. Continue reading Taken : Your Computer and Financial Data as Hostages

Start Investing in the “Stock Market” with Php500

When the great record-breaking performance of Philippine stock market hit the local news, several friends who were previously snubbing my invitations to invest have started to “re-inquire” from me how to be part of the growing number of happy stock market investors.

As usual, when I mention to them that they have to start with at least Php5,000 to open a stock investment portfolio the responses would be, “Wala pa kong pera.” (I still don’t have the money). Or, “Hindi ko alam kung pano gawin yan.” (I don’t know how to do it.)

Well, fret no more superfriends. Instead of saving up Php5,000 to open your first stock investment portfolio, you can at least set aside Php500 in your next payday to start investing in the stock market. Even if you don’t know how to. Continue reading Start Investing in the “Stock Market” with Php500

“Pare, Can I Borrow Money? I Need It for My Son’s Birthday”

I have an acquaintance who has been an active investor in online multi-level marketing and other paid-to-click schemes. Indeed he was making a lot of money from his ventures.

But there is one problem. Whenever he earns thousands, he spends them all on things that are on his wishlists. Monthly wishlists. Continue reading “Pare, Can I Borrow Money? I Need It for My Son’s Birthday”