Podcast

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

1. Passwords
2. Two-factor Authentication
3. Backups
4. Updates
5. Endpoint Protection
6. Web browser setup
7. Ad blocking
8. Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
9. Firewalls
10. Encryption

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.

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:

• How to Turn Off Smart TV Snooping Features
• Your TV is probably tracking you — here’s how to stop it
• Consumer Reports – Samsung and Roku Smart TVs Vulnerable to Hacking, Consumer Reports Finds

Juice Jacking

• Juice Jacking Foundation
• Stop! Don’t Charge Your Phone This Way (New York Times)
• LA warns of ‘juice-jacking’ malware, but admits it has no cases
• Airport charging stations put you at risk of ‘juice jacking’: Security experts warn using public USB ports is like ‘finding a toothbrush on the side of the road’

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!

• Two-Factor Authentication Might Not Keep You Safe
• Multi-Factor Authentication: What It Is and Why You Need It
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): why you should care

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

Have a great week.