There’s no question Amazon dominates the online shopping world. But you might not like just how much the tech giant knows about you. If you want to get the most out of Amazon without sacrificing your privacy, it’s time to optimize your profile settings so the company (and advertisers) know as little about you as possible. These five critical security settings will give Amazon access to just the bare necessities of your personal data.
One lie security experts use all the time and you should, too
We are constantly hearing new and revised advice on managing online accounts, but sometimes we have to deal with more than just passwords when it comes to security. Some sites also require answers to a series of security questions that can later be used to verify your account or recover a lost password. Tap or click here to create better passwords.
In recent years, experts have reconsidered the use of security questions, which may ask you to remember personal tidbits like your pet’s name or the first street you lived on. On one hand, these can be easy to answer, but they may lend you a false sense of security.
There are certain classic questions that pop up again and again, like “What is your mother’s maiden name?” One of the biggest problems with these sorts of questions is the answers can be easy to find. Your mother’s maiden name is likely a matter of public record and by simply knowing the name of your high school, a thief can figure out the mascot.
Hackers that accessed user accounts, like with the infamous Yahoo data breach, have also been able to access user security questions and answers. So how can we better secure our security questions? One possible approach is to simply lie about your answers, but even that has some potential pitfalls.
Google’s take on security questions
A study conducted by Google researchers concluded that “secret questions generally offer a security level that is far lower than user-chosen passwords.” It also uncovered a problem where people who lie about their answers later forget those made-up answers, which made it more difficult for them to recover forgotten passwords.
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Ultimately, the researchers say, “We conclude that it appears next to impossible to find secret questions that are both secure and memorable.” While Google research isn’t optimistic about these types of questions, they are still in use for a lot of websites, so we need to adapt.
How to manage your security answers
Now back to the idea of lying about your answers. How can you field these sorts of questions in a more secure way without forgetting your fictional answers?
One solution is to use a password manager, which lets you use hard-to-crack passwords without having to remember each and every one. Most password managers let you keep secure notes. This is where you can store your made-up answers. Tap or click here for details on Kim’s choice for a password manager, Roboform.
If you’re not using a password manager, then be sure you come up with fake answers you can replicate later. For example, if the question asks for your mother’s maiden name, you might instead use your grandmother’s middle name or the maiden name of a favorite celebrity.
Ready to hire? Find great candidates the way Kim does
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Every small business has its own unique needs. And, despite the uncertainty of the world right now, one thing that remains unchanged is the importance of having the right people on your team.
Some business owners turn to free job boards or sites like Craigslist. That’s a big mistake. You never know what you’re getting from sites like that. They simply don’t have the tools or screening systems in place to find quality employees, and you’ll never get back the time you waste doing that work yourself.
The serious privacy risk of coronavirus tracing apps
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Contact tracing is said to be one of the most useful steps a population can take to slow the spread of COVID-19. The process is straightforward: Individuals who are infected report their confirmed case to health officials along with contact information of the people they may have exposed themselves to. This helps isolate outbreaks before they can grow.
Billions of passwords for sale on the Dark Web - this one was used 7 million times
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How tough are your passwords? Despite what you may think, the best password practices from 10 years ago won’t cut it today. If you share passwords across different websites, for example, it’s time to get busy changing them for the sake of your security.
DIY face mask tutorial with Kay
If you are wondering what the best way to make a face mask to protect yourself is, this video isn’t going to help. But, if you are looking to have a good laugh and release some of that built-up tension you should give this video a watch.
Small-biz essential: How to pick the best VPN
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Blocking threats online feels like a neverending game of whack-a-mole. That’s why it’s important to take safety precautions before it’s too late and a criminal already has compromised your system. The best way to protect yourself is with a virtual private network.
6 software programs worth paying for
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With so many software options available for your computer, it can be tough to wade through the programs to decide what the needs, wants, and wastes are — especially when it comes to programs that you have to pay for.
4 critical features to look for in a home protection service
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Even though some coronavirus restrictions are starting to be lifted across the U.S., many Americans are committed to staying home. At least until they feel safe going out in public.
While you’re still at home, the last thing you need is the added stress of worrying about burglars trying to break into your home. That’s why it’s important to have home security from a company you can trust.
Home-based jobs, sanitize your phone, COVID conspiracies and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products, and all things digital.
Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about the new iPhone, keeping gadgets clean, detecting viruses, and more.
10 COVID-19 scams spreading right now that people are falling for
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The numbers are staggering. The Federal Trade Commission says coronavirus-related scams have cost Americans $13.4 million so far this year. Google blocks more than 100 million phishing emails every day as criminals try to steal money and personal information. About 18 million of them are coronavirus-related.
Sanitize food deliveries, stimulus check scams, spying bosses and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital.
Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. Do you have a question you’d like to ask me? I’d love to help you out.
Working from home? You need a VPN now more than ever
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You’ve heard Kim talk about how important it is to have a virtual private network (VPN). Now that a lot of you are working from home, it’s even more important to choose a VPN you can trust.
The coronavirus pandemic has prompted many companies across the U.S. to have employees work from home (WFH). That means it’s not just the personal information stored on your device at risk from security threats, but also your work data.
Sanitize Amazon boxes, Zoombombing, Apple Pay tricks and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital.
Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about deliveries, cash alternatives, private video calls and more.
Working from home? 8 tips for managing remote employees
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The coronavirus pandemic has turned the world upside down. Millions of people are trying to help flatten the curve by practicing social distancing, among other things.
While this is a great way to help slow the spread of the virus, it’s taking a huge toll on the economy. Companies have seen a sharp decline in business and some have even had to close their doors. Others have been asking employees to work from home (WFH).
Work from home basics: 4 tips to help you get started
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The dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases has prompted many businesses to transition to remote work. In 2018, a quarter of Americans worked from home at least some of the time. Now, at-home workers may be the norm for the foreseeable future.
5 ways tech can help you stay sane while you stay home
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I can’t stop thinking that I am in the middle of a thriller about a sinister virus that causes a global pandemic. But this is no made-for-Hollywood screenplay. It’s a real catastrophe.
Many people are dealing with frustrating tech challenges while trying to find a new normal. You can Google anything; it’s just that you never know if the search results are legit. That’s why, in my Komando Community, I’m helping readers and listeners just like you get answers to their tech questions.
Hackers spreading fake coronavirus maps - use this one instead
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There’s no shortage of panic now that the coronavirus has been classified as a pandemic. Stores are running out of supplies like bottled water, dried beans and even toilet paper.
Whenever huge events happen in the world, the dregs of society come out in full force — and the coronavirus outbreak is no different. Cybercriminals have been taking advantage of unsuspecting victims with tons of scams. Tap or click here to see a list of coronavirus scams out to get you.
9 security mistakes people make when working from home
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COVID-19 got you working from home? If not, you might be soon. In cities where the virus has spread, local authorities are advising schools and businesses close temporarily to prevent further transmission.
That said, transitioning to working from home from working on-site is a complex task. Crewmember roles need to be adjusted for digital access and protocols must be in place to make sure work doesn’t slip through the cracks. Tap or click to find out how to prepare your business for coronavirus.
This meal planner is a must for anyone serious about getting in shape
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Contrary to every workout pep talk you’ve ever had, getting your ideal body takes a little more than just willpower. It takes smarts, nutritional research and a lot — we mean, a lot — of planning. There’s calorie counting, rigorous reading of ingredient lists and all those daily hassles that any dieter knows all too well.