Passwords: A constant but necessary annoyance. What are they? Why are they so bad at securing accounts? How do you create and store the best ones possible? Is there any hope for a future without them? I will show you some common pitfalls and how to use them more securely. Passwords are the ways we *currently* secure most of our online accounts. However, they are inherently insecure since they rely on people. People usually take the the path of least…
A very 2021 problem: what the heck do you do with your COVID-19 vaccine card? In some areas it is now crucial to find a safe way to carry your proof of vaccination for entry. Yet it’s still just a piece of paper. A piece of paper that doesn’t easily fit into a wallet without getting damaged. How to Keep Vaccine Information Virtually The easiest way to keep your vaccination information handy is to take a picture of the front…
After this long year and a half that we’ve all had, I’m sure many of us are longing to travel to some place new #wanderlust. There are a few security risks to be aware of during the car rental process from using Bluetooth to avoiding rental car scams. Bluetooth devices When I was in Ohio this summer for my bestest bud’s wedding, I rented a car to get myself around. Like most people, as soon as I got to the…
Gas stations pumps can be a hidden security risk that many people are not aware of. Skimmers are tiny devices hidden inside gas pumps that steal your card information. While this is not a new problem, it continues to be a security risk every driver (of a gasoline-powered car) should be aware of. The discovery of eight skimmers inside gas pumps in Michigan was just announced a few days ago. Skimmers have also been found on parking meters, ticket kiosks,…
Have you ever gotten a job offer but something seemed off? What about an unexpected email or text from an acquaintance with a strange link? Has an old friend messaged you on Facebook about an exciting business opportunity? If you think something might be off, time to roll up your sleeves and do some good old-fashioned internet sleuth work. This is going to be a bit of a longer post, so if your sleuthing needs are in a hurry, use…
The lock in the browser bar indicates the website uses HTTPS, which signifies that any information you enter into the website is being submitted to the website in an encrypted manner. This means no one can read the text you type into a field except the website after you submit it. This is important because in the past hackers have been able to break into that transmission of data and intercept important items like your username, password, credit card or…
To put it simply, a browser is a software interface that allows you to navigate the internet. The most popular browsers by market share are Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox. Some of these will come pre-installed on any electronic device you buy, and some you have to download yourself. From the early days of Netscape, there are now dozens of browsers available catering to interests like customization (Maxthon), integrated tools (SeaMonkey), and privacy (Brave). And now for…
Welcome to Security Uncomplicated! This is my humble attempt to take security concepts and make them easy for everyone to understand. Too many blogs and articles focus on IT or security professionals, but the truth is, we all can benefit from improving our security. No amount of effort can make you 100% secure. To quote the Princess Bride, “Anyone who says differently, is selling something.” It is a constant game of cat-and-mouse to stay ahead of those wanting to take…