August 2020 |

Unprecedented Review of Ohio’s Conceal-Carry Licensing System Shines Light on Vulnerabilities – AG Yost Partners With Public Safety to Provide a Solution

August 6, 2020/in Press Releases/by Bee-Safe Security

8/4/2020

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a special report today identifying some vulnerabilities in the state’s concealed-carry licensing system and outlining steps taken to plug those gaps.

The report stems from a proactive effort by the attorney general to ensure that Ohio continues its 16-year record of carrying safely and responsibly.

“By any measure, our concealed-carry system is a success,” Yost said. “To safeguard the public, this law prohibits licenses to felons and people who have been deemed by a court to be mentally incompetent. All of us have an interest in enforcing these prohibitions.”

Given his office’s role in the checks and balances of the state’s system for issuing concealed-handgun licenses (CHLs), the attorney general last year ordered a review of the process, seeking to ensure that such licenses weren’t ending up in the wrong hands.

The databases needed to conduct this analysis are maintained by different state agencies, a complicating factor in the review process.

Under Ohio law, determinations of mental incompetence (MI) must be reported to the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) by courts and/or mental health providers. The list of active holders of Ohio CHLs, meanwhile, is housed with the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), which maintains the information in its Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS). LEADS is used strictly for law enforcement purposes, meaning that the Identification Division of BCI did not have access to the CHL data.

This hurdle was cleared when BCI, through a memorandum of understanding, obtained the list of CHL holders from ODPS, data that the bureau then compared against its MI database – a comparison that had never been done.

“Everyone in Ohio should expect that we are enforcing existing laws – and, as this report demonstrates, we are,” Yost said. “This first-of-its-kind law enforcement project would not have been possible without the partnership between the Attorney General’s Office and ODPS, under the leadership of Director Stickrath and Gov. DeWine.”

What BCI found in its review is that, of the Ohioans who have a CHL, 41 of them had been deemed to be mentally incompetent – which means they should not have had a concealed-handgun license or possessed a firearm.

“Those 41 individuals represent only a tiny fraction of a percentage of the Ohioans who have concealed-carry licenses, and we are not aware that any harmful outcomes have resulted,” AG Yost said. “But even one unlawful license is too many.”

To fix the problem, BCI and ODPS partnered to automate the cross-checking – at no cost to taxpayers – to permanently allow CHL updates to flow to BCI, thus allowing the bureau to make routine cross-checks of the concealed-handgun licenses against the mental incompetence database. When a mentally incompetent adjudication is uncovered in the cross-checking process, BCI is committed to promptly notifying the appropriate sheriff’s office by phone and in writing so that action can be taken on the CHL in question.

“Revoking wrongfully issued licenses is an example of how we can and should enforce existing gun laws before creating new ones,” Yost said.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Irwin: 614-728-5417

-30-

3 tips to avoid online stalking

August 3, 2020/in Cybersecurity/by Bee-Safe Security

Use of this unethical tracking software has surged during lockdown, but here’s how you can protect yourself

Compared to January and February this year, before lockdown measures took effect, March through June saw a surge in the use of stalkerware, an insidious kind of software that allows users to track both the physical and digital moves of others, sometimes accessing photos, videos, and emails, sometimes even tapping into their WhatsApp and Facebook accounts.

It’s a sad truth that domestic violence incidents have increased since stay-at-home orders were issued, but that abusive behavior seems to have carried over into the digital world as well. Avast Threat Labs observed a 51% increase in spyware and stalkerware from March through June, in comparison to the first two months of the year.

“Stalkerware is a growing category of domestic malware with disturbing and dangerous implications,” said Jaya Baloo, Avast CISO. “It steals the physical and online freedom of the victim. Usually installed secretly on mobile phones by so-called friends, jealous spouses, ex-partners, and even concerned parents, stalkerware tracks the physical location of the victim, monitors sites visited on the internet, text messages, and phone calls.”

The increase in connected devices and the availability of stealthy spy- and stalkerware apps are another way for abusers to exert control over their victims who have been unable to leave their home due to coronavirus preventative measures, according to Erica Olsen, Safety Net project director for the National Network to end Domestic Violence (NNEDV), a social change organization dedicated to creating a social, political, and economic environment in which violence against women no longer exists.

“Stalkerware, which is designed to operate in stealth mode with no persistent notification to the user of the device, gives abusers and stalkers a robust and invasive tool to perpetrate harassment, monitoring, stalking, and abuse,” said Olsen. “This can be terrifying and traumatizing for the person. During this public health crisis, there have been several reports documenting the increased detection of stalkerware, which could be indicative of increased access to personal devices during lockdown or stay-at-home orders. It could also be reflective of an abuser increasing or changing their tactic if the victim is now actually out of the house more often, if they are an essential worker in healthcare, for example.”

Follow Bee Safe Security on YELP

Since March 2020, Avast has protected over 40,000 users from such malware across the globe. In order to mitigate against the threat of stalkerware, we’re providing the following simple, actionable steps:

Rule #1: Secure your phone against all unauthorized physical access

Use the lock screen on your device. It takes less than a minute to install a stalkerware app, and, according to Pew Research, more than 25% of mobile users fail to use lock-screen protection on their smartphones. That kind of easy access helps suspicious partners to install stalkerware without being noticed. Do not lend your unlocked phone to anyone unless you fully trust their intentions.

Rule #2: Install a trusted antivirus on your mobile phone

A good mobile antivirus will treat stalkerware as a PUP – potentially unwanted program – and give you the option to remove it. Avast Mobile Security keeps your mobile device secure from stalkerware in addition to other malware and potentially malicious apps. Avast worked with Google to remove eight of the biggest stalking apps from the Play Store last year, and we are continuing this work as new developments in stalkerware arise.

Rule #3: Look for hotlines and victims’ services providers.

However, if you don’t feel safe, trust your instincts. If you need to source help and support fast – you should not hesitate to seek it. Organizations such as Operation Safe Escape can help.

Operation Safe Escape is a victim support organisation that provides valuable support and education for victims of domestic violence and abuse, and can help with issues of personal, physical and digital safety. If it’s possible your device has been compromised by stalkerware, avoid using it to contact support. If you are able, use an anonymous device such as a library computer or a friend’s phone in order to avoid alerting the stalker.

“Across the globe, it’s been reported that the number of domestic violence cases have consistently increased during lockdown,” added Baloo, “and that tallies with what we’re seeing. We’re committed to doing all that we can to protect our users from this rising threat.”

Source: https://blog.avast.com/stalkerware-use-surges-during-lockdown-avast?utm_content=404539&utm_term=164712316_278_205&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=c_oo_paal_a_a_20q3_jj_news07avast2

FIRST TIME GUN BUYER? START HERE.

August 1, 2020/in Uncategorized/by Bee-Safe Security

FIRST TIME GUN BUYER? START HERE.

This is the time of year when people think about giving gifts to the ones they love, which means that some people think about buying their first gun. With that in mind, here are a few tips for all the first-time gun buyers out there.

BUYING A GUN TAKES MORE TIME THAN YOU THINK

There are some politicians out there who will tell you that it’s easier to buy a pistol than it is to buy a book. Not to mince words, but those politicians are 100% wrong. I buy a lot of books, and to date, I haven’t needed to pass a background check in order to buy the latest technothriller.

Everyone who purchases a gun from a legitimate firearms dealer needs to be able to pass a background check before they can take their gun home. Every transaction, every time. In some states, no background check is needed at the time of sale because the purchaser has a valid concealed carry permit. In those states, the vetting and background checks needed to obtain the concealed carry permit are considered a valid alternative to the check run at the time of sale.

Another thing that happens every time you buy a gun is that you’ll need to fill in your personal information on a Form 4473. This is a form that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives uses for two purposes. The first is to make sure you’re eligible to own a firearm. The second is to provide a record of the sale. A government-issued ID is required for buying a firearm; that information is copied down on the 4473. I have seen more than one first-time gun buyer make the mistake of not bringing their driver’s license with them when they buy a gun, resulting in a delayed sale.

YOU BUY GUNS FOR YOU, NOT SOMEONE ELSE

There are two Ruger 10/22 rifles in my gun safe that I have gifted to my sons. Legally, however, those guns are still mine, as my sons aren’t 18 yet and cannot own a gun here in Florida. If you’re thinking about buying a gun for a loved one this holiday season, be aware that the person who will legally own the gun needs to be the one who fills out the Form 4473 and prove that they are able to do so in the eyes of the law. Buying a gun for someone who is not legally able to own a gun is big, BIG no-no (as in felony-sized no-no), so don’t do it. Ever.

In addition, there’s a very good chance that the gun you’re thinking about buying for someone else isn’t quite what they wanted. The best way to handle this is to have them fill out the paperwork themselves and buy their own gun. It’ll be better for you in the short term (they get the gun they really want, not the gun you want them to have), and also in the long term (you can be certain neither of you are going to jail for an illegal gun purchase).

Follow Bee Safe Security on YELP

SMALLER IS NOT NOT ALWAYS BETTER

In 9mm caliber and above, FMJ ammo (left) is best for practice, JHP ammo (right) works best for self-defense.

Deciding to take responsibility for your own protection and look for a concealed-carry pistol is one of the most adult decisions you will ever make. It means you understand that you are ultimately responsible for your safety. However, most small pocket pistols are not for first-time gun owners. They’re hard to control and hold, and they pack a powerful punch in a small package. In addition, they are not easy to shoot on a regular basis, which means you’re not going to practice with them as much as you would with a larger gun in the same caliber. All the firepower in the world does you little good if you can’t hit the target.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, AND YOU’RE NOT PERFECT YET

The uncomfortable truth all gun owners need to face is that we are not as good a shot as we think we are, especially under stress. You may go the range each week and punch a nice, ragged hole in the target with careful, aimed shots. This sort of practice definitely helps with problems such as a trigger jerk, but it does little to help with the adrenaline dump you’ll feel in a defensive gun use. Mixing in real or artificial stress into your firearms practice, such as a shot timer or participating in a practical shooting match, will have a profound effect on improving your accuracy when it matters most.

YOU BUY GUNS FOR YOU, NOT SOMEBODY ELSE (PART TWO)

I recommend that first-time gun buyers go to an indoor range that has guns available to rent and try out a wide selection of guns before they make a buying decision. A range will also typically have a professional instructor who can help someone find a gun that suits them best. A snub-nosed .38 with pink grips might be the best gun for your wife, but let your wife come to that decision, not you.

Follow Bee Safe Security on Twitter

GUNS ARE NOT TALISMANS OF SELF-PROTECTION

Access to a firearm does not make someone safe anymore than access to a piano makes them a musician. What actually makes someone safe is having access to a firearm and also having the will and skill to use it effectively. If you’re going to buy a gun, make sure you also have the commitment to learn how to use it well. Having the good feeling that you own a firearm for self-protection is good. Having that good feeling, and the sure and certain knowledge that you can use it effectively is even better.

SAFETY FIRST, SECOND, AND LAST

Gun safes are a good idea for first time gun buyers

A small gun safe help keeps your gun away from prying fingers.

Keep your gun so its safe and accessible at all times. Here’s a hint: Underneath your bed, unloaded, in its original box is neither safe nor easily accessible. Here in Florida, it’s against the law to store guns so that a child can have easy access to them. For this reason, I have quick access gun safes both in my car and in my home which prevents my sons from gaining access to my guns. In addition, if you carry concealed, get a good quality holster which covers the trigger of your pistol and doesn’t present other safety hazards as well.

STOP BELIEVING THE MYTHS

Believe me, there are plenty of myths out there about guns. For instance, no, snake shot in a .38 is not the last word in defensive firepower. Racking a pump-action shotgun will not make a determined attacker run away in fear. “Handgun stopping power” is an oxymoron, so if you’re hoping for a one-stop shot with your defensive pistol, you’re almost certain to be disappointed. As a result, practice with your pistol so you can make rapid, accurate hits on-demand and in stressful situations.

Follow Bee Safe Security on Facebook

WELCOME TO THE RANKS OF AMERICAN GUN OWNERS!

Congratulations on becoming a first-time gun buyer. The Second Amendment is there for a reason, and choosing to (safely) own a firearm can be a life-changing decision and also a life-affirming decision. I have many, many gun-owning friends who have found new confidence in life because of the confidence they have gained knowing their self-protection needs are covered because they took the time to learn how to use their new gun. You can have that confidence as well. All you need to do is go to the range and be prepared to learn to shoot, which, coincidentally, is a lot of fun. It is also a cornerstone of what makes America, America.

Source: https://www.ammoman.com/blog/tips-for-first-time-gun-buyers/