Adobe Creative Suite. Norton Antivirus. The Facebook app on your phone - what do all three of these have in common? They are just a few examples of third party programs, and tech expert Burton Kelso is back with us to explain how to be smart when using this kind of software.

Third party programs are any programs that are an addition to your current operating system (IOS, Windows, Android, etc). So Microsoft Word is not a third party program for PC, but AVG Antivirus is. Another example for your iPhone - Safari is not a third party, but the Instagram app is.

Why is it important to be able to identify these kinds of programs? Because as helpful as a third party program can be, it can also be doing sketchy things with your data. What data is it collecting and where is it sending it? It could be sending it to Russia, true story!

Another way these programs get access to your computer is through browser extensions or plugins. You might be tempted to add it to have coupon codes pop up while you’re shopping, but that also means it’s tracking everything you do.

The answer to this potential cybersecurity threat is not to go delete every third party program you use. Burton is quick to point out how much they make our lives easier and more fun! Instead, the key is awareness. Every app or piece of software comes with a Terms of Service. Maybe you’re used to just scrolling through the thousands of words in 2 point font and clicking “accept.” Don’t do that anymore! That fine print is where you learn what is being collected and what they are doing with it.

Burton also points out that most modern computers don’t even need antivirus software, so you might be able to forgo that particular type of third party software altogether.

Making informed decisions about what access you allow programs to have to your computer is a big step towards protecting your information. Next time you go to download an app or plugin, take a second to understand what you’re agreeing to!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Tech expert Burton Kelso wants you to be aware of what third party programs you are putting onto your computer and phone.
2. Third party programs are any programs that are an addition to your operating system (they didn’t come with the computer or phone).
3. While these apps and programs can be very useful, they can also be a cybersecurity risk. Check the Terms of Service before you add a new one to your device so you know what you are agreeing to share and where it is being sent!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about Burton Kelso, please visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/burtonkelso

https://www.callintegralnow.com

Article: Russian Kaspersky antivirus software could be used by Kremlin to hack into computers, governments warn

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/russian-kaspersky-antivirus-software-could-123528646.html

If you'd like to learn more about cybersecurity and online identity protection, you can connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-mantilia/

To protect your company against cyber crime, you can now book me for cybersecurity training:

https://bit.ly/3CtZKzD

To keep your family protected online, learn more about our Identron Identity Theft Protection software:

http://bit.ly/Identron

Your home router is a little piece of equipment that you probably don’t think about that often (as long as it’s working). It’s time to change that mindset and strengthen your home cybersecurity! Don’t worry, I’m going to guide you through steps you can take that aren’t scary at all.

Are you wondering why it’s worth the effort to keep Mr. Creepy from using your internet? Here’s one yucky scenario: if your WifI is unprotected, Mr. Creepy can hop on your network and access illegal websites, leaving you to talk to the police because it was done through your network.

Or Mr. Creepy gets onto your network, and access other devices connected to it - devices like your work computer, or your home computer with sensitive financial info. And then that info gets sold on the dark web, causing you all kinds of headaches. So let’s tighten up your cybersecurity!

First, turn your attention to your router password. Yes, your router has a password! Most routers are set up by your internet provider, and still use the default manufacturer password. You need to change this from the manufacturer settings, and set a unique password that only you know. It sounds intimidating, but if you go to Google and search your brand of router and “change passwords,” I promise you will find a step-by-step YouTube video or article that will walk you through the steps.

Second, time to check on your WIFI network name and password. This network name is also called the SSID, so if you see that term, don’t worry. I'm sharing a couple things to keep in mind when choosing a network name.

Finally, I want you to make a list of all the devices currently connected to your WIFI network and verify that you want them connected and that they have automatic updates turned on. I even have a quick shortcut you can take!

And remember, you don’t have to complete all these steps right this minute, so don’t feel overwhelmed. Just get started and work your way through over time - the additional cybersecurity to protect your family or business is worth the effort!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. The technical words around router and WIFI security sound intimidating, but you can learn these simple cybersecurity steps to take to protect your family or business.
2. Three important actions I’m highlighting today are changing your router password, strengthening your Wifi network security, and checking on your devices to ensure they are as secure as possible.
3. If you don’t know how to change a setting on your router, google the router name plus what you want to do, and you’ll find a YouTube video or article to help! 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

'See who's on your WIFI' PC Magazine Article:

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/see-whos-on-your-wi-fi

If you'd like to learn more about cybersecurity and online identity protection, you can connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-mantilia/

To protect your company against cyber crime, you can now book me for cybersecurity training:

https://bit.ly/3CtZKzD

To keep your family protected online, learn more about our Identron Identity Theft Protection software:

http://bit.ly/Identron

Did you know 85% of security breaches and ransomware attacks are caused by human error? The good news is that once you know the right pieces of information, and act accordingly, your chances of cybersecurity problems plummet. You have the power.

In this episode, I'm sharing 2 quick actions you can take to decrease your chances of security breaches. This information is vital not only for you as an individual, but also for companies and anyone who handles sensitive customer data and payment information. It’s important to share this knowledge with others since it’s so effective in reducing cybersecurity attacks.

When you share my 2 tips as part of a company or service, it’s a great way to build trust with your customers. They get value from cybersecurity tips that transcends your offering. Plus, it builds trust between you and the customer.

Listen in to find out what they are.

Takeaways from this episode:

-Sending an email letting customers know you won’t ask for their account info is a proactive way to help them protect themselves – and enhances your brand value and reputation.

-Multi-factor authentication is when you opt to receive a text message to verify your identity when logging in to your account, and it prevents others from gaining access to it.

-Speaking to customers in simple, plain language helps build trust because they understand and benefit from your information.

If you'd like to learn more about cybersecurity and online identity protection, you can connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-mantilia/

To protect your company against cyber crime, you can now book me for cybersecurity training:

https://bit.ly/3CtZKzD

To keep your family protected online, learn more about our Identron Identity Theft Protection software:

http://bit.ly/Identron