Table of Contents
About the Author
About the Technical Reviewer
Preface
Chapter 1: Here Be Dragons
I Dub Thee…
An Ounce of Prevention
How Worried Should I Be?
What Should I Be Worried About?
Indirect Threats
A Few Final Thoughts Before We Begin
How to Use This Book
Reader Prerequisites
Operating Systems Covered
Navigating the Checklists
Tip 1-1. Simple Tip
Tip 1-2. ★ Tip with Stars
Tip 1-3. Tip with Variations
Tip 1-3a. Windows
Tip 1-3b. Windows 10
Tip 1-3c. macOS
Tip 1-3d. macOS Monterey
Objects in the Book May Seem Larger Than They Appear
Always Go to the Source
Updates and Bonus Content
Other Resources
Feedback Welcome
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 1-1. Take Good Notes
Tip 1-2. Determine Your Computer Type and Version
Tip 1-2a. Windows
Tip 1-2b. macOS
Tip 1-3. Determine Your Mobile Device Type and Version
Tip 1-3a. Apple iOS
Tip 1-3b. Android
Chapter 2: Privacy Matters
Privacy vs. Security
Why Privacy Matters for You
Why Privacy Matters for All of Us
Enter the Panopticon
Selling Privacy by the Pound
Ever Feel Like You’re Being Watched?
Solving the Privacy Problem
Who Can You Trust?
Step Away from the Ledge
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 2-1. Know What They Know
Tip 2-2. See What Your IP Address Reveals
Tip 2-3. Opt Out Where You Can
Tip 2-4. Investigate Your Own Public Information
Tip 2-5. Get Your Stories Straight
Tip 2-6. Operate on a Need-to-Know Basis
Chapter 3: Castle Guard Certification
Castle Guard in Training
Computer Lingo
Hardware and Software
File Manager
Bits and Bytes
Storage
Networks (Wired and Wireless)
Bandwidth
Bluetooth
Computer and Internet Buzzwords
Clients and Servers
The Cloud
Net Neutrality
The Internet of Things (IoT)
Know Your Enemy
Zero-Day Exploit
Malware
Hardware Bugs
Cryptic Codes and Confidential Communications
How the Internet Works
How Encryption Works
Encryption
Cryptanalysis
Modern Cryptography
Authentication and Message Integrity
Cryptographic Hashing
Message Integrity
Asymmetric Locks
Putting It All Together
Newer Isn’t Always Better
Quantum Computing
Graduation Ceremony
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 3-1. ⭑ Don’t Click Links, If Possible
Tip 3-2. Watch Out for Shortened URLs
Tip 3-3. ⭑ Don’t Open Email Attachments, If Possible
Chapter 4: Get Your Castle in Order
Backups
External Hard Drive Method
Cloud Backup Method
Cloud Drive Method
Choosing Your Best Backup Solution
Keeping the Lights On
Minimization: Less Is More
Spring Cleaning
Data Minimization
Update All the Things
Major Software Updates
Minor Software Updates
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 4-1. How to Change Computer Settings
Tip 4-1a. Microsoft Windows 11
Tip 4-1b. Microsoft Windows 10
Tip 4-1c. macOS Ventura
Tip 4-1d. macOS Monterey
Tip 4-2. ★ Back Up to an External Drive
Buy an External Hard Drive
Connect the Drive to Your Computer
Disconnecting the Backup Drive
Configure Your Backup
Tip 4-2a. Windows 11
Tip 4-2b. Windows 10
Tip 4-2c. macOS Ventura
Tip 4-2d. macOS Monterey
Tip 4-3. ★ Back Up to the Cloud
Tip 4-3a. Windows
Tip 4-3b. macOS Ventura
Tip 4-3c. macOS Monterey
Tip 4-4. Buy a UPS
Tip 4-5. ★ Clean Up Your Apps
Tip 4-5a. Windows
Tip 4-5b. macOS
Tip 4-6. ★ Turn on Auto-Update for Your OS
Tip 4-6a. Windows
Tip 4-6b. macOS Ventura
Tip 4-6c macOS Monterey
Tip 4-7. ★ Turn on Auto-Update for Your Applications
Tip 4-7a. Windows
Tip 4-7b. macOS
Tip 4-8. Download Software Safely
Tip 4-9. Scan Your Paper Documents
Tip 4-10. Shred Your Paper Documents
Chapter 5: Who Goes There?
How Did We Get Here?
May I See Some ID?
Something You Are
Something You Have
Passwordless
Understanding Password Strength
How to Crack a Password
Doing the Password Math
Using a Password Manager
Choosing a Master Password
Using a Passphrase
Doing the Two-Step
Periodically Changing Passwords
A Rose by Any Other Name
Summary
Checklist
Tip 5-1. ★ Choose a Strong Master Password
Tip 5-2. ★ Sign Up for Bitwarden
Tip 5-3. ★ Install the Bitwarden Browser Plugin
Tip 5-4. ★ Transfer Existing Passwords to Bitwarden
Tip 5-5. ★ Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Tip 5-6. Take a Tour of Bitwarden
Tip 5-7. ★ Install the Bitwarden App on Your Smartphone
Tip 5-8. Use Bitwarden to Fill in Passwords
Tip 5-9. Disable Password Saving on Your Browser
Edge:
Safari:
Chrome:
Firefox:
Tip 5-10. Delete Saved Passwords from Your Browser
Edge:
Safari:
Chrome:
Firefox:
Tip 5-11. Store Credit Cards in Bitwarden
Tip 5-12. Store Personal Info in Bitwarden
Tip 5-13. Run a Vault Health Report
Tip 5-14. ★ Generate Strong Passwords for Key Accounts
Tip 5-15. Generate and Store Offline Passwords
Tip 5-16. Peppering Your Passwords
Tip 5-17. Guard Your True Identity
Chapter 6: Raise the Drawbridge!
Macs Are Safer Than PCs
Non-admin Accounts
iCloud and Microsoft Accounts
Built-in Security Features
The Pros and Cons of Antivirus Software
Sticky Bits
Summary
Checklist
Tip 6-1. Upgrade Your Computer
Tip 6-2. ⭑ Require Passwords for Computer Accounts
Tip 6-2a. Microsoft Windows
Tip 6-2b. macOS Ventura
Tip 6-2c. macOS Monterey
Tip 6-3. ⭑ Create a Separate Admin Account
Tip 6-3a. Microsoft Windows 11
Tip 6-3b. Microsoft Windows 10
Tip 6-3c. macOS Ventura
Tip 6-3d. macOS Monterey
Tip 6-4. Install Free Antivirus Software
Tip 6-4a. Windows
Tip 6-4b. macOS
Tip 6-5. Restrict Access to Important Files
Tip 6-5a. Windows
Tip 6-5b. macOS Ventura
Tip 6-5c. macOS Monterey
Tip 6-6. Disable Unneeded Startup Software
Tip 6-6a. Windows
Tip 6-6b. macOS Ventura
Tip 6-6c. macOS Monterey
Tip 6-7. Don’t Install Apps That Come with Peripherals
Tip 6-8. ⭑ Turn on Disk Encryption
Tip 6-8a. Windows
Tip 6-8b. macOS Ventura
Tip 6-8c. macOS Monterey
Tip 6-9. Securely Erase Sensitive Files
Tip 6-9a. Windows
Tip 6-9b. macOS
Tip 6-10. ⭑ Prepare a Computer for Sale, Donation, or Recycle
Tip 6-10a. Windows
Tip 6-10b. macOS
Tip 6-11. Prepare Printers for Sale, Donation, or Recycle
Tip 6-12. Enable Laptop Location Tracking
Tip 6-12a. Windows
Tip 6-12b. macOS Ventura
Tip 6-12c. macOS Monterey
Tip 6-13. Use Lockdown Mode (macOS Only)
Tip 6-14. Don’t Trust Other Computers
Tip 6-15. Avoid Strange USB Devices and Ports
Tip 6-16. Restart Your Computer Periodically
Tip 6-17. Don’t Use Adobe Reader to Read PDF Files
Tip 6-18. Unplug or Cover Webcams When Not in Use
Tip 6-19. Beware Cold Calls for Computer Support
Chapter 7: Guard the Castle Gate
Network Overview
Modem
Wi-Fi Router
Network Address Translation (NAT)
Firewall
Wireless Connections and Quality of Service
Keep Your Gatekeeper on Your Payroll
The Internet of Things
IoT Security (or Lack Thereof)
IoT Privacy (or Lack Thereof)
A Note About Virtual Assistants
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
What a VPN Is
What a VPN Isn’t
When Should I Use a VPN?
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 7-1. Get Your Own Modem
Tip 7-2. Get Your Own Wi-Fi Router
Tip 7-3. ★ Change Your Default Router Password
Tip 7-4. ★ Update Your Router’s Firmware
Tip 7-5. ★ Lock Down Your Wi-Fi
Tip 7-6. Use the Guest Network
Tip 7-7. Create a QR Code for Easy Guest Network Access
Tip 7-8. Put Internet of Things Devices on the Guest Net
Tip 7-9. Disable External Admin
Tip 7-10. Disable WPS
Tip 7-11. Disable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
Tip 7-12. Probe Your Router for Vulnerabilities
Tip 7-13. Disable IPv6
Tip 7-14. Change Your Default SSID
Tip 7-15. Register Your Devices
Tip 7-16. Periodically Reboot Modem, Router
Tip 7-17. Disable Network Sharing Features
Tip 7-18. Change Virtual Assistant Privacy Settings
Tip 7-19. Use a VPN
Tip 7-20. Avoid Public Wi-Fi and Use Cellular Data
Tip 7-21. Disable Auto-Connect to Wi-Fi
Tip 7-22. Dumb Down Your Smart TV
Chapter 8: Spies in Your Midst
Certified Secure
Trust the ID, Question the Issuer
Tracking Tech
The Webs We Weave
You’re Being Stalked
Hey, I Know You
Tracking in Real Life
Information Leakage
DNS Queries
Referer Header
Web Form Data Leakage
On the Ethics of Ad Blocking
Choose Your Weapon
Most Secure Browser
Most Private Browser
And the Winner Is…
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 8-1. ⭑ Use a Privacy-Protecting Browser
Tip 8-2. ⭑ Configure Browser for Security and Privacy
Tip 8-3. ⭑ Change the Default Search Engine
Tip 8-4. ⭑ Install Password Manager Add-on
Tip 8-5. ⭑ Install uBlock Origin Add-on
Tip 8-6. Remove All Unnecessary Add-ons
Tip 8-7. Be Careful on “Shady” Sites
Tip 8-8. Beware of Pop-Ups Offering/Requiring Plug-ins
Tip 8-9. Use Private Browsing
Tip 8-10. Delete Personal Info from Google Searches
Tip 8-11. Be Careful When Entering Form Data
Tip 8-12. Use a Privacy-Respecting DNS Provider
Tip 8-13. Use DNS over HTTPS (DoH)
Chapter 9: Coded Messages and Wax Seals
Email
Text Messaging
Spam and Spoofed Messages
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Redirecting Links and Tracking Pixels
Dealing with Spam
How to Recognize a Fake Email
Pseudonyms R Us
Securing Communications with End-to-End Encryption
Encrypting Message and Files
Symmetric Encryption
Asymmetric Encryption
Secure Email
Secure Text Messaging
Secure Video and Voice
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 9-1. Scan Files Before Sending
Tip 9-2. Encrypt Your Message and Files
Tip 9-2a. Windows
Tip 9-2b. macOS
Tip 9-3. Send Files Securely Using the Web
Tip 9-4. ★ Use a Secure Email Service
Tip 9-5. ★ Use Secure Messaging Apps
Tip 9-6. Use Secure Voice and Video Apps
Tip 9-7. Open Attachments Safely
Tip 9-8. Use Email Aliases
Tip 9-9. Review Unused Email Accounts
Tip 9-10. Monitor Your Account Activity
Tip 9-11. Deal Properly with Spam
Chapter 10: Protect the Market and Town Square
Banking and Shopping Online
Credit vs. Debit Cards
Online Banking
Mobile Payment Systems
Financial Account Aggregators
Credit Bureaus and Identity Theft
Planting Your Flag
Cloud Storage Services
Social Media
Giving Away Your DNA
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 10-1. ★ Lock Down Your Apple/Microsoft Accounts
Tip 10-1a. Windows 11
Computer Settings
Privacy Dashboard
Tip 10-1b. Windows 10
Computer Settings
Tip 10-1c. macOS Ventura
Tip 10-1d. macOS Monterey
Tip 10-2. ★ Enable Two-Factor Auth Wherever You Can
Tip 10-3. ★ Use Credit Cards Online (Not Debit Cards)
Tip 10-4. Use Virtual Credit Card Numbers
Tip 10-5. Be Careful Using Mobile Payment Services
Tip 10-6. Give Your Credit Card Company a Heads-Up
Tip 10-7. Set Up Restrictions on Your Financial Accounts
Tip 10-8. Turn On Account Alerts
Tip 10-9. ★ Freeze Your Credit
Tip 10-10. ★ Plant Your Flag
Tip 10-11. Use Private Cloud Storage Services
Tip 10-12. Don’t Broadcast Your Travel Plans
Tip 10-13. Read the Terms of Service (or Not)
Tip 10-14. Review Social Media Privacy Settings
Tip 10-15. Don’t Share Your Email Credentials
Tip 10-16. Don’t Sign In Using Facebook, Google
Tip 10-17. Stop Tagging Other People in Photos
Tip 10-18. Scrub File Metadata Before Sharing
Tip 10-18a. Windows
Tip 10-18b. macOS
Tip 10-19. Stop Oversharing Personal Information
Tip 10-20. Close Accounts You Don’t Use
Tip 10-21. Delete Your Facebook History
Tip 10-22. Avoid DNA Heritage Services
Tip 10-23. Account Recovery Questions: Lie
Tip 10-24. De-Google Your Life
Tip 10-25. Avoid TikTok Entirely
Chapter 11: Watch over the Lads and Lasses
The Internet Is Everywhere
The Internet Is Forever
Cyberbullying
Big Brother for Little People
Porn and Predators
Don’t Panic
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 11-1. ⭑ Create a Dedicated Account for Each Child
Tip 11-2. Use Parental Controls for Young Children
Tip 11-2a. Windows
Tip 11-2b. macOS
Tip 11-3. Creating Email Accounts for Young Children
Tip 11-4. Research Before Your Kids Sign Up
Tip 11-5. Teach Your Kids to Protect Their Identities
Tip 11-6. Be Able to Access All Accounts and Devices
Tip 11-7. Honor the Age Restrictions
Tip 11-8. Friends Must First Be Met in Person
Tip 11-9. Lock Down Chromebook Settings
Tip 11-10. Teach Kids the Rules of the Internet
Tip 11-11. Beware of Connected Toys
Tip 11-12. Keep Computers in a Common Area of the House
Tip 11-13. Use Family-Friendly DNS
Tip 11-14. Use Device Tracking (Judiciously and Fairly)
Tip 11-15. Create a Contract for Your Kids
Tip 11-16. Great Parental Resources
Chapter 12: Armored Carriage: Your Mobile Castle
iPhone vs. Android
iOS Is More Secure Than Android
iOS Is More Private Than Android
Wireless Madness
To Hack or Not to Hack
Third-Party App Stores
A Mole in Your Pocket
Biometric vs. PIN Code Locks
Give and Take
Summary
Going Further
Checklist
Tip 12-1. ⭑ Back Up Your Phone to the Cloud
Tip 12-1a. iOS
Tip 12-1b. Android
Tip 12-2. Back Up Your Phone to Your Computer
Tip 12-2a. iOS
Tip 12-2b. Android
Tip 12-3. ⭑ Keep Your Device Up to Date
Tip 12-3a. iOS
Tip 12-3b. Android
Tip 12-4. ⭑ Restrict Application Permissions
Tip 12-4a. iOS
Tip 12-4b. Android
Tip 12-5. ⭑ Lock Access to Your Device
Tip 12-5a. iOS
Tip 12-5b. Android
Tip 12-6. Enable Emergency Lock Mode
Tip 12-6a. iOS
Tip 12-6b. Android
Tip 12-7. ⭑ Use Secure Messaging Apps
Tip 12-8. ⭑ Limit Ad Tracking
Tip 12-8a. iOS
Tip 12-8b. Android
Tip 12-9. Remove Unused Apps
Tip 12-10. Enable (Self) Tracking
Tip 12-10a. iOS
Tip 12-10b. Android
Tip 12-11. Use Firefox Mobile Browser
Tip 12-12. Avoid Cheap Android Phones
Tip 12-13. Get a Burner Number
Tip 12-14. Use a Mobile VPN
Tip 12-15. Don’t Use Mobile Antivirus
Tip 12-16. Disable Wi-Fi Auto-Connect
Tip 12-17. Know Your Rights When You Travel
Tip 12-18. Disable Wireless When You Can
Tip 12-19. Erase Your Device Before Getting Rid of It
Tip 12-19a. iOS
Tip 12-19b. Android
Tip 12-20. Enable Medical ID
Tip 12-20a. iOS
Tip 12-20b. Android
Tip 12-21. How to Safely Lend Someone Your Phone
Tip 12-21a. iOS
Tip 12-21b. Android
Tip 12-22. Don’t Hack Your Device
Tip 12-23. Periodically Restart Your Phone
Tip 12-24. Never Install Spyware
Tip 12-25. Check Your Phone for Spyware
Tip 12-25a. iOS
Tip 12-25b. Android
Tip 12-26. Use Lockdown Mode (Apple Only)
Tip 12-27. Use a USB Condom
Chapter 13: Odds and Ends
Privacy for Cars
Tip 13-1. Erase Phone Data Before Selling Your Car
Tip 13-2. Don’t Pair Phones with Rental Cars
Tip 13-3. Don’t Use Insurance Trackers
Tip 13-4. Don’t Install Car Maker Apps
When Bad Things Happen
Tip 13-5. Recovering a Hacked Account
Tip 13-6. Website Password Breach
Tip 13-7. Your Computer Has a Virus
Tip 13-8. You’ve Got Ransomware!
Tip 13-9. Restoring a Lost or Messed-Up File
And When I Die…
Tip 13-10. Get a Will
Tip 13-11. Add a Backup to Your Safety Deposit Box
Tip 13-12. Ensure Access to Your Accounts
Tip 13-13. Ensure Access to Your Two-Factor Device
Tip 13-14. Appoint a “Digital Executor”
Tip 13-15. Stop ID Theft After Death
Gold Stars and Tinfoil Hats
Tip 13-16. Nuke Your Hard Drive Data
Tip 13-17. Install Haven on an Old Android Phone
Tip 13-18. Add a Dedicated Guest Wi-Fi Router
Tip 13-19. Install Custom Router Software
Tip 13-20. Install a Reverse Firewall
Tip 13-21. Install and Use PGP
Tip 13-22. Host a PGP Key-Signing Party
Tip 13-23. Use Tor to Protect Your Identity
Tip 13-24. Need to Blow the Whistle? Use SecureDrop
Tip 13-25. Set Up a Virtual Machine
Tip 13-26. Use a Dedicated Secure Computer
Tip 13-27. Shut Your Pi Hole
Tip 13-28. Use Open Source Hardware
Tip 13-29. De-Google Your Android Phone
Chapter 14: Parting Thoughts
Keep Calm and Carry On
The More the Merrier
The Case for Optimism
Don’t Take This Lying Down
Summary
Checklist
Tip 14-1. Expand Your Security and Privacy Education
Books
Documentaries and Movies
Blogs and Websites
Podcasts
Tip 14-2. Fight the Good Fight (or at Least Fund It)
Tip 14-3. Spread the Word, Help Others
Glossary
Index