Articles in Category: Security
Can’t I Just Delete My Hacked Account?
Deleting an account you don’t have access to is kind of the same as deleting an account you don’t own.
Privacy Begins with the Operating System
Your operating system sees everything you do—and that means it holds the keys to your privacy. I’ll look at how much trust you place in Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile systems, why that matters, and what steps you can take to protect yourself wisely.
Can I Still Use LastPass Safely?
Selecting another password manager is now the common recommendation. I’ll review what you can do if you elect to keep using LastPass.
Is “Juice Jacking” Real?
The FBI released a warning against “juice jacking”, but is it really something you need to worry about?
My Computer’s Been Compromised. What Should I Do?
The news is grim if someone’s broken into your computer, but there are steps to take to prevent it from happening again.
Will AI Crack Your Passwords?
We’re seeing AI associated with many things. Cracking your passwords is now on the list.
How Do I Prevent Credit Card Theft?
There are some practices to help you avoid having your credit card compromised, but most card theft is out of your control.
Can I Check for Malware before Downloading Something?
Files cannot be checked for viruses before being downloaded, but there are precautions you can and should take.
If Someone Gets Into My Gmail Account, Can They Get Into Others?
Like a row of dominos, gaining access to one account can lead to others being compromised.
Are Facial Recognition and Fingerprint ID Safe?
Facial recognition and fingerprint ID are quick, convenient approaches to signing into or unlocking your devices. But are they safe enough?
What Encryption Software Do You Recommend?
There are many different tools for encryption. The right one depends on what you’re attempting to accomplish.
How Can a Hacker Try All Possible Passwords If Systems Block Failed Login Attempts?
Some hackers go for the low-hanging fruit and try the most common passwords, but there is one scenario where brute force works very well.
Internet Safety: 7 Steps to Staying Safe Online
Staying safe online doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ll show you seven practical steps anyone can follow to protect themselves from malware, scams, hackers, and everyday digital dangers.
What to Do About the LastPass Breach
The most recent LastPass security incident has many people concerned.
How Do I Delete Google Search History?
Deleting your search history can seem simple, but there are complications worth knowing about if you need to be thorough.
Can My Neighbor View My Internet If I Use Their Wireless?
Using any shared internet means other users on the service might be able to see what you are doing. Extra security steps may be necessary.
Should I Use My Password Vault for Two-Factor Authentication As Well?
A new feature in some password vaults has us thinking about security implications. Bottom line: use two-factor authentication.
A Lost-Second-Factor Tale of Woe and How to Avoid Your Own
A tech journalist lost his phone and encountered issues recovering a two-factor-protected account. We can all learn from his experience.
What Should I Assume About Workplace Technology Monitoring?
Many employers can and do monitor the technological activity of their employees. Here’s what you need to consider doing.
How to Back Up Encrypted Data
Encrypting your data is important for security, but it also adds risk that’s easy to overlook when backing up.
They Set Up My Computer and Now My Ex Is Spying on Me. What Can I Do?
Trust is tricky when it comes to computers. When you add relationships to the mix, things quickly get complicated.
How Should I Password-Protect an External Hard Drive?
You want more than a password; you want encryption. Encrypting an external drive can be done with the right software.
How Do I Pick the Right Tools to Protect Windows?
There are many software programs that protect your system. I’ll review how I make my decisions and give you my advice.
What is a Digital Fingerprint?
Digital fingerprints are another way that websites might track you, should they want to. What can you do? Should you be worried?
What Is Smishing?
Smishing is simply text-messaging spam. Learn to recognize and respond appropriately to it.
What is End-to-End Encryption?
If you’re sharing private or sensitive information, end-to-end encryption is an important term you need to understand.
Should I Clear Cookies Before I Travel?
Clearing cookies is an annoyance, but it protects your online accounts in case your machine is stolen.
Preparing Your Technology for Travel Abroad
Travel is exciting, but be sure to plan ahead for your technology to avoid things going wrong.
What You Need To Do About the LastPass Hack
A portion of LastPass was breached. Here’s why it’s not a disaster, and why I’m not leaving LastPass.
The Biggest Risk to Your Security
The biggest risk to your security might just be you. Learn why and what to do.
How Can I Protect Myself From Scams?
Scams are everywhere, it seems. I’ll cover some common ones, and share the single most important rule to protect youself.
Can a Data Breach Expose Multiple Accounts?
Data breaches rarely expose multiple accounts. There are rare scenarios where multiple accounts might still be at risk, though.
6 Reasons There Are Still So Many Security Breaches
When you think about the complexity of today’s systems, it’s kind of amazing that we don’t have more breaches.
If I Leave My Computer Always On, Am I More Likely to Be Hacked?
Leaving your computer on 24 hours a day rarely increases risk significantly, as long as you follow a couple of simple guidelines.
How Can I Delete an Old Account If I Can’t Log In?
If you’ve lost your password, there may be recovery steps. If you’ve also lost your email address, recovery becomes significantly more difficult.
LastPass Password Manager and Vault
One of the challenges with current online safety advice is keeping track of multiple different secure passwords. LastPass not only does that, but does it securely across multiple devices.
I’m Told to Change My Password. Why?
If you get a warning that your password has leaked it’s not time to panic, but don’t ignore it either. I’ll talk about the difference between a real password breach and a scam, why “in the wild” passwords are risky, and one habit that keeps you safe no matter which one you’re facing.
Lock Your Computer When You Walk Away
If your device is not physically secure, neither the machine nor your data is.
Can Malware Infect Other Computers on My Network?
There are forms of malicious software that attempt to travel from machine to machine on your local network. There’s good news, though.
How Was My Bank Account Hacked When I Did Everything Right?
Even with all the right things in place, stuff happens. I’ll review the additional steps you can take to protect yourself.
Lost Gmail Account Recovery With No Phone or Alternate Email
The Google Account Recovery process may be able to help you get your account back. Maybe.
Protecting Your Privacy: Points of Vulnerability
Tracing the privacy and security of the path from your fingertips through the services you use to your information’s final destination.
How Do I Scan Nuclear Power Station Computers Without an Internet Connection?
Scanning your nuclear power station’s Windows computers for malware can present some challenges if the machines have been secured properly.
Would You Please Recover My Password?
Every day, I’m asked to reset lost passwords, recover hacked accounts, or retrieve lost information in them. Here’s my answer.
How Do I Prevent a Repeat of Ransomware?
All malware is scary, especially ransomware due to the damage it can inflict. Here’s how to avoid a repeat performance.
What VPN Should I Use?
VPNs protect from certain types of surveillance and more. I’ll discuss what they’re good for and what to consider when selecting one.
Am I Safe?
There is no such thing as absolute safety. But there are definitely steps you can take to be as safe as possible.
Is a Password-protected Windows Login Secure?
Your Windows log-in password gets you surprisingly little real security. I’ll look at why that is, why you might still want one, and what I do instead.
