The Shadow Brokers have dumped a treasure trove of NSA secret hacking tools, proving that even the best secret-keepers in the country can’t always prevent info from leaking. Is it better for intelligence agencies to hoard software vulnerabilities for use against others, or to report those vulnerabilities so they can be fixed? I delve into this topic in detail, exploring the pros and cons.

What if you could do one simple thing to protect your computer from most critical software bugs? It’s not only simple, it’s free and available to all users of modern Windows and Mac computers - and yet most people never use it! And as a bonus, I answer several of your questions from the mailbag about sharing WiFi passwords, choosing a cloud storage provider, protecting your kids while surfing the web, and things to consider when picking out a new computer!

For Further Insight:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/04/border-search-bill-would-rein-cbp

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/306525/how-to-configure-and-use-automatic-updates-in-windows

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2016/08/the_nsa_is_hoar.html

The Shadow Brokers have dumped a treasure trove of NSA secret hacking tools, proving that even the best secret-keepers in the country can’t always prevent info from leaking. Is it better for intelligence agencies to hoard software vulnerabilities for use against others, or to report those vulnerabilities so they can be fixed? I delve into this topic in detail, exploring the pros and cons.

What if you could do one simple thing to protect your computer from most critical software bugs? It’s not only simple, it’s free and available to all users of modern Windows and Mac computers - and yet most people never use it! And as a bonus, I answer several of your questions from the mailbag about sharing WiFi passwords, choosing a cloud storage provider, protecting your kids while surfing the web, and things to consider when picking out a new computer!

For Further Insight:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/04/border-search-bill-would-rein-cbp

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/306525/how-to-configure-and-use-automatic-updates-in-windows

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2016/08/the_nsa_is_hoar.html

The Shadow Brokers have dumped a treasure trove of NSA secret hacking tools, proving that even the best secret-keepers in the country can’t always prevent info from leaking. Is it better for intelligence agencies to hoard software vulnerabilities for use against others, or to report those vulnerabilities so they can be fixed? I delve into this topic in detail, exploring the pros and cons.

What if you could do one simple thing to protect your computer from most critical software bugs? It’s not only simple, it’s free and available to all users of modern Windows and Mac computers - and yet most people never use it! And as a bonus, I answer several of your questions from the mailbag about sharing WiFi passwords, choosing a cloud storage provider, protecting your kids while surfing the web, and things to consider when picking out a new computer!

For Further Insight:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/04/border-search-bill-would-rein-cbp

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/306525/how-to-configure-and-use-automatic-updates-in-windows

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2016/08/the_nsa_is_hoar.html

This week I talk with Chris Romeo on why humans are so horribly bad at picking good passwords and why this invariably makes you vulnerable to hacking. We discuss password managers and how to create the one and only password you should ever need. Along the way, we’ll explain things like two-factor authentication, how often you should be changing your passwords, and how to make sure your accounts can still be accessible if the worst happens.

In the news this week, I’ll tell you about a nasty WiFi bug that affects just about every smartphone on the market and why you will be vulnerable on public hotspots until you download the fix. Popular password manager LastPass also fixed a serious flaw in their browser plugin, though in this case, you’re probably already protected by the auto-update feature in your browser. And finally, I’ll answer a listener’s question about defending against ransomware and whether having a firewall will help.

Chris Romeo is CEO and co-founder of Security Journey. His passion is to bring security belt programs to all organizations, large and small. He was the Chief Security Advocate at Cisco Systems for five years, where he guided Cisco’s Security Advocates, empowering engineers to "build security in" to all products at Cisco. He led the creation of Cisco’s internal, end-to-end security belt program launched in 2012. Chris has twenty years of experience in security, holding positions across the gamut, including application security, penetration testing, and incident response. Chris holds the CISSP and CSSLP.

For Further Insight:

Website, www.securityjourney.com

Follow on Twitter, @SecurityJourney

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SecJourney/

Additional Resources:

https://thehackernews.com/2017/04/broadcom-wifi-hack.html

https://blog.lastpass.com/2017/03/security-update-for-the-lastpass-extension.html/

This week I talk with Chris Romeo on why humans are so horribly bad at picking good passwords and why this invariably makes you vulnerable to hacking. We discuss password managers and how to create the one and only password you should ever need. Along the way, we’ll explain things like two-factor authentication, how often you should be changing your passwords, and how to make sure your accounts can still be accessible if the worst happens.

In the news this week, I’ll tell you about a nasty WiFi bug that affects just about every smartphone on the market and why you will be vulnerable on public hotspots until you download the fix. Popular password manager LastPass also fixed a serious flaw in their browser plugin, though in this case, you’re probably already protected by the auto-update feature in your browser. And finally, I’ll answer a listener’s question about defending against ransomware and whether having a firewall will help.

Chris Romeo is CEO and co-founder of Security Journey. His passion is to bring security belt programs to all organizations, large and small. He was the Chief Security Advocate at Cisco Systems for five years, where he guided Cisco’s Security Advocates, empowering engineers to "build security in" to all products at Cisco. He led the creation of Cisco’s internal, end-to-end security belt program launched in 2012. Chris has twenty years of experience in security, holding positions across the gamut, including application security, penetration testing, and incident response. Chris holds the CISSP and CSSLP.

For Further Insight:

Website, www.securityjourney.com

Follow on Twitter, @SecurityJourney

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SecJourney/

Additional Resources:

https://thehackernews.com/2017/04/broadcom-wifi-hack.html

https://blog.lastpass.com/2017/03/security-update-for-the-lastpass-extension.html/

This week I talk with Chris Romeo on why humans are so horribly bad at picking good passwords and why this invariably makes you vulnerable to hacking. We discuss password managers and how to create the one and only password you should ever need. Along the way, we’ll explain things like two-factor authentication, how often you should be changing your passwords, and how to make sure your accounts can still be accessible if the worst happens.

In the news this week, I’ll tell you about a nasty WiFi bug that affects just about every smartphone on the market and why you will be vulnerable on public hotspots until you download the fix. Popular password manager LastPass also fixed a serious flaw in their browser plugin, though in this case, you’re probably already protected by the auto-update feature in your browser. And finally, I’ll answer a listener’s question about defending against ransomware and whether having a firewall will help.

Chris Romeo is CEO and co-founder of Security Journey. His passion is to bring security belt programs to all organizations, large and small. He was the Chief Security Advocate at Cisco Systems for five years, where he guided Cisco’s Security Advocates, empowering engineers to "build security in" to all products at Cisco. He led the creation of Cisco’s internal, end-to-end security belt program launched in 2012. Chris has twenty years of experience in security, holding positions across the gamut, including application security, penetration testing, and incident response. Chris holds the CISSP and CSSLP.

For Further Insight:

Website, www.securityjourney.com

Follow on Twitter, @SecurityJourney

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SecJourney/

Additional Resources:

https://thehackernews.com/2017/04/broadcom-wifi-hack.html

https://blog.lastpass.com/2017/03/security-update-for-the-lastpass-extension.html/

This week I discuss the stunning repeal of Internet privacy provisions with Ernesto Falcon from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Congress narrowly passed a bill that would not only toss out the regulations that would have given consumers much-needed transparency and choice in how their web surfing data is collected and used, but also would effectively prevent any further regulations from being created. Mr Falcon explains how we got here, what this means for you (the consumer), and what we can do about it.

One potential solution to this invasion of your privacy is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. I discuss how VPN’s work and how you can find a service that works for you. VPN’s are not only good for hiding your web surfing from your nosey Internet Service Provider (ISP) and wireless carrier, they can also protect your data from snooping when you’re connected to public WiFi networks.

Prior to joining EFF, Ernesto worked as a legislative staffer for two Members of Congress (2004-2010). He then became Vice President of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge where he advocated on behalf of consumers on copyright issues and broadband competition. During his tenure, Public Knowledge was successful in achieving one of the largest consumer victories in telecom policy by defeating AT&T’s merger with T-Mobile. The following year, PK and EFF scored a major victory for consumers by rallying the Internet community to defeat the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).

After eight years in Washington DC, he returned to his home state of California to go to law school at McGeorge School of Law in order to strengthen his digital rights advocacy. Now, as an attorney, he is excited to rejoin the fight for consumers and Internet freedom.

For Further Insight:

Website: https://eff.org/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EFFFalcon

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/eff/

Additional Resources:

http://www.privacyabroad.com/

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/03/congress-sides-cable-and-telephone-industry

https://thatoneprivacysite.net/vpn-section/

This week I discuss the stunning repeal of Internet privacy provisions with Ernesto Falcon from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Congress narrowly passed a bill that would not only toss out the regulations that would have given consumers much-needed transparency and choice in how their web surfing data is collected and used, but also would effectively prevent any further regulations from being created. Mr Falcon explains how we got here, what this means for you (the consumer), and what we can do about it.

One potential solution to this invasion of your privacy is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. I discuss how VPN’s work and how you can find a service that works for you. VPN’s are not only good for hiding your web surfing from your nosey Internet Service Provider (ISP) and wireless carrier, they can also protect your data from snooping when you’re connected to public WiFi networks.

Prior to joining EFF, Ernesto worked as a legislative staffer for two Members of Congress (2004-2010). He then became Vice President of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge where he advocated on behalf of consumers on copyright issues and broadband competition. During his tenure, Public Knowledge was successful in achieving one of the largest consumer victories in telecom policy by defeating AT&T’s merger with T-Mobile. The following year, PK and EFF scored a major victory for consumers by rallying the Internet community to defeat the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).

After eight years in Washington DC, he returned to his home state of California to go to law school at McGeorge School of Law in order to strengthen his digital rights advocacy. Now, as an attorney, he is excited to rejoin the fight for consumers and Internet freedom.

For Further Insight:

Website: https://eff.org/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EFFFalcon

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/eff/

Additional Resources:

http://www.privacyabroad.com/

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/03/congress-sides-cable-and-telephone-industry

https://thatoneprivacysite.net/vpn-section/

This week I discuss the stunning repeal of Internet privacy provisions with Ernesto Falcon from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Congress narrowly passed a bill that would not only toss out the regulations that would have given consumers much-needed transparency and choice in how their web surfing data is collected and used, but also would effectively prevent any further regulations from being created. Mr Falcon explains how we got here, what this means for you (the consumer), and what we can do about it.

One potential solution to this invasion of your privacy is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. I discuss how VPN’s work and how you can find a service that works for you. VPN’s are not only good for hiding your web surfing from your nosey Internet Service Provider (ISP) and wireless carrier, they can also protect your data from snooping when you’re connected to public WiFi networks.

Prior to joining EFF, Ernesto worked as a legislative staffer for two Members of Congress (2004-2010). He then became Vice President of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge where he advocated on behalf of consumers on copyright issues and broadband competition. During his tenure, Public Knowledge was successful in achieving one of the largest consumer victories in telecom policy by defeating AT&T’s merger with T-Mobile. The following year, PK and EFF scored a major victory for consumers by rallying the Internet community to defeat the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).

After eight years in Washington DC, he returned to his home state of California to go to law school at McGeorge School of Law in order to strengthen his digital rights advocacy. Now, as an attorney, he is excited to rejoin the fight for consumers and Internet freedom.

For Further Insight:

Website: https://eff.org/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EFFFalcon

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/eff/

Additional Resources:

http://www.privacyabroad.com/

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/03/congress-sides-cable-and-telephone-industry

https://thatoneprivacysite.net/vpn-section/

What are your rights at the border? It depends on your immigration status, and even US citizens will not enjoy their usual Constitutional rights in this situation. This is an important topic that should not be overlooked. I have a insightful and revealing discussion with Adam Schwartz from the Electronic Frontier Foundation about the recent escalation in US border searches of electronic devices. We'll discuss what’s happening and how you can prepare for potential searches at the border, and why this is important for every citizen whether you plan to leave the country or not.

Adam Schwartz is a Senior Staff Attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Adam works to ensure that new technologies expand instead of shrink our privacy, freedom of speech, and other civil liberties. Before joining EFF, Adam worked as a Senior Staff Attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. Adam graduated in 1995 from the Howard University School of Law.

Also, in the news this week: 600M iCloud accounts are purported to have been hacked - are you at risk? And the Senate has taken the first step towards allowing your internet service and cell phone providers to once again do whatever they please with your web surfing and app usage data. I'll tell you how much you need to worry about these and what you can do about them!

For Further Insight:

Website: https://eff.org/

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EFF

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eff/

Additional Sources For You:

https://www.eff.org/wp/digital-privacy-us-border-2017

https://medium.freecodecamp.com/ill-never-bring-my-phone-on-an-international-flight-again-neither-should-you-e9289cde0e5f

https://act.eff.org/action/don-t-let-congress-undermine-our-online-privacy