Passwords (Cybersecurity Essentials #1)

Our passwords are an essential ingredient to our privacy and cybersecurity protections. They're also a pain, easy to steal, often reused (bad idea), and hard to remember. That said, I want you to forget all of your passwords except two.

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

DATA BREACHES, LEAKS, AND OTHER COMPROMISES

Look to see if you've been in one or more data breaches or leaks at Have I Been Pwned https://haveibeenpwned.com/. Safely enter your email address(es). If your information has been compromised please change your password at any listed sites. This database is not all inclusive and there are other ways to search for your information but this is a good start.

PASSWORD MANAGERS

All of these are end-to-end encrypted (technically it's just encrypted if it's installed on your computer) and are zero knowledge. These terms mean that the organizations creating and managing the password managers can't see, access, use, or change the information you save in their systems.

KeePassXC - https://keepassxc.org - free and open-source. ONLY works on the computer running the application. Can be synchronized with your other devices but can be tricky to set up and maintain. Does not automatically store any information in the cloud.
BitWarden - https://bitwarden.com - free and paid accounts available, open-source. Options to store only on your computer, in the cloud, or both.
LastPass - https://lastpass.com - free and paid accounts available, closed-source. Cloud-only. Easily accessible and fully synchronized on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
1password - https://1password.com - only paid accounts available (free trial option), closed-source. Cloud-only. Easily accessible and fully synchronized on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.

WEB BROWSERS - Do not save your passwords in your browser(s).

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The 10 Cybersecurity Essentials Aug 20, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we introduce the 10 cybersecurity essentials for individuals, families, and small businesses. We end this episode with an assignment, your first steps to take in setting up these essential protections and habits. The next ten podcast episodes will focus on one essential, discuss why it's important, and provide steps for moving forward.

The 10 Cybersecurity Essentials

Passwords
Two-factor Authentication
Backups
Updates
Endpoint Protection
Web browser setup
Ad blocking
Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
Firewalls
Encryption

General safety and online conferencing Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

Humane Tech gets a new structure. Shorter and to the point. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. COVID-19 has us isolating but that doesn't mean we can't be in each others' lives.

In episode 2, I bring you general privacy and cyber security tips. Do these seven (7) things and you're in pretty good shape. Then we hit on online conferencing concerns and how to approach them. Finally, I illuminate a few of the threats we need to watch out for.

SUPPORT

Humane Tech is not sponsored and there are no paid advertisements. Instead, we prop up each other. In this episode, I mention three businesses supporting women in the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area (this is Oregon and Washington states).

Ps & Qs Market is offering curbside groceries service and take-out meals. Their food is wonderful and so is their staff.

Thatcher's Coffee is owned and operated by our great friend and her incredible staff of women. They support the community and now we can support them. While they are currently closed, you can support them by buying Thatcher's Blend Coffee from Roseline Coffee. We ordered two bags over the weekend and expect to brew some up on Wednesday or Thursday.

Rose Haven is a day shelter and community center serving women, children and gender non-conforming folks experiencing trauma, poverty, and physical and mental health challenges. Restoring stability and dignity for 3,500 guests annually. They are incredible people and continue to work hard through this COVID-19 crisis. We'll support them as long as we can.

We're grateful for you. Let us know what you want to hear next.

Holiday travel and purchases; Multi-factor Authentication Nov 27, 2019

Show notes

There's been a lot of news recently about juice jacking and privacy concerns with smart devices. We discuss this and focus on how to protect yourself using multi-factor authentication.

Smart TVs and Privacy

These concerns have been around since at least 2017 but most everyone I talk to is surprised to know what's going on. Here are some article links for more information:

Juice Jacking

Multi-Factor Authentication (aka MFA, 2FA or two-factor authentication, etc.)

It's pretty clear that I believe that you should be using MFA today, now, get on it! It's been around for years and most people don't know or don't care. Security professionals like me are yelling from the roofs that it's important but few are hearing us.

However, nothing is perfect. Included in the links is at least one article describing issues with two-factor authentication. Deadbolts and other physical locks are not perfect, either, but we use them because they do more good than not. Use MFA/2FA!

You are valuable, your personal information is valuable, let's work together to keep both safe.

Have a great week.