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Cat-loving chihuahua suckles seven abandoned kittens
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For your Saturday entertainment …
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Hitchens leads Zips in second-half comeback
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Seven players added to Tribe’s 40-man roster
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Holmgren expresses interest in Browns position
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Kent State blown out in second half, loses to Temple 13-47
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Bowling season starts today
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Headed For Disaster
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Will Health Care Reform Pass?
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TIME TO GET YOUR COLLECTOR CARS WINTERIZED
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Silverdome Potentially SOLD!
Ohio Travels with Betty:
George is looking for a Thanksgiving buffet in Akron.
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Steely Dan Plays "The Royal Scam" at E.J. Thomas Hall
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Colloquium at University of Akron
Akron Gamer:
Nintendo's Mario endures even as games come and go
Published on Saturday, Jan 24, 2009
Q: Is there any difference in security between using a corded phone and a cell phone?
— Bruno RoccaAkron
A: Assuming your cell phone is digital, there's not enough difference to worry about, said David Wagner, an associate professor of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, who has done research on the issue.
Back when cell phones were analog, eavesdropping was easy, Wagner said. But today most cell phones are digital. While eavesdropping with a digital cell phone is possible, ''it's pretty much out of the reach of casual interception,'' he said.
Wagner noted that wired phones aren't perfectly secure, either. But he said both digital cell phones and wired phones are sufficiently secure for most people to conduct everyday business.
Indeed, the weak link with cell-phone security is often human users who have sensitive conversations in public places without a second thought, he said. Be careful not to share sensitive information where you can be overheard.
Wagner said it's also wise to avoid sharing personal information such as your Social Security number and birth date. Many businesses will provide alternatives if you insist, he said. And never share this personal information with someone if you did not initiate the conversation or transaction.
Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at 330-996-3756, or send e-mail to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com.
Q: Is there any difference in security between using a corded phone and a cell phone?
— Bruno RoccaAkron
Get the full article here.
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