Malware, viruses, hacks, and anything else that may compromise your identity online, computer, or digital device.
Security and Privacy
Can I use NFC with Yubikey to unlock my data?
Episode 1563
Laverne fromLaverne made a secondary Yubico key on her network. She wants to know if her Galaxy Note 9 Android phone will unlock via NFC since it has a chip. But she gets an error message. Is it the key, or the phone? Leo suspects the phone isn't seeing the code as it needs to. She could try the YubiKey app that is available through the Google Play store.
Do password managers off shared passwords?
Episode 1560
Ron fromRon does some things online where his wife and he have separate passwords, and some where they share passwords. Is there a password manager for that? Leo says that it's called shared passwords and almost every password manager supports that. Basically, you send an invite and share it over as long as they are using the same password manager. LastPass has a Family Password manager. One Password is also a good one.
Is there a secure way to remotely lock or unlock my door?
Episode 1560
Sam fromSam is thinking of getting an Alexa or Google Assistant to control his door locks and is worried about security and privacy. Leo says that all assistants are roughly the same. They listen for a keyword. And there's no evidence that either Amazon or Google are spying on you. Schlage makes one that is dedicated and doesn't need the assistant, so it has a directly line which can be more secure. But any iOT device can get hacked. Bottom line is, that no door lock is perfect. It's a deterrent, a suggestion. But if the bad guy wants to get in, he can.
Has my Gmail been hacked?
Episode 1559
Jim fromJim got an email from Google that stated he had put in a request to terminate his account, which is something he never asked for. Leo suspects this is a phishing attempt. He should hover over the URL for the link they offer to contact them and see if it's legit. Chances are, it isn't.
Collection #1 Password Hacks Prove to be Older than Believed
Episode 1559
Yesterday's story about Collection #1 - a package of hacked email passwords, is actually now reported to be a few years old, so the damage is not as great as previously believed. But Leo still says that it's a wise idea to go to HaveIBeenPwned.com/passwords and see if your account has been hacked. And then change your password. In fact, it may be a good idea to change it anyway, and turn on 2 factor authentication while you're at it.
Over 21 Million Passwords Exposed by Hackers
Episode 1558
According to the creator of HaveIBeenPwned.com, over 21 million passwords have been hacked and revealed on the dark web. Leo says to find out if your passwords have been hacked and stolen, head over to https://haveibeenpwned.com/passwords and input your passwords. It'll let you know if your passwords have been hacked.
Can cars be hacked?
Episode 1557
Richard fromRich wants to know if connected cars that have internet can be hacked. Leo says they can indeed, but the hacker needs to be pretty close to the car to make that happen. Car companies also need to put forth more effort to make the car's computer more secure.
How can I get my home security system to work on my windows?
Episode 1556
Ron fromRon bought a SimpliSafe home security system, but he doesn't know how to install the sensors on windows that crank outward. Leo says that's not going to work if they close a circuit like magnets. There are other kinds of sensors, including strip sensors that can work with it. They're designed for casement windows. But will they work with Ron's system? Only SimpliSafe knows for sure.
(Disclaimer: SimpliSafe is a sponsor)
Do I need to pay for antivirus software?
Episode 1556
Kevin fromKevin has an old laptop and wants to know if he needs Webroot antivirus. Leo says that back in the day, Webroot was very good. But lately, If he's able to update to Windows 10, Windows has its own antivirus called Windows Defender which is very good. Before Windows 10, Microsoft had Windows Security Essentials. Both are essentially the same, and they're free.
Why is my iPhone constantly asking for a password?
Episode 1555
Bruce fromBruce wants to know why he's being asked for his iCloud password all the time on his iPhone 8. Leo isn't sure why this happens, but it's happened to him as well. It does go away eventually. Leo thinks it's just a bug. Leo suggests going into settings, and re-entering his passwords there.
