So here is what you are faced with when it comes to security.

AdwareAdvanced persistent threatArbitrary code executionBackdoorsHardware backdoorsCode injectionCrimewareCross-site scriptingCryptojacking malwareBotnetsData breachDrive-by downloadbrowser helper objectsComputer crimeVirusesData scrapingDenial of serviceEavesdroppingEmail fraudEmail spoofingExploitsKeyloggersLogic bombsTime bombsFork bombsZip bombsFraudulent dialersMalwarePayloadPhishingPolymorphic enginePrivilege escalationRansomwareRootkitsBootkitsScarewareShellcodeSpammingSocial engineering (security)Screen scrapingSpywareSoftware bugsTrojan horsesHardware TrojansRemote access trojansVulnerabilityWeb shellsWiperWormsSQL injectionRogue security softwareZombie

And then there is that cute redhead you met at the gig...lol

All kidding aside, what am I really trying to protect? For me as a single person (not my business) it is mainly banking information and to a lesser extent credit card information.

So...The way I protect my money is to have more than one bank account. One account that I only keep a small balance, say 4K and I use that bank card for all internet purchases and day-to-day purchases including recurring charges like electricity. I manage that account on my computer and get notified of any amounts over $100. I make it a point to take the bank manager to lunch a couple of times a year. I deposit checks in that account from my main account in person. NOTHING is on my cell phone.

My main account is not on the internet and all transactions are done in person. I do not have an ATM card for the main account. I don't get statements in the mail for that account.

Credit cards are not really an issue as I only deal with credit card companies that provide protection and notification of suspected fraud.

The rest of the stuff...

I back up things that are important to me. I am not really concerned about information on any of my computers. I don't care if you know where I live, who I am married to, or how many rounds I sent downrange at the gun store this afternoon.

I have insurance to help with identity theft and insurance that covers my liability as a gun owner/dog owner/home owner.

I use CCleaner and Norton. I have only had one virus on one of my computers in the last ten years that caused me to wipe the drive and reinstall the OS. I think most of the software like CCleaner is about the same. None of it is 100%. I have definitely got malware on my computer from trying to download "free" VSTs in the past.

The whole security issue, computers, physical security, security in public and on aircraft is becoming more complex by the year. Fatal car crashes are up across the country by large amounts and so is violent crime. Millions of people who don't have the foggiest notion of how to safely use a gun have acquired them in the last two years.

Good preparation can mitigate the issue but nothing is truly safe. Here in Miami, defensive driving is a requirement to stay alive. There are some storms that can not be survived.

I think the most important issue is to decide for your own situation what truly needs protecting and try to do a realistic assessment of what your risk are and what measures you can and are willing to take to reduce the risk.

The only thing you can really do is risk management.

Billy

Last edited by Planobilly; 02/15/22 02:51 PM.
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”