Uncle David gets a Galaxy

from Greg
My Uncle David Adkins called me last night looking for advice on what cell phone to get now that his is eligible for an upgrade. After considering options from iPhone to Android and from the Verizon store to Best Buy he found an amazing deal in a Samsung Galaxy S4. Best Buy had a special and was sell the S4 for $1 and the S3 for $49 with a contract renewal.

Th is a GREAT deal. The phone is highly recommended and state of the art. It has a 1080i screen and a quad core processor with 2 gigs of dedicated memory. That is more computing power than an entry level PC.

If you are eligible for an upgrade I don't think you can do better than this deal!

from CNET
Read the full review HERE

The good: The Samsung Galaxy S4 has Android 4.2.2, a fantastic camera, a powerful quad-core processor, and software solutions for just about every scenario -- including working as a TV/DVR remote. It's also comfortable in hand and has NFC, a user-replaceable battery, and a microSD storage slot.

The bad: Its screen is dimmer than competitors', its plastic design gives it a cheaper look than its rivals, and we found the Galaxy S4's power button turned on at undesirable times. Not all camera modes work as promised, and a long list of software features can quickly overwhelm and confuse.

The bottom line: Its laundry list of features require time and effort to truly master, but the Galaxy S4 is the top choice for anyone looking for a big-screen, do-everything smartphone.

from Samsung
Read the full product description HERE

It takes a lot of things to be The Next Big Thing - 5" Full HD Super AMOLED™ display, 13MP camera, touch-free way to navigate, and Easy Mode for simplified use.

Capture every moment with Slow Motion video recording – no video editing tools necessary. Slow down or speed up all the action using the Galaxy S 4 Slow Motion and Fast Motion camera modes. Simply choose your mode, select your speed and start recording.

Capture moments with the 13MP autofocus camera. Take simultaneous front and back photos with Dual Camera, edit them right on your phone with Eraser Shot and relive the memories in brilliant clarity with Story Album.
See 11 Camera Tips for Your Galaxy S 4

Experience a whole new way to interact with your smartphone. Wave your hand at the screen to accept calls with Air Gesture, read content by tilting your head or phone with Smart Scroll and preview content by barely touching the screen with Air View™.

It's easy to connect, work or play with the Galaxy S 4. With Group Play, you can connect up to 8 phones wirelessly to play games and share your favorite tunes, photos, and documents — no Wi-Fi necessary.

View all your content on a stunning 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED™ display that's powered by a robust 1.9GHz quad-core processor — all in a light 0.29LB smartphone.

Easy Mode is a setting you can use to simplify your home screen with bigger icons and your favorite apps, so you can take your time to discover the amazing world of your new Galaxy S4.

With WatchON™ you can change the TV channel from your phone. Also, get a custom TV guide that shows what you like to watch. With Samsung Hub, you can watch more music, movies and games with one app and one sign-in.

Related articles

• Samsung Galaxy S4 Crystal Edition now available
• Samsung Galaxy S5 specs leak ahead of claimed March launch
• Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint Samsung Galaxy S4 available for $49.99
• Leaked Samsung Galaxy S5 specs may point to powerhouse device

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T Mobile Wants Biz

From Greg
Business Insider ran a story about the great deals T Mobile is offering to get new customers. If you switch to T-Mobile from Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint, T-Mobile will now pay the early termination fee  up to $350 per line. 

T-Mobile's plans are cheaper. You can pay $65 per month for 2.5 GB of data and unlimited calling/texting. Unlike Verizon, T-Mobile doesn't charge you extra if you go over your data allotment. Instead, it slows your data down a bit until the next billing cycle starts. Get a new iPhone 5S, pay $25 per month.

Read the full story at Business Insider HERE

by Steve Kovach

Next to cable providers and airlines, wireless carriers are probably the most hated service that we pretty much have no choice but to pay for.

About a year and a half ago, I switched to Verizon from AT&T because I had a lot of problems making calls that didn't drop. (Yes, I still talk on the phone a lot. My family lives thousands of miles away in Texas and it's still the best way for me to keep up with them.)

I've been mostly happy with Verizon. The data speeds are fast. I don't think I've ever had a dropped call. And I'm covered just about anywhere I travel.

But boy is it expensive. I pay $110 per month for 2 GB of data and unlimited calling/texting.

Yesterday, T-Mobile made an offer I can't refuse.

If you switch to T-Mobile from Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint, T-Mobile will now pay the early termination fee (ETF) carriers charge you to cancel your contract, up to $350 per line. You're also required to trade in your old smartphone, which T-Mobile will pay you for so you can buy a new one. That means there's no risk for me to abandon my contract from Verizon. T-Mobile will foot the bill.

And T-Mobile's plans are cheaper. I can pay $65 per month for 2.5 GB of data and unlimited calling/texting. Unlike Verizon, T-Mobile doesn't charge you extra if you go over your data allotment. Instead, it slows your data down a bit until the next billing cycle starts. Assuming I get a new iPhone 5S, I'll also be paying $25 per month for my phone. (T-Mobile sells you an iPhone 5S for $0 down plus $25 per month for 24 months. You also have the option to pay off the phone in full right away if you'd like.)

So if I switch now, I'll only be paying $90 per month, $20 less than I do now. Plus I'll be getting 500 MB more data per month, and I won't have to worry about getting slapped with the occasional $10 fee Verizon sometimes charges me if I happen to go over my data plan. I'd rather have slightly slower data for a few days than pay that fee.

Then there's the question of devices. I have an iPhone 5 now, and I've been holding out for the iPhone 6 (or whatever Apple ends up calling it) that should launch this fall. If I switch to an iPhone 5S now, then I'd still theoretically be paying it off in the fall and won't be able to get the new model.

But T-Mobile has a fix for that. It lets you pay off your phone whenever you want and switch to a new device on the payment plan. So when the next iPhone comes out, I'll pay off my 5S, sell it on Craigslist (iPhones hold their value really well), and get the new iPhone on T-Mobile's monthly payment plan. Not bad. And I'm still saving money in the long run.

My biggest concern is coverage. T-Mobile's 4G LTE network (the fastest wireless standard available today) is still tiny compared to what AT&T and Verizon can offer. Luckily, from what I understand, T-Mobile's LTE is pretty good in New York where I live. In fact, my former colleague Dan Frommer says it's better and more reliable than Verizon. That's pretty appealing.

My other concern has nothing to do with T-Mobile. I imagine when I tell Verizon I want to cancel my contract they won't make it easy on me. And I'm pretty sure it's going to take some time to get my ETF refund from T-Mobile. These kinds of things can't happen overnight.

But in the long run, I'm going to be saving money every month on my wireless bill. And that's worth a little bit of hassle.

Related articles

• Retailers discount iPhone 5s down to $120, AT&T offers customers $450 to ... - Apple Insider
• T-Mobile Just Made Me An Offer I Can't Refuse, And Now I'm Ditching Verizon
• T-Mobile Just Made Me An Offer I Can't Refuse, And Now I'm Ditching Verizon
• No "horsesh**": Dropping Verizon for T-Mobile would cost me $150

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Disruption from Within - the Insider Threat

The publicity, focus and funding associated with advanced persistent attacks and other external threats have left many companies ill prepared to defend against another vector of attack, one that operates below the radar and whose impact can rival that of any external attack - a compromised employee, vendor, supplier - the Insider Theat. Why is it increasing, sometimes  forgotten and how best to protect against it.

I'm pleased to announce that one of the telecommunications industry's leading security professionals will present just such an attack scenario at Suits and Spooks Boston. Henry Shiembob is the Executive Director of Cyber Security and Fraud Operation for Verizon and has responsibility for all global activities related to cyber compliance and investigations, insider threat, supply chain security and external fraud investigations.  Prior to his current role, Henry was Executive Director of International Security for Verizon where he was responsible for all security operations outside the United States; including investigations, physical security, crisis management and executive protection.  Henry also served as the responsible compliance executive for all international operations.

Henry’s career includes over 23 years in risk management, cyber security and international operations, including five years with Kissinger & Associates where he was Team Leader for former Secretary-of-State Dr. Henry A. Kissinger. In this capacity, he directed domestic and international security operations, including risk assessments, executive protection and intelligence briefings and was a government liaison for security matters.

This is one of 15 different offensive talks that you'll hear on October 18th and our attendance will be kept to no more than 130 people to give you ample opportunity to interact with all of our speakers while you're there. If you want to hear and discuss this particular offensive tactic with Mr. Shiembob, then register for Suits and Spooks Boston today. 

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15 Attack Plans To Disrupt or Destroy U.S. Critical Infrastructure

On October 18, 2012 at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA, I've invited 15 subject matter experts who will provide unique offensive attack plans designed to disrupt or destroy water, power, transportation, communication, healthcare and banking systems; i.e., the nation's critical infrastructure. There will be no media in attendance nor will any of those presentations be made available to the public. Only the attendees of Suits and Spooks Boston will hear those plans along with the vulnerabilities in each sector that make those plans viable.

This is the most ambitious Suits and Spooks event that I've held to date and the reason why I've organized it is because there's a serious lack of information among decision makers in the public and private sector regarding actual vulnerabilities. Instead what's most often heard are inflated threats of a "cyber 911" or a multitude of technical exploits involving SCADA software and hardware that only about 5% of the population understands. It's impossible to develop effective solutions without first understanding the reality of the threat landscape surrounding critical infrastructure. At SNS Boston, our experts will present offensive tactical plans in precise, non-technical language. I can promise you that the information communicated to you on October 18th will cause you to shift your thinking around security in profound ways. Dale Peterson, for example, will show you how an adversary could take out thousands of power plants around the world and disrupt large parts of the electrical transmission system. Suits and Spooks Boston will be the first time that such a plan has ever been presented.

A few of our subject matter experts include:

COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Henry Shiembob, Executive Director Cyber Security & Fraud Operations, Verizon.

WATER: Mr. John Sullivan, Chief Engineer at the Boston Water & Sewer Commission; member of the board of directors at the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies and Chairman of the board of managers at the WaterISAC.

POWER: Mr. Dale Peterson: Dale is an internationally-renowned SCADA security technologist. In addition to his widely read SCADA security blog Digital Bond, Dale has written two Protection Profiles for NIST’s PCSRF, many whitepapers, magazine articles and presentations.

BANKING: Mr. Phil Rosenberg: Director, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services; 39 yrs experience in the collection and analysis of strategic policy relevant and actionable financial intelligence for banks, corporations, and governments.

HEALTHCARE: Mr. Christopher Burgess: COO and CSO, Atigeo; Prior to joining Atigeo, Burgess was senior security advisor to the CSO at Cisco. He also served 30 years within the Central Intelligence Agency, from which he retired and was awarded the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal.

PHYSICAL PLANT SECURITY: Mr. Rob DuBois: Red Team Operations Manager and Author of “Powerful Peace; A Navy SEAL’s Lessons on Peace from a Lifetime at War”

We are capping our attendance at 130 and limiting our sponsors to no more than 5 in order to provide maximum benefit to everyone who participates. Our current sponsors include Basis Technology, RecordedFuture, and LookingGlass Cyber Solutions (there are two remaining if you're interested). If you register to attend SNS Boston by August 18th, you can take advantage of the super early bird rate of $195, which is a savings of $200. Complete information including how to register is available here.

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