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LIGHTWORKER 808: STARSEED ASCENSION SHORT-CUTS AND STAR RACES -- GFL & ASHTAR COMMAND DOWNLOAD
J--Tar'ia'h En Ra El -- jtariah@protonmail.com --www.20Dhealing.com

You probably think you are perusing this writing to learn more about starseed Ascension shortcuts and star races. Yet, reading these words begins your path towards a new reality. You are seeking your origins in the skies above: this is your quest. You are upon an adventurous intergalactic quest to find reflections of your innermost “self” -- patterns to identify with -- fractals which mirror you to your real Starseed family.

When you are truly Ascending and/or when you have already Ascended to the 5th Dimension, you will constantly be experiencing serendipity, a sense of inner wisdom, your body will be growing younger, and you will be instantly manifesting your wants and needs! Not quite there yet? Here are some super easy Starseed Ascension Shortcuts for you to use to rocket yourself to the 5th dimension and beyond!

Go Vegan Plus Probiotics -- this will get rid of all of your sleepiness and all groggy feelings, plus this will remove all ''time-loss'' scenarios!

Wear only Cotton or Hemp -- this will increase connections to your Guides, Angels, and Twin Flames, because synthetics block higher dimensions!

Remove Metal from Your Wardrobe --- this also increases connections to the Angelic realm. Only copper is Angel plusFaerie Sidhe friendly!

Be Celibate or Twin Flame Monogomous -- Being sensual only with your own Soul, with the self, with your Twin Flame heightens your dimension!

Create and Maintain Starseed Altars -- Creating Starseed Altars with your higher dimensional desires is a sure gateway to maintain your 5D reality!

Take Salt Baths -- Dunking in salt water followed by clear water daily removes 3D annd 4D residue from your Soul, body, and Merkaba!

Keep Crystals On You -- Drilled & copper-wrapped crystals -- and on your body, and in your bedroom -- help you maintain higher dimensions always!

Use Essential Oils & Hire Shamans for Healing -- Avoid western medicine in order to Ascend your pure Soul to the higher crystalline dimensions!

If you do not know ''HOW'' to do these shortcuts, write to me at jtariah@protonmail.com and I will help you out at no cost! And yes, I AM doing all of these shortcuts myself, daily!

Your Starseed relatives -- within the ships -- are attempting to talk with you now. They are trying all means of communication available. They approach you through dreams, visual signs, plus you may sense them physically of feel their ever-persistent presence in the psychic realms. Are you listening? Are you feeling? Are you sensing?

While you believe you are sleeping, you are -- in fact -- *on assignment* on your ship above. You are now attending ship-side schools related to your skill-set and Starseed race. Fundamentally, you're being *reprogrammed* for a brighter intergalactic future every night.

Many factors and tests (in the ships and higher dimensional areas while you believe you are sleeping) have decided your upcoming roles and jobs -– in the very near future -– in these primary arenas:
- Acting as a Liaison between Humans and many other Star Races;
- Being a journalist on one of many media 7D holo ships;
- Returning to your home planet for rest and reunions;
- Working in this system for the Ashtar Command;
- Being a VOYAGER with your Twin Flames;
- Employment in space farm agriculture;
- Negotiating within a liaison / alliance;
- Performing within a committee;
- Being an empath healer;
- Working for the GFL;
- Being an artist;
- Performer;
- Pilot.

Most of these posts involve living on a ship, if only for a short time. This calls for traveling to a different planet within another galaxy -- or to an alternative dimensional reality such as a parallel universe -- or to even to a higher frequency of expression.

While you are co-habitating within a starship, flagship or lightship, you will be interacting with those from across the Cosmos! They will not be comparable to anything you’ve seen, felt, or perceived with your current reality veils (in this incarnation thus far).

Since you are now experiencing dimensional shifts leading to *life aboard the ships with your star race family* it is crucial to be as open-minded and open-hearted as possible: there are infinite prisms of kindness and utility that can be found within each planetary civilization.

Your Starseed relatives cannot *yet* be completely understood from your current vantage point, but will be holistically perceivable during your ecstatic love-filled multidimensional Starseed reunion.

You will be surrounded by non-human *family* on these ships (and your appearance will most definitely reflect theirs in your future). What will they look like? What will they be like? Here are some basic essential traits of just a few of the planetary star races you will relate with very soon:

Andromedans:
1) The 7D, 8D and 9D humanoid group-thinkers from the Andromedan Star System, or; 2) term identifying the race of sentient service-to-other beings occupying the livable planets such as Aion in the Andromeda sector, as well as; 3) Sentients known for perfecting co-creation for peacefully-running planets and star bases.

Arcturians:
1) Both 6D and 7D Sentient service-to-other beings occupying the livable planets and bases in the area of the star Arcturus, and; 2) These individuals are known by their deep compassion and unfailing kindness towards all walks of life in all dimensions.

Centaurians from Meton in Alpha Centauri:
1) 7D - 12D Loving high dimensional humanoids who are descendants of Venus Beings; and 2) Wildly strategic deep mental thinkers who are holographically connected to the Great Central Sun and maintain a 12D Akashic Library within it, and; 3) Gorgeous brainy beings whose ships appear in the form of a Merkaba spinning.

Centaurians from Proximi Centauri:
1) 5D to 7D Beings who come in the form of Humanoids and Reptoids, and hybrids who have both types of DNA; 2) Strategists, counselors, and empaths who are excellent benevolent thought-broadcasters; 3) machine savants who can fix anything mechanical, and; 4) Peaceful and harmonious group-thinkers with telepathy.

Lyrans:
1) Felines -- the original progenitor race of this Universe -- who are beautiful bipedal (standing) cats, and; 2) 6D through 12D Creators originally from the Vegan Star System of a planet called Lyra, but now live everywhere in the Universe, and; 3) Planners of many flagships and living planets, plus; 4) Cat-Beings who have a keen sense of fair play in all arenas, plus; 5) Sentients who believe that their young have more wisdom than elders.

Orion Beings:
1) 4D and 5D polymorphs who are either chameleon-reptilian or humanoid-reptilian hybrids, and; 2) Beings from the Orion System – also called the Orion Nebula – whom reside upon planets and space stations throughout the Universe, and; 3) Individuals and soul-collectives from Orion who have tendencies towards high intellectual pursuits in physics, plus; 4) Sentients whose self-ascension practices are linked to extreme isolation, as well as; 5) Beings well-known for the utter perfection of holographic recreation of other star races' emvironments.

Pegasians from the Pegasus Galaxy:
1) Humanoid descendants from Sirius B and Dinoids plus hybrids who have DNA from both; 2) Innovators, scientists, and diplomats in many sectors; 3) Expert polite gracious beings who are expert in creating peace, plus; 4) Linguists whose brains are adept and learning thousands of languages at once.

Pleiadians:
1) 5D and 6D humanoids as well as reptilian-humanoid hybrids (in gorgeous prismatic skin colors) from the planets surrounding the stars Targeta and Maia; 2) Soul-collective service-to-others beings who are artistic and sensual in nature, plus; 3) Beings who are masters of storytelling as well as inspired artistic ingenuity in
both music and projected visualizations.

Sirians from Sirius A:
1) 6D - 8D hybrids with a variety of humanoid, canine, and fox-like appearances resulting from tremendous dna manipulation, as well as; 2) Star races who are experts in bodily implant-device-tracking over eons of time, plus; 3) Beings well-versed in hyper-advanced bio-technology and organic holographic realities, and; 4) Sentients who are well-known across the Universe for their senses of humor, and their love of practical jokes.

Sirians from Sirius B:
1) Nektons of hyper-intelligent water beings -- called Chloglians, who look like Cetaceans (dolphins, whales, and orcas) of Earthshan -- whom group-think within pods, and; 2) Chloglian-humanoid hybrids, who are bipedal in shades of pale blues and greens, and; 3) Higher dimensional Sentients who reside in and upon many planets to raise vibrations, plus; 4) Playful and loving group-consciousness beings, known for their intricate songs, and also; 5) Advanced Beings who can live as numerous souls (called a pod) within one biological entity, such as a whale or orca.

Now that you have some depictions of some of your biological star race relatives, spend some time each day communicating with them -- until you have a constant rapport -- so you can quickly Ascend upward beyond the mundane.

Multidimensional life with your Starseed relatives is multi-layered, and must be cultivated by **you** making an effort to be alert to all subtleties. You need to reach out towards your Star relatives to begin communicating with them to have a relationship with them in a pro-active way!

It is the time to discipline yourself to be silent and aware of every nuance through waking hours of hearing (e.g.; you hear songs about specific constellations, star beings, etc.). Also it is vital to be hyper-aware of what you’re seeing (i.e.; you notice paintings of aliens, observing lightships everywhere, seeing number sequences indicating names of universes). Focus all of your six senses on receiving signals from your NOW future’s new realities.

Force your inner “Self” to wake up! Attempt to be lucid while your projected Earthshan body sleeps: talk to whomever you meet in dreams, as they just might be your relatives in the ships above.
In the near future -- the upcoming articles will cover electrifying intergalactic chronicles, including: future home planets, Starseed missions, how to interact with non-organic life forms, and more! Meanwhile, WAKE UP -- shake others awake -- and remember that you are not *Home* yet…

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About the Author:
J--Tar'ia'h En Ra El is a Walk-In from three space sectors. Every night during lucid dreaming, she is within the ships above attending school. Currently – during the day – she is a published poet, author and artist. Her Lightworking includes being a PR specialist for Sananda’s Eagles: www.sanandaseagles.com. Her new post-Matrix website can be found at www.20dhealing.com. In the near future – her upcoming articles will cover exciting multidimensional information, including: future home planets, intergalactic cultural understanding, how to interact with non-organic life forms, and more!

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Distribution Information:
You are free to distribute this essay only if you do so in its entirety, including the article and graphics plus the “about the author” bio with the article links. Thank you and enjoy your new Freedom. This writing is NOT copy written.
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Lightworker 101:
http://tinyurl.com/101-lightworker
Lightworker 202:
http://tinyurl.com/202-lightworker
Lightworker 303:
http://tinyurl.com/303-lightworker
Lightworker 404:
http://tinyurl.com/light-worker-404
Lightworker 505:
http://tinyurl.com/lightworker-505
Lightworker 606:
http://tinyurl.com/lightworker-606
Lightworker 707:
http://tinyurl.com/707-lightworker

jtariah@protonmail.com

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Here comes the rain - again: Britain battered as high tides cause more flooding


A fresh bout of flooding has caused more woes in the south and west of the UK. As the never-ending storm continues lethal waves are expected to batter the coast. Waves of up to 27ft have been recorded off Land's End, Cornwall. After high tides, heavy rain and strong winds flooded homes more severe weather is expected. The violent storm moving in from the Atlantic has brought travel chaos as commuters return to work after Christmas.


10900604492?profile=originalA giant wave crashes onto the promenade in Aberystwyth, Wales. (Reuters)

10900605453?profile=originalShocked residents survey the scene in Aberystwyth - which looks like the aftermath of an explosion. Residents were asked to evacuate properties over the weekend due to the high tides and flood warnings. (REX)

10900605879?profile=originalMonstrous waves break on Porthcawl harbour, South Wales, watched by curious onlookers. (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)


10900606288?profile=originalLarge sections of the promenade in Aberystwyth has been washed away by the sea. Concrete and paving stones have been dismantled and pounded into pieces while railings have been uprooted. Waves as high as 6ft left a blanket of debris and sand where the promenade once stood. (Photo by REX)


10900607066?profile=originalThis 4ft emergency barrier was all that stood between residents of Avon Crescent, Bristol, and the encroaching River Avon. Many had moved their possessions upstairs as a precaution against possible flooding. Despite fears the water would break the barrier and flood the street the blockade, made in Sweden, held firm. (SWNS)


10900607891?profile=originalSea spray thrown up by tumultuous waves conceals the harbour wall in Portstewart, Northern Ireland, from view. (Reuters)


10900608659?profile=originalHuge waves crash over the tops of houses at Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland. (London News Pictures/Rex)


10900609080?profile=originalBlack storm clouds roll above the seafront at Falmouth, Cornwall, just after sunset. (SWNS)

10900609858?profile=originalA hotel on the promenade in Aberystwyth has taken the precaution of boarding up the ground floor windows. Concrete slabs are covered with a thick layer of sand thanks to the high tide. (Reuters/Rebecca Naden


10900610259?profile=originalStrong waves have gouged out a chasm from a section of the promenade in Aberystwyth. Authorities fear the structure could collapse into the sea at any time. (London News Pictures/Rex)


10900610676?profile=originalThe A487 main road between Haverfordwest and St David's in Pembrokeshire is closed after a mountain of pebbles was dumped on the tarmac after the storms threw up ferocious waves. (Reuters)


10900611482?profile=originalFlood water smashes through a wall in Langport, Somerset. (SWNS)


10900610892?profile=originalFor some the strong winds means rough waves - and an exciting ride. A windsurfer enjoys the stormy conditions and muddy seas off of Mudeford beach in Dorset. (Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)


10900612488?profile=originalSandbags are placed in front of a property on the seafront at Lynmouth in North Devon, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)


10900612878?profile=originalWaves crash against the railway embankment as a train edges along the coast at Saltcoats in Scotland. (PA)


10900614065?profile=originalWaves crash against Clevedon seafront, North Somerset. (SWNS)


10900614260?profile=originalDuring holiday season tourists enjoy the hot weather and sun as they paddle at the Plymouth Tinsdie Lido in Devon. But the view changed dramatically just a few months later...


10900615058?profile=originalThe popular outdoor pool in Plymouth has disappeared under sea water in a picture taken January 3. The raised steps surrounding the pool have been engulfed in the flood and just the top of the water feature in the centre can be seen. (SWNS)


10900615652?profile=originalA road in Amroth, West Wales, has fallen into the sea after being repeatedly hit and eroded by the strong waves. (Rex)


10900615299?profile=originalIn Harpingden, Hertfordshire, a freak hail storm lasting less than a minute covered this street in balls of ice. (Catriona Wightman/ Twitter)


10900615886?profile=originalWaves crash over the promenade at hightide in Saundersfoot, in west Wales in the early morning of January 3. (Reuters/Rebecca Naden)


10900616298?profile=originalHigh seas batter the Cobb at Lyme Regis, Dorset. (SWNS)


10900617859?profile=originalA car drives through flood water created by the River Mole bursting its banks at Jacobs Well, Surrey. (London News Pictures/REX)


10900618060?profile=originalWaves of up to 10m are expected to hit Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Residents of coastal towns have been warned to stay away from visiting the seafront to inspect the waves as it can be dangerous. (SWNS)


10900618498?profile=originalCouncil workers place sand bags on Plymouth's famous Mayflower Steps in the early hours of morning to prevent flooding. (SWNS)


10900619061?profile=originalTwo children play by the Clevedon seafront in North Somerset, as waves crash against the railings. The Environment Agency issued severe flood warnings - meaning there is a danger to life. (SWNS)


10900619686?profile=originalHuge waves batter the seafront at Porthcawl in South Wales. The Met Office has also warned of wind and rain in Scotland and Northern Ireland. High tides are expected in Northern Ireland and residents of Belfast have been warned that parts of the city could be evacuated due to flooding. (SWNS)


10900619291?profile=originalA sunny day in Gloucestershire but heavy rain over the New Year have caused the River Severn to break it's banks near Tewkesbury Abbey. (SWNS)


10900620658?profile=originalA flooded street in Salcombe, Devon. The worst of the severe weather is expected to affect Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wales. (SWNS)


10900620697?profile=originalStrong winds and a tidal surge cause waves to crash down on Plymouth's historic waterfront. The Environment Agency has warned flooding could endanger lives. (SWNS)

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Prime Creator through Katheryn May says no more wars will happen. start 30 minutes into the call

To listen Online

CLICK HERE!

you are love, you are loved, and I love you

Love and Light and Peace to you eternally in universal order

Prime Creator's Ten Commandments for Ascension-2nd Edition

http://youtu.be/On4yuf6N8Iw

Click here for More: http://whoneedslight.vpweb.com/

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When you are most vulnerable to fraud


Whenever you answer the phone or use your card, fraudsters could be trying to con you out of money. So when are you most at risk and what can you do about it?

The number of people being scammed out of money at cash points has tripled in the first four months of this year, according to figures from Financial Fraud Action (FFA).

The rise has been attributed to ‘shoulder-surfing’ and ‘skimming’ – for example a fraudster reading your PIN over your shoulder after fitting devices to the ATM to either trap your card or read its details.

In January 1,173 cases were reported to be the number has steadily increased to 2,276 at the end of April.

However it’s not just cash points being targeted. The crime has also been reported at Transport For London ticket machines. And in a similar vein, more people are falling prey to theft by distraction at supermarkets, FFA found.

The increase in so-called ‘crude fraud’ comes after security for online transactions and banking has become been beefed up.

Britons are being urged to protect their details when using a card – either to pay or take cash out of an ATM. If your card is swallowed by a machine for any reason, report it to your card company immediately – ideally using your mobile phone while you are still in front of the machine.

If a cashpoint looks as though it’s been tampered with, don’t use it.

But this is far from the only time you're vulnerable to fraudsters. So we've taken a look at the key times and places fraudsters target people, as well as what you can do to protect yourself.

When the phone rings

‘Courier fraud’ takes place when a victim gets a fake call under the guise of a bank or financial provider to say that the victim’s account has been compromised and they would like to collect the card.

The target is then tricked into handing over their PIN and card.

However, a bank will never ring to tell you that they are coming around to pick up your card, so never hand it over to anyone who comes to ‘collect it’. Financial services providers never ask for PINs – even through typing it into the phone

– so don’t give it out.

Mobile phone fraud has become more of a problem in recent years. Among the tricks, is the ‘missed call’ scam - when people call back a number that they don’t recognise and are directed to a premium rate number. Consumers are therefore urged not phone or text unsolicited numbers.

Also beware any unsolicited calls. Anything from someone trying to sell you shares through to telling you your child has played truant and there is a fine to pay. If it's a real call you will never be penalised for not paying immediately and in most cases fine notices are issued through the post.

When you check your email

Despite the increase in online security, there are still some fraudsters who have found ways to get around it, notably through phishing and cloning.

This is when fraudsters trick consumers into disclosing information by copying reputable websites or sending emails in the name of a trusted brand.

More recently fraudsters have fooled people into paying for passport advice or information through copycat emails and websites.

Consumers should always be suspicious of unsolicited emails that are supposedly from a reputable organisation, such as your bank or the tax office.

Never go to the site by clicking on a link in an email. Check the web address when you do get there too - the login page on your bank’s website address should start with “https”, for example.

Don't forget traditional mail/post

It's hardly new, but it's still something to be aware of. Fraudsters still send out unsolicited letters with "special offers" or telling you "you've been selected" for a special prize.

More worryingly, they also still intercept mail. You need to be especially careful if you live in shared accommodation or have just one front door to multiple addresses.

It only takes one or two bills or card statements for as fraudster to gather enough information about you to impersonate you and take out debt in your name. Make sure these aren't left around unopened and make a list of which bills you're expecting so you are aware if one doesn't arrive.

10900582301?profile=original

Hackers target more than eight million computers
lovemoney.com – Mon, Feb 11, 2013 15:05 GMT

A cyber-scam network, which has infected more than eight million computers around the world in the past two years, has been shut down.


Microsoft and Symantec combined forces and closed down the hackers' network last week


The hackers used an online virus, known as the “Bamital Botnet”, to gain access to personal details stored on PCs.

Cyber-crime network
The botnet was used by criminals to access people’s PCs and hijack online search results. It would then lead the user to an unknown website which could start downloading malware, steal their personal information or charge businesses for false online advertisement clicks.


It also led users to websites they never intended to vist. For example, one user was redirected from an official Norton Internet Security Page, which appeared in a list of search results, to a rogue antivirus website distributing malware.


Although exact numbers aren’t known, Microsoft says more than eight million computers have been targeted with this virus in the past two years and 300,000 were disconnected this week from the network.


On 31st January Microsoft filed a lawsuit which was supported by Symantec to the botnet’s operators to sever communication lines. This didn’t happen, so data centres across the US were raided and the infected servers were disrupted.


Those computers which had been infected were then disconnected from the virus network. Users were directed to get rid of the virus.


This is the sixth time in the last three years that Microsoft has stopped a cybercrime network and the second in cooperation with Symantec.


“It was done in such a sneaky way that most victims wouldn’t have even noticed a problem while the botnet was still operating,” explained Richard Domigues Boscovich, assistant general counsel for Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit.


“Because the data gathered from this takedown will become part of Microsoft’s ongoing research in support of protecting its customers from a range of evolving online security threats, we can actually use the criminals’ infrastructure against them and make it harder and more expensive for them to commit cybercrime,” he added.

How to disinfect your computer
Computers which are currently infected with the virus were contacted with a message from Microsoft.


It appeared when the user attempted to search for something on the internet and told the user their computer was very likely to be infected with malware which was redirecting the results of their search queries.


Two free programmes were then listed, Microsoft Safety Scanner and the Norton Power Eraser, which users were encouraged to run to disinfect their computers. More information on how to clear the virus from your computer can be found on the Microsoft Support website.

How to avoid cyber crime
The best way to avoid being hacked is to keep your computer’s security systems up to date and regularly scan for infections. It’s also vital to use different passwords for all the accounts you use online and to use a password which isn’t likely to be hacked.


If your personal details have been stolen criminals can use them to get access to your accounts or apply for credit in your name. Therefore check your bank statements regularly and your credit record as this is where you’ll be able to spot any irregularities.


If you do see something untoward, such as a payment you haven’t authorised, call your bank immediately and let it know.

10900582301?profile=original

 

How to protect your PINs and passwords
by Cliff D'Arcy on 25 September 2012

As new research reveals some of us are making it far too easy for criminals to guess our passwords and PINs, here are some ways to ensure you protect yourself properly.

New research has found that a staggering one in nine of us use '1234' as the PIN for our bank cards. While it might be easy to remember, it's also one of the first numbers a criminal would try if they got hold of your card.


Other popular, and therefore dangerous, combinations include the James Bond-influenced '0007' and '1984', which might show good taste in literature but could leave your bank account cleaned out.


So how do you set a safe password or PIN? Here are my top tips.


Pathetic passwords

The worst of all passwords – and one of the most common – is 'password'. This is as bad as no password at all. Don't use it, ever.


Other poor passwords include '123456', 'abc123' and 'qwerty' (the first six letters from the top left of the letter keyboard). Using your first and last names (such as 'cliffdarcy') is weak, too.

Also, 'computer' is a pretty silly password.


'Monday' is another bad password – when we discovered our IT master was using it at school, we promptly changed it to 'Tuesday'. 'Letmein' (let me in) and 'iloveyou' (I love you) are also pretty feeble.

Many passwords require a minimum of six letters and, for some reason, 'monkey' is a popular choice.

Other easily found passwords may be your favourite football team or a family member's name. Thanks to public databases and social networking, your supposedly private life may be laid bare for cyber-crooks to sift through.


Another terrible password is the name of the website you're visiting. For example, Barclays customers using 'Barclays' as a password are frankly asking for trouble.


One key opens many locks

Another problem arises if you use a single password to access many different websites. In this scenario, once I have one password, I have access to all your accounts. In effect, you're giving me a master key to open all your locks and make a 'clean sweep'.

Nevertheless, almost half of us use the same or similar passwords to access multiple sites. Naughty, naughty!


Passwords should be unique to each website you visit and every account you use. If you can't remember them, then write them down in a coded message and securely hide this piece of paper. Alternatively, use a Password Safe such as that developed by American cryptography expert Bruce Schneier.

How to create stronger passwords

Of course, strong passwords are more complicated than weak ones, but that's the whole point. They are harder to guess or find with a 'dictionary attack' (searching around 200,000 commonly used words in English).


To create strong passwords, you should:


1. Use at least eight characters and, ideally, more.
2. Use a mix of upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers and keyboard characters accessed via the shift key and non-letter keys.
3. Don't use your name, family names, slang words, swear words, words found in dictionaries and first names. These are easy meat for the professional cracker.


For more advice, read this report from online-security firm Imperva (PDF document) on the infamous hack of 32 million passwords from the RockYou.com website in December 2009.


Protecting your PIN

It's not just passwords where we need to be careful. To use a credit, debit or store card, you'll need the four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) linked to that plastic card. There are 10,000 combinations of PINs, from 0000 to 9999.


Of course, if you enter the wrong PIN three times, then your card will be locked. This prevents a 'brute force' attack to find PINs, which involves checking all possible combinations.


Even so, PINs aren't as secure as you'd imagine. This is because millions of cardholders change their default PINs to numbers which they find easier to remember. Often, this weakens the security of their cards.


Let me give three examples of weak PINs:

1. In the late Nineties, my boss challenged me to guess his PIN. Knowing him to be a proud Scot, I suggested 1314 – the year of the Battle of Bannockburn. Right, first time.
2. In one of his books, controversial Scottish author Irvine Welsh describes a banking scam to rip off supporters of Glasgow Rangers FC. His crooks steal lots of credit cards and try 1690 as the PIN – the year of the Battle of the Boyne. They successfully steal a fortune.
3. Your year of birth. Possibly the worst PIN to choose, full stop. When I was at university, I found scores of students naively using their year of birth (or birthday as Day-Day-Month-Month) as PINs. If you do this, change your PINs today.


To create a safer PIN, choose a random four-digit number, or simply stick with the default PIN given to you by your bank. Otherwise, you may inadvertently be putting your credit card and current account at risk of fraud.


Loose lips lose money

About five years ago, my father gave me an old laptop. When I went to use it, I found it to be password-protected.

Thinking hard about my dad's life, I tried two passwords before getting it right third time. It was the name of the British Army cavalry regiment he joined way back in the late Sixties.


In short, the more you know about someone, the easier it is to guess their passwords.


That's one of many reasons why I don't belong to social-networking sites such as Facebook, and why my Twitter posts link only to my articles. The more information you post on Facebook, Twitter and the like, the more personal data you give to crooks, criminals and fraudsters.


(Modern-day 'digital villains' also use Facebook and Google Street View to find out when people are on holiday, before burgling their empty homes.)


This is a lovemoney classic article that has been updated

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Mars One finds more than 1,000 volunteers for one-way trip to planet in 2023

The Mars One organisation has revealed details of its plans to land four astronauts on the Red Planet in 2023, with four additional 'crew' arriving every two years.

The Mars One organisation has revealed details of its plans to land four astronauts on the Red Planet in 2023, with four additional 'crew' arriving every two years.

The organisation said that it had had more than 1,000 volunteers for the mission, who emailed in via the foundation's website.

Selection of the astronauts will begin next year, the Dutch organisation says.

The trip to the planned 'colony' would be one-way - and the astronaut volunteers will live and die on Mars.

Mars One aims to finance a mission to Mars via donations from corporations, people - and by creating a reality show-style 'media event' around the training and selection of its astronauts.

The Dutch company is backed by Nobel prize winning physicist, Gerard 't Hooft - and by Paul Romer, co-creator of Big Brother.

Mars One also announced that it had become a not-for-profit foundation.

"With more than 850,000 unique visitors to the website, Mars One has received thousands of emails," the Dutch company said in an email today.

"Among those emails were more than one thousand requests from individuals who desire to go to Mars--well before the launch of the Astronaut Selection Program. Furthermore, Mars One is supported by a large groups of advisers and ambassadors, among them an astronaut, a Nobel prize winning physicist and several NASA scientists."

Bas Lansdorp, co-founder and President of Mars-One offers, “A foundation more accurately represents how the Mars One team feels about this mission, and how the world has embraced our plan, even in this early stage.

"We receive so many kind and supportive emails, people offer donations or offer to helpin whatever way they can. The conversion to a foundation represents that going to Mars is something we do as a united world.”

In the first half of 2013 Mars One will launch the Astronaut Selection Program, a search to find the best candidates for the 'next giant leap of mankind'. The search will be global, open to every person from every nation. As a Foundation, Mars One will be the owner of the human outpost on Mars, the simulation bases on Earth, and the employer of the astronauts, both in training here on Earth, and those on Mars.

Arno Wielders, co-founder and technical director of Mars One: “Sending humans to Mars has been my dream for twenty years. Evidently, I am not alone--we have received emails from over fifty countries."

"People in thirty seven countries have purchased our merchandise, demonstrating their support for Mars One. Regardless of their background, people are positive about this optimistic event that we believe will bring people of Earth a little bit closer together.”

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