Privacy & Security — News & Popular Guides
Ask Trish: A (Brief) Privacy Education
Dear Trish: I’ve been seeing all of this stuff in the news about privacy and it’s got me thinking about how to protect myself. I think privacy is really important but I’m not sure what to do.
Why It Is Essential to Keep your Operating Systems Up to Date
Regardless of what device you’re using — an iPhone or iPad, an Android phone or tablet, a Mac, a Windows PC or even a smart home appliance — it’s important to keep operating systems, apps and browsers updated with the latest security patches.
Quick-Guide to Secure Passwords
The FBI along with other security experts are now recommending a “pass phrase” rather than simply a password. Such a phrase should be relatively long – at least 15 characters.
Removing Child Images from Google Search
Google has announced a new policy that allows people under 18 or...
Smart Glasses are Yet Another Privacy Challenge
Smart glasses are here to stay. What you should know about the implications for your privacy.
More Recommendations
Tips for Preventing ‘Ransomware’ Attacks
A ransomware attack can encrypt data or lock you completely out of your device. It can also be used as a form of blackmail or extortion if the hacker finds something that they think may embarrass or incriminate you. Although victims are often large companies or public agencies, it can affect small businesses or people at home.
Protect Against Identify Theft
There are things you can do to reduce the chances of being a victim of identity theft, and if you are a victim, there are things you can do to recover.
Guide to Facebook Privacy and Security Settings
It's pretty common for users of Facebook and other social media companies to keep their default settings. But, it's...
Do Passwords Really Protect Us?
Online security expert Andrew Shikiar of FIDO Alliance talked to us about phishing, vishing, social engineering, and what’s wrong with passwords. “Simply put, passwords aren’t up to the task.”
Australia eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant
We spoke with US-born Julie Inman Grant about her role as Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, the country's national...
Cybersecurity During COVID-19 (Webcast)
Larry Magid and Kerry Gallagher spoke with McAfee's Baker Nanduru, who had some excellent advice for all of us who are...
Gmail Anti-Phishing Technology Looks Promising
Phishing is one of the internet’s biggest security risks. That’s when a scammer sends you an email that appears to...
Facial Recognition Loses Support as Bias Claims Rise
Following the lead of San Francisco, Boston and several other cities, Detroit is poised to end a contract with a company that provides facial recognition technology to its police department.
Video & Podcast: Amelia Vance from the Future of Privacy Forum
Privacy is always an important issue but never more so than during this Covid-19 pandemic when people are being asked...
Apple’s New Anti-Tracking Feature is a Boon to Privacy
by Larry Magid This post first appeared in the Mercury News The new version of Apple's iOS operating system for...
Tips for Preventing ‘Ransomware’ Attacks
A ransomware attack can encrypt data or lock you completely out of your device. It can also be used as a form of blackmail or extortion if the hacker finds something that they think may embarrass or incriminate you. Although victims are often large companies or public agencies, it can affect small businesses or people at home.
Protect Against Identify Theft
There are things you can do to reduce the chances of being a victim of identity theft, and if you are a victim, there are things you can do to recover.
Guide to Facebook Privacy and Security Settings
It's pretty common for users of Facebook and other social media companies to keep their default settings. But, it's...
Do Passwords Really Protect Us?
Online security expert Andrew Shikiar of FIDO Alliance talked to us about phishing, vishing, social engineering, and what’s wrong with passwords. “Simply put, passwords aren’t up to the task.”
More Recommendations
Facebook Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis
ConnectSafely’s Larry Magid and Kerry Gallagher interview Facebook Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis Podcast (Audio...
Zoom Chief Product Officer Oded Gal
Larry Magid and Kerry Gallagher interview Zoom Chief Product Officer Oded Gal about how the company is handling its explosive growth and how to use Zoom’s privacy, safety and security features
Podcast: Zoom Chief Privacy Officer Oded Gal
Larry Magid and Kerry Gallagher interview Zoom Chief Product Officer Oded Gal about how the company is handling its explosive growth
TikTok Adds Parental Controls and Disables Direct Messaging for Users Under 16
TikTok, the popular app that allows users to share short (typically 15 second) videos announced Family Pairing to give parents greater control over their teen’s safety setting.
Apple and Google Building Automated Covid-19 Contact Tracing Technology
You may have heard about the technology developed jointly by Apple and Google to automate contact tracing to help alert people who may have been in proximity to someone infected with COVID-19.
How to Keep 'Zoombombers' from Disrupting your Online Meetings or Classes
As you may have heard, several school districts, including New York City, are banning the use of Zoom video conferencing because of security and privacy concerns.
Avoiding Financial Fraud During Covid-19
ConnectSafely’s CEO Larry Magid speaks with US Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Tom Edwards and Visa VP Lori Hodges about why financial fraud is expected to increase in the coming weeks
Prepare Now in Case You Need Remote Tech Support During Coronavirus Crisis
If you’re like most people, you probably have occasional problems with your PC, Mac or other devices. And while some people have the technical skills to solve these problems themselves, most people rely on help from tech support
Data Refute President’s Linkage Between Violent Videogames & Mass Shootings
In his address to the nation following a weekend of two mass shootings, President Trump made a reference to violent video games, suggesting that these games may have something to do with shootings such as the ones that took place in El Paso and Akron.