Cyber Smart with Dana: Recent Episodes

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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

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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

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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

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Fraud and money laundering may sound like the stuff of James Bond films, but these crimes are impacting real families and businesses every day. Jaime Ramirez has worked in the financial industry for decades, and dedicated the last five years to working specifically with digital identity. He is here to share with us how biometrics & identity confirmation could be the key to keeping “dirty” money out of our banks.

“Dirty” money is the result of illegal activities such as drug sales or terrorism financing. The criminals “launder” it to make it look legitimate and hide the source of the transactions. It definitely takes a creative mind to stay one step ahead of these bad guys!

Cryptocurrency is the new battleground in the fight against money laundering. It’s possible for fraudulent accounts to be created using identity information scammed from victims like you and I. These scammers might ask for a picture of your driver’s license to “confirm” a social security increase - but what they do instead is use it to open an account in your name.

Jaime has several tips that you can follow to help protect your financial security:

First, make sure that anytime you are sharing your credentials or other sensitive information, that you are truly sharing it with who you mean to. Don’t click on links through random emails. Don’t call the phone numbers in those emails, either. Go directly to the verified website and start from there.

Second, keep a close eye on your credit report, bank accounts AND your online shopping accounts. If you see suspicious activity, report it immediately. Don’t let the criminals continue to use your Amazon account because you haven’t noticed!

Finally, we cannot stress how important it is to use a different password for each account. If you use the same email and password all over the place, it’s an open invitation for criminals to hack your identity.

Following these actionable steps will go a long way to protecting your online identity and reduce the chances of fraud or money laundering interrupting your financial peace.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Fraud and money laundering are crimes that affect people everyday through scams and theft of digital identity.
2. Jaime Ramirez has seen it all during his 30-year career and wants more people to be aware of the problem.
3. To help avoid having your identity stolen, make sure you are always working with the true organization you intend to - and not a scammer pretending to be them.
4. Also, make sure to keep a close eye on all your accounts, and use a different password for each one.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The $1M Dollar Romance Scam:

https://cyber-smart-with-dana-mantilia.sounder.fm/episode/million-dollar-romance-scam

Connect to Jaime Ramirez:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeramirez-/

Learn more about Preventor:

https://preventor.com/

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

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There is a lot of technical jargon in the world of cybersecurity, have you noticed?For example, the government is working on a project to increase cybersecurity among all its contractors, and they are calling the program CMMC. Now you and I and all the non-technical people are going, "CMMC? What is that? What does that have to do with me?"Good question, and even after turning to Google, I was still confused. The clear next step was to turn to the experts. Except, it turned out they used jargon too and, sadly, their answers weren’t always very clear. Enter CyberSmart! What I was inspired to do was to bridge the gap between the technical speak of the experts and the language that all the rest of us can understand. I really niched down and decided to target regular folks who aren’t yet aware of the huge threat that is cybercrime.After securing certification with the CMMC Accreditation Board, I started my mission to be the host (the Oprah if you will) of cybersecurity. This decision to narrow down my focus has been very successful. My videos now show up as results on YouTube for the search term CMMC, and there is a lot of interest when I reach out to experts to interview on LinkedIn.My mission is to make cybersecurity information accessible and help you to protect your family and your business. This influences every decision I make for who to talk to and what topic to chase down next. So the next time you have an important message to share, make sure to really narrow down who you are talking to, like I did. It makes a big difference!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. When deciding what topics in cybersecurity to talk about, I was inspired to help bridge the gap between experts and non-technical folks like myself.
2. A lot of people still aren’t aware of the increasing cyber threats in our world.
3. By niching down, I was able to gain visibility and reach more people.
4. We’re spreading awareness and it’s successful in large part due to focusing our efforts!

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 take your online content to the next level, learn about what I can do for you and your company:

www.cyberdana.com

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

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Laughter is the best medicine, and Ian Murphy has discovered that it’s also the best teacher. Murphy, a cybersecurity pro, is approaching this entire topic from a brand new angle - with humor.

Clocking in with over 3 decades of cybersecurity experience in both the public and private sector, Ian has been running his own business for the past 17 years. His latest project: creating and sharing educational yet entertaining videos about cybersecurity.

Why infuse humor into such a serious topic? Ian says it’s because boring presentations just don’t work. He wants you to think back to your school years and recall your favorite teacher. It was the funny one, wasn’t it? Those lessons that kept you engaged through laughing were how you retained the most information. It’s no different for adults!

Of course the scary teachers were memorable too, but not because you remembered anything other than fear. And that’s what Ian sees happen all too often with traditional cybersecurity training. Participants walk away from an employer mandated workshop feeling scared and worried, but without remembering specifics. To make things even worse, these presentations often utilize technical jargon that's very difficult for non-technical audiences to understand.

Ian’s approach is totally new and refreshing in the cyber industry as he attaches happier emotions to critical security information and delivers it in everyday language. The result: people actually remember it! And truthfully, would you rather attend a regular cybersecurity webinar or listen to Ian do his comedy routine? That’s a no brainer!

Webinar participants later tell Ian they’ve made their password more secure because of him, or taken other cybersecurity steps because his humor took the spookiness out of the topic. This feedback is what keeps him going!

Takeaways from this episode:

• Although cybersecurity is a serious risk, Ian Murphy discovered that training people on best practices actually works better when you include humor.

• He thought about what helps him retain information and realized that happy emotions are more effective than fearful ones.

• His webinars use everyday language and lots of comedy to engage his audiences and make sure they leave with useful information.

• It works! People tell him they came in without any intent to change their personal cybersecurity and after listening to him changed their mind.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Ian Murphy on LinkedIn:

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

To learn more about Ian’s projects please visit:

https://www.cyberoff.co.uk/

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

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Did you know that ransomware is a highly effective weapon that countries are deploying against each other? Security consultant and ex-hacker Mike Jones is back with us to talk about how this could affect global politics.

Chances are you’ve heard of ransomware in it’s commercialized form. These attacks are perpetrated against corporations or consumers, causing them to lose access to their information unless they pay a huge ransom to the bad guys. Mike explains that providing ransomware as a service has become so widely used as a business model that there are actually help lines for hackers to call if the ransomware isn’t behaving properly. Help lines, I kid you not!

With that level of effectiveness, it’s not surprising that this technology has evolved to be used as a weapon. Mike coined the term Ransomware as a Weapon or RAW. We can see examples of this being used in Estonia to bring down the power grid, or more recently in the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

One of Mike’s top concerns is how little the public understands about what is going on, which is why he’s doing his best to get the word out about it. His experience behind the scenes of cyber intelligence has shown him that the full picture includes economic as well as political impacts.

There are three specific areas that Mike believes could benefit from extra funding and attention, including the sharing of information. Right now, companies are hesitant to share key takeaways from overcoming a cyberattack. He wants that type of data to become public information, so other companies can learn from it. This would be an important cultural shift!

There is currently a huge deficit of cybersecurity professionals. Mike sees people coming out of the military as a valuable resource in closing that gap, but vets need support transitioning to private sector jobs. To meet this need, Mike is launching a charity called Hackers for Vets. This charity will provide scholarships for certifications and equipment to vets who need it.

Mike encourages teamwork to fight these threats. He believes that the key to overcoming ransomware as a weapon will be looking out for one another and working together.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Ransomware has evolved into a powerful weapon in global conflict.
2. Mike Jones, security consultant and ex-hacker, wants to raise awareness and increase information sharing in the private sector to help combat this.
3. There is a huge need for more cybersecurity professionals, and Mike is launching a charity to equip people coming out of the military to help fill that gap.
4. Through this charity, Hackers for Vets, Mike plans to provide certification scholarships and equipment to vets who need it.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Cyber War: The Next Threat to National Security and What to Do About It

https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-War-Threat-National-Security/dp/0061962244

1. How vulnerable is your information? A 'good hacker' spills the beans

https://cyber-smart-with-dana-mantilia.sounder.fm/episode/how-vulnerable-are-you-hackers-online

To connect to Mike Jones please visit:

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

Subscribe to Mike's podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h4unt3d-hacker/id1569755148

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

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Tell me if you’ve ever had these thoughts: “I’m not going to get hacked,” or, “I don’t have anything a criminal would want”? You’re not alone in thinking these things, but unfortunately they are 100% not true.

That’s right, It’s time to dispel those myths, my cyber warriors! I invited Jessica to share her story with you today, because she learned the hard way that cyber criminals will take anything they can get.

Jessica was a victim of identity theft in 2014 after a data breach at a former employer. Through no fault of her own, her sensitive data was released out there in cyberspace. It came to her attention when she started to receive alerts from her credit monitoring company - accounts in her name were popping up all over the country. Even pharmacies she’d never been to were asking her to come pick up subscriptions.

Now - did you notice the part where Jessica had credit monitoring? Thank goodness she did, or she would not have known right away that this was happening! Immediately, she started to take steps to prevent it with an alert on her credit account.

Now here's another round of bad guys - sleazy credit issuers. They ignored the alert and continued to allow fraudulent accounts to be opened until Jessica eventually froze her credit altogether. Sadly, she ended up with her financial information in a gigantic mess that has taken years to clean up.

The moral of this story? This type of cyber crime can happen to anybody because your name, social security number, and credit identity is all a criminal needs to wreak havoc on your life.

The second moral of this story? Make sure you have good credit monitoring in place! Choose a product like our Identron, that checks all three credit bureaus and allows you to monitor your children’s credit as well. Imagine if this had gone on for years before Jessica even knew about it, yikes!

Even though she is still cleaning up her credit report, this story has an empowering ending. Jessica decided to switch careers and go into cybersecurity. This experience has made one thing clear: she wants to help prevent cyber crimes from happening to anyone else!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Cyber crimes such as identify theft can happen to anyone, and criminals will cause a lot of damage with just your name and social security number.
2. Identity theft takes a lot of time and energy to recover from, it’s no joke.
3. Credit monitoring is a must-have! Look into a product like our Identron, that will let you know right away if anything suspicious is happening with your credit.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Report Identity Theft Online:

https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/report-identity-theft

Prezley Videos about how to protect your account while gaming:

https://www.youtube.com/c/PREZLEY/search?query=password

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

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Former FBI Agent Scott Augenbaumhas investigated cybercrimes for decades, and he has an important message for you: 90% of cybercrimes are preventable.

By arming yourself with a few key pieces of information, you will avoid being one of the next 11 million cybercrime victims. Scott is here to share these actionable tips based on his insider perspective from over 30 years on the FBI cybercrime unit.

While sharing his experiences, Scott really opens up about why he is on such a heartfelt mission. He shares how depressing it was to investigate crimes where the bad guys usually didn't go to jail, and the victim didn't get their stuff back.

That’s why he wants you to take a few minutes out of your day to learn, and make changes to protect yourself and your family.

First - passwords. That’s right, if you are still using the same password for multiple accounts, you are basically asking a hacker to come take your information. Scott points out that it’s extra important for ‘mission critical accounts' to have unique passphrases that are at least 15 characters long. And, as an extra layer of security, always enable two-factor authentication.

Educating those around us who are more vulnerable, especially seniors and children, is another way to combat cybercriminals. Scams against the elderly are happening every day and with more than 54 million Americans over the age of 65, this is a growing problem. Scott feels so strongly about protecting seniors, he’s willing to send that chapter of his book for free to anyone who emails him!

Finally, credit monitoring is a must. No matter how many obstacles you put in place, it’s still possible for these bad guys to find your information on the dark web from a data breach. They can open lines of credit using your social security number, which down the road wreaks havoc on your life because you don’t know about it. It’s a good idea to sign up for identity and credit monitoring that will let you know immediately if anyone is using your information.

Scott encourages you to intentionally take five minutes out of your day to complete these steps and protect yourself and your family!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Cybercrime is not a new problem. It’s been around for over 30 years, and former FBI agent Scott Augenbaum has been fighting it since the beginning.
2. If you are a cybercrime victim, it’s very difficult to prosecute the bad guys and you aren’t getting your money back.
3. Strong passwords and credit monitoring are a good place to start.
4. Share this information with children and seniors to protect them as well.

Connect to Scott E. Augenbaum on LinkedIn:

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

scott@cybersecuremindset.com

To purchase Scott's book 'The Secret to Cybersecurity: A Simple Plan to Protect Your Family and Business from Cybercrime' please visit:

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Cybersecurity-Protect-Business-Cybercrime/dp/1948677083

Mission Critical System:

https://www.locked.com/

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

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2022 is here and it's time to organize your cybersecurity habits! Tech expert Burton Kelso is joining me to break down some key vulnerabilities we all face, while sharing actionable tips you can use right now.

How well are you protecting your data? Burton stresses the importance of regularly backing up apps and files from all your devices to always be prepared. Hackers using a ransomware attack can lock you out of your device, so you need to be able to start fresh without being tempted to pay them off!

Passwords are another key part of data protection, and it’s crucial that you use a different one for each account. If your username and password from one account is leaked on the dark web, don’t make it seamless for bad guys to gain access to more of your data! Burton’s tech insider tip: use “pass phrases'' which are 2 or 3 words put together to be more secure than a single word.

Even your phone number can be used against you these days. Burton counsels you to make a Google voice or WhatsApp number that you use for anyone you aren’t close friends with. That way if the number is compromised, you can ditch it without having to get a whole new real number.

Taking the time to protect your family from the dangers of tech addiction and online dangers is also critical. Children face real dangers from predators who use games as a way to gain their trust.

Burton shares that many parents monitor their children’s phones, but don’t realize that gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch or PS4 are also a security threat! You can download apps directly from the console manufacturer that will mitigate some of the risk, but nothing beats taking the time to sit down with your child and have a discussion about expectations and boundaries.

Check off these key areas and you’ll make 2022 the year you rock the cybersecurity game!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Tech expert Burton Kelso and I want you to get organized and strengthen your personal cybersecurity this year!
2. He’s sharing quick and easy solutions for areas like data backup, password creation, old device disposal, and more.
3. Remember to protect kids from online dangers, including ones that may creep in through their gaming consoles.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

USE A PASSPHRASE web tool:

https://www.useapassphrase.com/

Electronic Recycling centers near you:

https://www.ecosia.org/search?q=electronic+recycling+centers+near+me&addon=chrome&addonversion=4.0.7&method=topbar

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

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Did you know that there is a huge gap of professional cybersecurity experts, with 100,000+ open positions? Frank Hall with CyberPatriot is here today to share how this program is leveraging educational games to give students a head start in pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

CyberPatriot is a cyber education program that works with people all the way from elementary school students to senior citizens. It’s goal is to help everyone learn how to protect themselves, their computers, and their information online.

The core of the program is an annual competition for middle and high school students. While competing, students get to practice actual information technology skills such as encryption, computer lab setup, and defending a network from a live attack.

Frank uses real world cyberattack data to show his students that the lessons they are learning for the game can be used to have a real impact on preventing cybersecurity breaches.

In 2020, CyberPatriot had over 7,000 teams worldwide which represents about 35,000 students participating. Frank encourages teachers to join the program and start a team at their school. If the teacher doesn’t have strong IT technical skills, it's not a problem!

IT professionals can volunteer as in person or virtual mentors to supplement the study materials provided, which is actually how Frank became involved 10 years ago.

He has found it incredibly rewarding to see many students decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career thanks to the influence of CyberPatriot, and hopes schools will jump on board to expand the program even further.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. CyberPatriot is a cyber education program that has developed an annual competition to get students interested in cybersecurity.
2. Students learn software and hardware skills that correlate to real world cybersecurity problems.
3. Teachers who don’t have technical experience can still start a team at their school and get paired with a volunteer IT professional mentor.
4. This main benefit of this program is the influence it has on students to pursue a cybersecurity career and help close the gap in the industry.

To learn more about Cyber Patriot's Cyber Defense competition, please visit:

https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/

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

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The fresh start of the New Year is a great time to organize your data. Without prior planning, it is often impossible for someone to come in and handle our affairs in the case of an emergency that leaves us incapacitated.

I know we’re diving into an uncomfortable topic today, but it’s really important. Let me be your guide, with action steps for you to work through.

Stop and ask yourself questions like these: do you have a plan in place for your kids if something happens to you? Does someone in your life know how to access all your online accounts?

These are just a few of the aspects it’s important to organize and then communicate to someone you trust, I’m sharing many more specific examples people tend to forget about.

Once you have your paperwork gathered together, make sure to protect it in a fireproof cabinet or bag. And as you take these steps to get organized, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Don’t procrastinate on getting your data organized, do it now!
2. Write down websites and usernames for accounts that are online only. Keep passwords stored separately.
3. Any assets or obligations that you have should be recorded, and all paperwork kept in a fireproof cabinet or bag.
4. It’s uncomfortable to talk about, but incredibly important. Most people don’t do this, so any steps you take to get organized will help!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Annual credit report DIY version:

www.annualcreditreport.com

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

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Have you ever been followed into a gated community by someone and wonder what they were up to? Did you know that you can protect your business and hire the right employees by using strategic interview questions during the hiring process?

Jay Abiona is here to share some tips he’s learned from over four decades in the security industry. He is the founder and CEO of Credible Security Solutions, providing security consultations, private investigation, and personal protection to clients.

One of Jay’s most high profile jobs revolves around security of a certain 12 foot tall, Waterford crystal covered ball that is seen each New Year’s Eve in Time Square. You won’t want to miss his insider details of what that experience is like!

He’s also using real life stories of the tactics bad guys use to teach us ways to stay alert and safe.

Through his company’s presentations to HR directors, hiring managers, and CEOs’, Jay is spreading the word about ways to structure interviews and what to watch out for in job candidates to avoid hiring anyone prone to lying, theft, or violence.

I was fascinated to learn about micro-expressions, and how the way we word our questions can help give us clues as to someone’s honesty. You’ll know what to watch for after hearing his examples!

Plus, be sure to listen to the end to find out how you can use a water bottle to uncover a potential liar in a job interview.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Security professionals employ strategies that are also useful to individuals and businesses.
2. Live in a gated community? Find out what a “slider” is and how you can recognize one.
3. Members of a hiring team can really benefit from training offered by security experts like Jay and his company to avoid hiring a potential active shooter or thief.
4. Watching for these micro-expressions is a powerful way to find out if someone is telling the truth.

To learn more about Jay Abiona please visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-abiona-4758024a/

To learn about Credible Security Solutions please visit:

https://www.credible-ss.com/

Active Shooter Awareness training:

https://www.credible-ss.com/active-shooter

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

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If you’re a parent or a teacher, I can guarantee that you’re concerned about the amount of time kids and teens spend on social media.

Combatting social media addiction is something I am passionate about and my quest for information led me to Jason Breed and his program Digital Future Initiative or DFI. Over the last four years, DFI has reached more than a million kids with their message to promote internet safety, combat social media addiction, and end cyberbullying.

Jason is deeply concerned about the way devices and social media are redefining how children relate to each other.

At least 94% of kids at all socioeconomic levels use social media regularly. New studies coming out show that kids who use social media for five or more hours a day are 280% more likely to become depressed.

That is a really scary statistic! Jason’s goal is to provide these students with the tools they need to navigate technology with balance and mental health, starting in elementary school and continuing all the way through high school.

You see, schools have a huge opportunity to directly reach these kids, however, there’s currently no real consistency in what's being taught across states or grade levels.

Compounding the problem is the fact that often students know more about the tech than the educators.

I mean, remember how we used to be the ones to program the time on the VCR for our parents because we were more tech-savvy? Well, nowadays, these children are what Jason calls “digital natives.” They just don’t know life without technology, while us adults are trying to catch up.

DFI is here to close that gap. Whether you’re a parent, or an educator who has been tapped to lead this kind of program in your school, they’ve got your back! No need to start from scratch, they have tons of constantly updated resources curated for you so you can help the children in your life stay happy and healthy online.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Social media and device use is affecting kids and teens at all socioeconomic levels.
2. There isn’t a consistent framework in place at many schools for educating students on how to navigate online life in a healthy way.
3. Depression, and low self-esteem are just a few of the possible harms from too much time spent on social media.
4. Digital Future Initiatives provides training and resources for parents and schools to understand the problems posed by social media and how to educate students effectively.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Watch Social Dilemma on Netflix:

https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224

Learn about Digital Future Initiative and their educational programs:

https://www.dfinow.org/

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

http://bit.ly/Identron

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It is vitally important to start a conversation with the seniors in our lives to protect them from the scummy scammers who are out to get their money.

We need to educate our senior loved ones on this problem that we are all tackling together, because honestly these scams are popping up all over the place.

Two red flags that can let a senior know they are dealing with a scam are urgency and emotion.

Encourage them to slow down and realize that most things in life do not come at us with immediate action needed!

Sadly, the “grandparent scam” combines both of these factors and has been quite successful at stealing money from seniors. To compound the problem, these criminals compile “sucker” lists of these victims and sell them on the dark web.

Seniors should also be made aware that the government isn’t going to call them. Even if the caller ID says “IRS” or another government agency, it’s because the scammers are able to spoof the numbers. Legitimate communication will always come in the form of a letter, and the contact information can be verified on the agency’s website.

This next action step is for everybody, regardless of your age, and also you can do it for your children. It’s so important to claim your online Social Security Administration account. I was kind of shocked at the amount of personal information that is accessible there!

What a nightmare if a scammer were to claim it first, access all your information, and then even try to get your disbursements when the time comes. So make sure you help seniors to set this up and use a password that is difficult and not used anywhere else.

Finally, credit monitoring is an important piece of this puzzle for protecting our seniors.

You need to know when there is any activity on their credit report because it’s the only way to know if a scammer has taken a loan out or opened a credit card in their name. We have a product called Identron which takes all the legwork out of monitoring a loved one’s credit!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Our brains literally change as we age and make us more trusting, leaving seniors more vulnerable to scams.
2. Approach the conversation as a partnership to solve a problem together.
3. Educating seniors on the signs of scam such as urgency and emotion can help protect them.
4. Monitoring their credit will let you solve identity theft in real time rather than later when it’s a big mess.
5. Our product Identron can make this very simple and send you alerts any time there is a change. Learn more at www.identron.com

Resources mentioned in this episode:

To claim your Social Security account, please visit:

www.ssa.gov

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 download the flyer you can print and distribute to your family when you go and visit, please visit:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15xGpEY00pF5VaAkcKajV0MY_YEcG96rY/view

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Did you know that your tech habits are probably making you a wide open target for hackers? Or that your business could be at risk because of social engineering or hidden accounts on the router?

Security consultant and ex-hacker Mike Jones is here to help you find these vulnerabilities and protect your family and business!

We’re going to really go over several of the cyber security risks at home. From location geotags on pictures, to those fun quizzes all your friends are answering on social media, we’ll discuss ways you’re probably giving out more information than you realize.

Mike also has some great advice on how to reduce your information footprint online, if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort.

And, spoiler alert, you just might find yourself rethinking that Alexa device sitting on your desk once you hear what a hacker can do with it!

At work, there’s a lot at risk as well. Even small companies can be hacked, and their network used as a base for cyber attacks...which could result in the FBI showing up and shutting down your data center.

Talk about a disaster for your operations. But don’t worry, Mike has some suggestions for protecting businesses as well!

By the end of the episode, you’ll be really glad Mike is one of the good guys and able to share so many useful tips to keep you and yours safe.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. People usually underestimate the security risks they are taking with technology in exchange for convenience.
2. These risks are present both at home and inside of businesses.
3. A good rule of thumb is that if you can view something externally (i.e. a security camera), so can the hackers.
4. Businesses need to be very aware of the information that employees are freely sharing that can compromise cybersecurity.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Robin Sage experiment:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Sage

Right to be forgotten - how to ask Google to delete your information off the internet:

https://support.google.com/legal/answer/10769224?hl=en

To connect to Mike Jones please visit:

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

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

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Does someone in your life know the inner workings of your financial footprint in case something happened to you?

I know bringing up the topic of our own death may feel uncomfortable, but it’s an important discussion we need to have.

Twice I’ve suddenly lost someone dear to me and helped to close out their estate. What made a heart-wrenching time even tougher was the simple fact that they aren’t there to clear up confusion or answer questions.

From this first-hand experience, I can tell you that in today’s increasingly paperless world, it’s become almost impossible to know what accounts exist in a person's name. Or how to unlock their devices - unless there is intentional planning beforehand.

Even the information in detailed obituaries can be used by the bad guys to steal from you during this time of heartache. I know, it’s horrific!

I’m sharing a few simple steps you can take to start organizing your information, which will lessen your risk and bring you peace of mind.

And remember - you don’t have to do this all in one day! Start the conversation with the tips in this episode and you’ll be on your way to being prepared.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Even though thinking about death can lead to discomfort, it’s still important to start conversations about being prepared and organized.
2. It’s better to have these talks while everyone is healthy and safe.
3. Be careful about what information you include in an obituary.
4. Keep important documents in a fireproof safe or fire-resistant bag to be ready for emergencies.

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

Podcast Managed by The Podcast Space, LLC.

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In these days of technology and especially with the global pandemic, more and more people are turning online for friendship and love.

And many of them are getting scammed out of large sums of money.

That’s what happened to Debby Montgomery Johnson, and today she shares with us her story of losing over $1 million dollars in an online romance scan.

Debby, best-selling author of the book “The Woman Behind the Smile,” knew several success stories with online dating, and decided to give it a try.

Before long, she met an educated businessman named Eric who made her feel cared for and loved. But the handsome Brit she spent the next two years building a relationship with turned out to be someone very different indeed.

I invited Debby to share her story with us today to start a conversation about how to prevent these types of scams from happening! You, your sister, your mother - we’re all vulnerable and getting the word out is the best way to stop these scammers.

Debby knows that a lot of victims are shy or embarrassed about coming forward, but wants to reassure them that this can happen to anyone. There are support groups where you can talk about it with others and realize you’re not alone!

We’ll discuss several red flags to help you recognize common scammer behavior, including what to do if that new online 'friend' asks for money.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Debby is sharing her story so that out of the bad that happened to her, others can avoid the same situation.
2. If you have been scammed, please share your experience rather than withdrawing in shame. It could happen to anyone!
3. It’s important to report online scams to the FBI so they can have accurate data.
4. Red flags that could indicate a scam include refusing to video chat with you, your friendship advancing very quickly, and asking you for money (even in small amounts).

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Debby's book, The Woman Behind the Smile:

https://thewomanbehindthesmile.com/

Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.:

https://againstscams.org/

To find an internet complaint with the FBI, please visit:

https://www.ic3.gov/

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

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Have you seen all the reports in the news about ransomware, cyber attacks, and data breaches? Do you use the same username and password for multiple websites? These are just a couple ways cyber crime finds its way into our lives, and I want to teach you how to prevent it from effecting you in devastating ways.

My name is Dana Mantilia - I am a mom, business owner, and cyber security expert. My journey into cyber security started in 2017, when I partnered with a software company to create a credit monitoring product called Identron.

Intrigued by how much there is to learn, I became a Certified Identity Protection Advisor and then went on to earn my Cybersecurity Certification from Harvard University. This training allowed me to see that businesses AND consumers need a plan in place to protect themselves from cyber attacks!

I excel at taking these technical issues and breaking them down to be easy to understand, plus I love sharing tons of actionable tips you can use immediately.

You will definitely want to hear my upcoming interviews with cyber industry insiders, including ex-hackers, an ex FBI agent who was in the cyber crimes division, and the victim of a $1 million scam. For real, $1 million!

My goal is to create a conversation around these topics and teach you how to protect yourself and your family!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Cyber security is important for every person and every business.
2. It’s time to start taking this threat seriously and taking action to protect against it.
3. Help spread awareness about how to be safer in today’s digital world!

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