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Hundreds of webcam feeds shown live online without users knowing Users can watch people in their living rooms or babies in their cots Hackers target cameras where users have not changed default password

By Jack Doyle for the Daily Mail

Published: 18:59 EST, 19 November 2014 | Updated: 19:04 EST, 19 November 2014

Families are unwittingly broadcasting their everyday lives across the internet via hacked home security cameras.

Footage from cameras linked into household computer networks is being streamed live on rogue websites, warn privacy watchdogs.

This allows anyone to spy on families in their own homes in real time.

A Russian site seen by the Mail shows scenes from hundreds of cameras covering living rooms, bedrooms, gardens and driveways of homes across Britain.

Hackers on a Russian site are streaming live videos from hundreds of cameras in living rooms, bedrooms, driveways and even a stable without the owners knowing

The site also shows footage from inside offices including images of unsuspecting workers high street shops, gyms, pubs, takeaway outlets and even a horse in a stable.

Among the most shocking images are those from baby monitors which show children sleeping in their cots at home. Another shows an elderly woman sitting in her living room in Wakefield.

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Russian spies use your computer to watch you at home then post photos online

By Stephanie Walden2014-11-19 16:51:16 UTC

We've got more technology than ever before there are apps to help us accomplish everything from cleaning our homes and compiling a grocery list to monitoring our belongings from afar. And when it comes to smart home tech, it seems as if nearly everything is now automated.

But with this influx of technology comes a whole new breed of criminal hackers and tech-savvy "bad guys" pose threats to security, for both physical and virtual intrusions of your home.

"It used to be that firewalls were a much better means of security," says Jerry Irvine, a member of the National Cyber Security Task Force, a joint task force between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Homeland Security. "Today, because we want to connect to things on the other side of the firewall, you have to open up ports which is the [equivalent to] Swiss cheese. It's like taking a section out of the fence around your house so you can get in anyone else can get in that way, too."

And on the other hand, improved tech makes it easier than ever for us to monitor, protect and automate our homes so what's the final verdict? Is all of this technology making us (actually) safer? We compiled a list of the pros and cons of a smart tech-connected home below, as well as a list of expert suggestions for making your smart home as secure as possible.

Here's a look at some of the risks to home security that are worth considering in today's digital world.

High-tech is highly enticing to criminals: Your top-of-the line 78" flatscreen and surround-sound system is a pride point whenever the neighbors come over on game day but they're also enticing items for thieves and criminals when you're on the go. As anyone who has ever had their iPhone stolen can attest, the latest and greatest gadgets tend to attract a number of scams and thefts and criminals are getting creative in their efforts to get their hands on your tech. In addition, from a software perspective, the more smart devices in your home, the more opportunity for criminals to infiltrate your network and learn about your habits or steal your information.

Criminals are using technology themselves: Criminals are becoming more tech-savvy, too. And security bugs like Heartbleed and high-profile hacks like the Target and Home Depot incidents from this past year aren't exactly confidence-inspiring. (In the case of the Target breach, evidence suggests that the entry-point for the attack actually occurred though a third-party heating and air conditioning vendor.) There are even cases where criminals use your technology against you: Cars can be broken into and GPS units stolen, giving criminals crucial information about your work and travel habits not to mention your home address.

And that urban legend about your computer's built-in camera being used to spy on you and your home? Not such a myth, says Irvine. These types of hacks are possible and even probable if consumers don't take the proper security measures to ensure their devices and home networks are secure.

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Does more technology equal a safer home?

From winter chills through the dog days of summer, Schaafsma Heating and Cooling is here for you. As a heating and air conditioning contractor, our primary goal is to keep your home comfortable for you and your family, but that's just the beginning. Our company proudly serves the Greater Grand Rapids MI, area and can offer you peace of mind, ensuring your equipment operates safely. We help you save money on your fuel bills and help deliver relief to those with allergies. If you're concerned with the quality of the air you breathe, call us for HVAC service. This site is specifically designed to help you become an informed consumer when it comes to your home's HVAC. We believe that customers deserve to be well informed concerning their heating and cooling systems. The pull-down menus make it easy to explore. You will learn not only how these systems work, but also how to shop smart and protect your investment. If you're not sure where to find help with a specific question, try our site's search engine to learn about our great options. And don't miss the Answers and Information section, where you can learn about your home's mechanical systems and find money-saving tips on a variety of topics, including heating repair and AC repair.

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Schaafsma - Your furnace Repair Service Company For Grand ...

A $634.12 electric bill in February about five times higher than normal soured Forrest Lehman and his wife, Megan, on electric choice.

The bill was the result of a variable rate plan that spiked when severe cold weather caused a volatile swing in wholesale electric prices. For the next month, the Lehmans turned off lights and didn't use the stove or the dryer.

As cold weather makes a return, the Lehmans don't have to worry. They have rid themselves of their variable rate plan and their competitive power company. Their decision means there will be no surprises when wholesale prices fluctuate because they are getting power from a traditional utility whose rates are set by regulators.

We simply don't trust those outside groups anymore, Forrest Lehman said. It may be a little bit more than the other guys, but they can't just jack up your rates a ridiculous amount.

The Lehmans are among 53,559 Pennsylvania electric consumers who have ditched competitive power suppliers since last winter's surprise surge in bills that spurred a flood of consumer complaints to the state attorney general and utility regulators.

The trend is a marked turnaround from 2013, when 123,359 residential customers left their default utilities, according to the state Public Utility Commission, with many of them likely lured by the promise of cheaper rates.

To be fair, many people are still happy with their competitive supplier and are not bolting back to their traditional utility. The PUC says 1.83 million residential customers, 38 percent of the market, received their power from a competitive supplier at the end of October.

Officials are encouraging those and others who are considering a switch from a default utility to pay careful attention to their contracts heading into the winter season to make sure that their rates aren't variable or, at least, are fixed for the winter when prices are likely to be volatile.

It's just a dangerous, dangerous situation for a residential customer to go into a variable rate, said state Rep. Bob Godshall, R-Montgomery, who sponsored legislation to cap price increases in variable rates after consumers complained last winter. The measure didn't come up for a vote, and Godshall said he will reintroduce it in the next session.

Some people who were blindsided by costly bills last winter were unaware that their rates were variable. Some had signed up for a fixed-rate plan that expired after a period and became variable. The Lehmans, who live in Williamsport, were among them. They said they didn't notice their fixed plan changed to a variable rate.

Excerpt from:
Variable-rate electricity contracts in Pennsylvania can cost customers plenty

City notes By THEODORE J. STATON Wednesday November 19, 2014 11:22 AM

The city has long recognized the disconnect between the worsening condition of our critical but aging infrastructure networks and how much maintenance work has been implemented through our capital improvement program (CIP).

This has not gone unnoticed by residents. Results of the 2013 community survey reaffirmed high levels of satisfaction with police, fire and EMS services, leaf collection and snow removal but highlighted a noticeable decline in satisfaction with the condition of roads and sidewalks.

In part, this is why in 2013 the city engineer developed a plan to address the backlog of work within an achievable timeframe. The result is a 10-year CIP planning process, with a price tag of $113 million for its first 10 years.

With the needs mapped out and a price tag identified, the CIP was studied at length by a subcommittee of the Citizen Financial Review Task Force as part of its charge from Upper Arlington City Council.

The resulting recommendations of the task force led to the city's recent and successful ballot request for an increase in the income tax rate to 2.5 percent, with 100 percent of the funds generated dedicated to the CIP.

With this important funding mechanism in place and set to take effect Jan. 1, 2015, the city is proceeding as planned with the projects slated for next year.

Tremont Road, Phase 1

The work scheduled in 2015 runs from Fishinger Road south to Ridgeview Road. The project is guided by the Tremont Streetscape study, which was developed by consultant MKSK last winter.

It offered ideas for the reconstruction of Tremont that would facilitate pedestrian accessibility, traffic safety and improve the aesthetics of the Tremont corridor.

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Upper Arlington's infrastructure planning for 2015 taking shape

By NATE ELLIS Wednesday November 19, 2014 11:24 AM

Upper Arlington officials are ready to update residents and other stakeholders on their plans to begin rebuilding Tremont Road in 2015.

The plan for the first major rebuild of Tremont Road since 1956 could include a partial water line replacement, street lighting improvements, bicycle accommodations and pedestrian safety features.

The latest updates on the project, including projected start and finish dates, will be detailed during a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Upper Arlington Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road.

Although the project has been discussed publicly on occasion since July, Thursday's meeting will offer the public opportunities to hear about the city's plans and provide feedback on potential bike features and the preferred colors -- black or green -- of light poles and traffic-signal mast arms along one of Upper Arlington's main roadways.

"Tremont Road has not been reconstructed since 1956 and has deteriorated to the point that it needs reconstructed," City Engineer Jackie Thiel said. "The corridor is not pedestrian- or bicycle-friendly and does not meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or community standards.

"Upper Arlington is using the project to make Tremont Road a multimodal project to improve safety and access for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and vehicles."

If all design elements being considered are implemented, the reconstruction is expected to cost approximately $8.2 million.

However, the city hopes to offset as much as $5.37 million of that with an Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) grant.

The city applied for the grant earlier this year and expects to hear next month how much, if any, in OPWC funds it will receive.

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Tremont Road reconstruction set to start in July 2015

After 70 years Mantecas Jimmie Connors Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6311 is going to finally have a home.

The City Council Tuesday night approved a $1,160,000 design and build contract with Diede Construction to build the 3,600-square-foot Moffat Community Center that will serve as the posts home at 560 Moffat Boulevard.

The completion date is July 3, 2015 to allow for a Fourth of July dedication. A ground breaking is tentatively set for Monday, Dec. 1, at 3 p.m.

For 70 years weve never had a home of our own, VFW Commander Carlon Perry told the council.

The post has been using the American Legion Post in the 200 block of East Yosemite Avenue.

Perry noted that it means veterans will be able to go to one location for everything from health services to socializing.

For what you (the veterans) did, you deserve it, Councilwoman Debby Moorhead said.

The center will be built on city-owned land sandwiched between the arsenic treatment plant built last year and the storm retention basin/mini park that are across the street from the trailer park adjacent to the Manteca High athletic fields. The new home of the VFW post will back up to the Tidewater Bikeway.

The work includes the building, a parking lot and some landscaping. The balance of the property will be landscaped at a future date.

The city has entered into a 20-year lease with Jimmie Connors VFW Post 6311 for use of the Moffat Community Center. The lease notes the structure will be a public building. It will be available for rent by the public when it is not being used for its primary purpose of serving veterans groups and veterans events.

Excerpt from:
Finally, a home for VFW Post

Tis the season to join Sparkle in the Park ORGANISERS of the annual Sparkle in the Park are getting ready for this years event.

As well as the usual jam jar lanterns and decorations, visitors to the event at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth this year will be able to listen to local musicians the Brass Button Duo, who will be entertaining the crowds with jolly, seasonal music. Young and old can make jam jar lanterns from 3.30pm to 4.30pm at the Sparkle on Sunday, November 30.

Materials will be provided and children must be accompanied.

Workshop gazebos will be set up beside the childrens Galleon Play Area near the Green Gym station three in the park.

A specially-decorated train will also be running at the Rio Grande Miniature Railway, and hot and cold drinks will be on sale at the station.

There will be a candlelit Woodland Walk at 4.30pm.

Dinah Ellis, of the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park, which organises the event, said: This is the fifth Sparkle in the Park that the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park have organised, but the first to have musical accompaniment.

We are very grateful to Jennie and Louise of Brass Buttons Duo for offering to play at this event.

Last year well over 100 people came sparkling in the park, starting their run-up to Christmas with a family-friendly get-together and an exciting walk in the dark.

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Organisers gearing up for Weymouths Sparkle in the Park

Unlocking Invisible Fences
A growing problem in Maryland and around the nation, experts in the field call it modern day slavery, others call it child sex trafficking. The FBI calls it the fastest growing global criminal...

By: MarylandPublicTV

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Unlocking Invisible Fences - Video

Black Scout Tutorials - Escape and Evasion: Bypassing Fences
In this episode, we continue with the Escape and Evasion topics and give some tips on bypassing fences. Hopefully you can take some of these tips with you if you come to a fence in an escape...

By: BlackScoutSurvival

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Black Scout Tutorials - Escape and Evasion: Bypassing Fences - Video