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.
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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...
Advice on Sexting, Sextortion and Revenge Porn
The safest way to avoid a picture getting into the wrong hands is to never take it, allow it to be taken, or share it. Sadly, there are cases (sometimes called “revenge porn”) where someone shares pictures meant only for them
Why Teens Love TikTok
We spoke with Jeff Collins and Lavanya Mahendran about all things TikTok, including how people are creatively using the service during this period plus TikTok’s new safety features.
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.
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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.
FaceApp Requires Caution, Not Fear
There are four lessons when it comes to FaceApp. Read on for advice about staying safe on the popular app.
Safety and Privacy of Smart Displays and Speakers at Home and in the Classroom
We discuss our use of the Facebook Portal as well as other smart displays and speakers that they have tested. There are privacy and safety implications, but they can be managed.
Google Password Checkup Helps Make Sure You Have Secure and Unique Passwords
Weak or compromised passwords are among the biggest threats to online security and privacy. Once cyber criminals get hold of your password, they can not only use it to break into your account but sell it to other criminals
How to Disable Facetime till Apple Fixes Serious Privacy Flaw
As you may have heard, there is a flaw on Apple Facetime for iOS and Mac that makes it possible for someone to listen in on what the microphone of another user hears even if that person hasn’t accepted the call.
Facebook Cracking Down on Misbehaving Page Operators
One of Facebook’s main sources of fake news and other inauthentic activity are pages operated by unscrupulous or simply careless operators that post poor quality content.
Be Safe When Shopping Online
With the holiday season underway, a lot of people will be shopping online this year. For the most part, it’s pretty safe but there are some basic precautions worth remembering.
Protecting Children from Inappropriate Content in the UK
We talk to John Carr about internet safety for kids in the UK and newly regulated laws to protect children from inappropriate content and the proper education methods to seek information.
AI, Machine Learning Battle Child Sexual Exploitation
I’ve seen a steady increase in the number of reports to the organization’s CyberTipline about online child sexual abuse images (child porn) and other crimes against children.