Quick Tip Tuesday

If you’re tired of Google’s privacy issues, check out Proton Drive Docs.

It’s very similar to Google Docs but with one key difference: it’s end-to-end encrypted. That means not even Proton can see your files.

Proton has a lot of other services too that are worth checking out. They have a free version of everything, as well as paid upgrades if you want more features.

And keep an eye out for an upcoming podcast where we dive in a bit further!

(We get nothing from recommending this btw, just the satisfaction of sharing a good tool)

Proton Drive Docs

Your email is the key to almost every online account you own, making it a prime target for hackers. Protect it by using a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second step to verify your identity.

Not sure how to set it up? Search for instructions specific to your email provider. For a deeper dive into 2FA and how it keeps hackers out, check out episode 28 of our podcast: “Keep the Hackers Out, Part 2.“

Windows Remote Desktop is a tool mainly used in business settings, and you may not have heard of it before—but it’s enabled by default on Windows.

Recently, a cyber group known as Midnight Blizzard hacked several companies by sending attachments that, when opened, allowed remote access to victims’ computers.

If you don’t use Remote Desktop, it’s best to disable it. Here’s how:

1. Go to your Start menu, and search for “Add or Remove Programs.”

2. In the search bar at the top, type “Remote.” You should see “Remote Desktop Connection” appear in the results.

3. Click the three dots to the right, select “Uninstall,” and confirm by choosing “Uninstall” again.

4. When prompted, restart your computer to complete the process.

Websites use cookies to store data on your computer. Some cookies are essential, like those needed for logging in.

However, others can impact your privacy. Third-party cookies, often used by advertisers, are typically the ones you’d want to block.

You can check if you allow third-party cookies here

If this says “Third party cookies are functioning in your browser.”

You might want to change that setting in your browser.

For a deeper dive, listen to our podcast episode 38: Do I really need to accept all these cookies?

You may have heard of DNS, often called the phonebook of the internet. When you want to visit a website, like google.com or ihpacademy.com, DNS tells your device how to get there.

What might surprise you is that you can choose which DNS you use. Some options protect you by blocking all known malicious sites—they simply refuse to tell your device how to get there. It’s like ripping pages out of the phonebook.

But you don’t have to stop there. You can remove all sorts of pages to block nudity, gambling, piracy, social media, and more. It’s up to you.

If you’d like to upgrade your DNS phonebook, just reply to this email and let me know what kind of pages you’d like to rip out!

Do you use PayPal? I do fairly regularly, so I was a bit disappointed when I found out that PayPal has changed its Privacy Policy. Starting November 27th, 2024, PayPal will, by default, store your purchase history in preparation for selling it starting early 2nd quarter next year.

Luckily, you can disable this by going to your PayPal settings, Data & Privacy section. There you will find a “Personalized Shopping” preference.

Disable it now so you don't forget.

It’s clear that search engines are serious business—Google's entire empire started from one.

But did you know that in 2021, Google paid a staggering $26 billion just to become the default search engine on mobile phones?

In our podcast Episode 13: The Simple Trick Google Uses to Dominate, we dive into the bigger questions this raises.

You’ve probably heard the term. It’s a technique that uses artificial intelligence to alter someone’s appearance or voice, making them look or sound like someone else.

Here’s a fascinating website about the moon landing that demonstrates the power of deepfakes.

Take the challenge to see if you can spot the difference between real and fake!

This Taylor Swift deepfake advertisement fooled some people. Be skeptical even if it's a name you recognize!

If you’re on a site you don’t already know and trust, take a moment to pause and get a second opinion from someone you trust.

This simple pause can help you avoid many scams.

We believe it’s critical to have someone you can talk things over with. We call this trusted person your “Protection Partner.”

In Episode 4 of our Super Simple Security Principles podcast, we discuss who makes a good Protection Partner. We also dive into some other ways to use this simple practice to stay safe.

Are you still reusing passwords?

I understand – it's convenient. But let me give you a compelling reason to stop.

When you reuse a password and it's leaked in a data breach, hackers take that email and password combination and use it to try to access your other accounts.

In 2024, data breaches are happening multiple times a week. You can read all the painful details here.

Maybe you don't use the exact same password everywhere – perhaps you have a few variations or make small tweaks for each website. Unfortunately, these strategies are no longer effective enough to keep your accounts safe. Learn why by listening to Episode 2 of our Super Simple Security Principles Podcast.