The Ask Leo! Podcast

You may have heard that hackers can sometimes beat two-factor authentication. It's true, but that doesn't make it useless. I'll describe how each type of two-factor works, which ones hackers can trick, and why skipping 2FA is still the riskiest choice of all.

Every online account you own is valuable to criminals looking to steal your identity, spread malware, or empty your accounts. Here's why you're a target no matter what, and how to protect yourself before it's too late.

ClickFix is a scam that turns a simple "prove you're human" (or other fake message) pop-up into a malware trap, using your own keystrokes to install it. I'll discuss how it works, where you'll find it, and the one red flag that gives it away every time.

Malware can slip past even a good antivirus program. Using my silliest metaphor yet, I'll explain vulnerabilities, exploits, and what actually keeps you safe. Learn how infections happen and what you can do about it.

Two-factor authentication keeps your accounts safe, but what happens if you lose your phone or key fob? I'll walk you through what you need to do now so you never need to worry about being locked out later.

Not all passwords are created equal. Some resist hackers for centuries; others fall in seconds. I'll rank six password techniques from strongest to weakest, including one horrible password I still remember from 45 years ago, and how even that can be made secure.

Windows Update usually keeps your PC current, but not always right away. I'll show you how to check for updates until none are left, so you can be confident your Windows computer is as up to date as it can be.

Sharing a link seems simple, but some methods create long, broken, or trackable URLs. I'll show you how to copy clean links, strip out tracking codes, shorten long URLs, link to a highlight or video moment, and check that the link will work.

Ransomware can lock up every file on your computer and hold it hostage until you pay. I'll discuss defenses that work, why backups are your best insurance, and why you should never, ever pay the ransom.

Is the cloud really dangerous, or is that just a lack of understanding? I'll break down what "the cloud" actually is, why it's no riskier than email or online banking, and the simple habits that keep your data safe no matter where it lives.