One of my “work hats” is data security for small businesses. I ensure that data is backed up properly and that networks are secure – firewall, updates and access and user security. I have had to deal with hackers on the dark web. To me these attacks are the same as a foreign invasion on domestic soil and the reply should be the same.
My advise for individuals is to use strong passwords and never reply to unsolicited email or text messages. Not even to tell them to f*** off. Also use different passwords;
Pick a good foundational password. and then have different endings, depending on what it is used for.
Sample: HMFOGtliwtPGE2024! This is the first 10 letters from the Hail Mary 🙂 plus PGE (for your Pacific Gas&Electric a/c plus the year).
Then HMFOGtliwtCAR2024! for (say) Car insurance.
Continue like this for all your utilities and banking. You can end up with 20 password but they are all secure and “complicated” to meet password policies. Each January change the 2024 to 2025 and you now have new passwords.
If only your email is shown as compromised on the site when you checked, then don’t worry too much about that. BUT DO CHANGE your passwords at least once a year.
If you don’t rely on prayer, pick a nursery rhyme or song as the base.
If you can combine these steps with bio-metric security then opt for that if given the choice. For email make a point of using MFA, setup on your cellphone.
Reg the Fronkey Farmer 3 months, 2 weeks ago.
