security Archives - Page 2 of 8

Why your smart (IoT) devices need their own dedicated user accounts

Posted on March 18, 2025

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Do you own (or plan to acquire) one or more ‘smart devices’ such as a smart speaker, an IP camera, a video doorbell, etc.? If so, here’s a little tip for you…

Virtually all smart IoT devices that connect to the Internet collect various types of data about you, your home and/or your family’s activities and send that info back to the company that made the device.

Of course some data collection and transfer activities are essential in order for the device to serve its intended purpose (an IP camera capturing video and sending it to your remote smartphone, for example), but depending on the device and how it is used some of the data that’s collected can be quite intrusive. [Read more…]

Why you really need to protect your phone with a PIN

Posted on July 2, 2024

Smartphones are everywhere these days.

In fact, you probably have one in your pocket or purse right this very minute.

Have you ever stopped to think about what could happen if your phone ever gets lost or stolen?

[Read more…]

Q&A: Is it really dangerous to keep using Windows 7?

Posted on April 28, 2024

Question from Luisa: I’m hoping you can clear something up for me.

I’ve heard some people say we need to stop using Windows 7 now that Microsoft has stopped updating it because it’s no longer safe.

Others are saying it’s perfectly fine to keep using it as long as the computer has an antivirus on it.

This is really confusing to me.

My HP laptop is old but it still works fine even though it has Windows 7 on it. I really hate the thought of having to replace it, but I will if it’s really unsafe to use.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s your recommendation for securely storing passwords?

Posted on April 26, 2024

Question from John: Rick, I’ve seen multiple articles regarding the dangers of using password managers or storing passwords in browsers.

Ok, I get it, but the flip side is also very daunting.

For me, I have over a dozen Internet accounts, and keeping track of all those passwords without some kind of automated manager is almost impossible.

Believe it or not, each and every password is extremely complex and UNIQUE.

Here’s an example of one password: A422A#5zkhN32B

This does not bode well for memorization.

I refuse to use any password manager that stores this information anywhere other than my local computer. Roboform used to, but now stores in the cloud.

I would be very interested in your recommendations for this situation. Thanks.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What happens with Two-Factor Authentication if I switch phones?

Posted on April 3, 2024

Question from Tina: I currently use the Google Authenticator app on my phone to retrieve the Two-Factor Authentication codes for logging into my online accounts.

I’m getting ready to buy a new phone and I want to make sure I won’t do something that gets me logged out of my accounts with no way to retrieve the codes to log back in.

Is there a simple way to transfer the Google Authenticator app to a new phone without messing everything up in the process? [Read more…]