Best Web Browsers to Protect Your Privacy & Preventing Payment Card Fraud
Feb 25, 2024
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Topics covered in the podcast include tips for online privacy, securing personal data, managing credit cards, unlocking iPhones, and blurring homes on Google Maps. Guests discuss ransomware, browser privacy, auto-generated passwords, and the impact of AI on scams and fraud.
Privacytests.org evaluates browsers' privacy protections objectively through automated tests.
Website trackers pose a significant privacy threat by collecting sensitive data for targeted advertising.
Brave browser stands out for prioritizing user privacy compared to other browsers.
Using a VPN alongside a privacy-focused browser can enhance personal data protection online.
AI-driven scams escalate frauds with personalized messages and forged documents, creating significant threats for consumers.
Scammers exploit vulnerable individuals by creating fake Facebook accounts for funeral live streams, leading to financial data theft.
Deep dives
Evaluation of Browser Privacy by Privacytests.org
Privacytests.org was created by Arthur Edelstein to objectively evaluate browsers' privacy protections. The website runs automated open source tests to assess browser privacy by checking for leaks of private information.
Key Privacy Threats on the Web
The most significant privacy threat on the web is tracking by websites, embedding invisible trackers to build personal profiles and collect sensitive data for targeted advertising. The US government has accessed data indirectly through trackers without warrants, raising concerns about privacy breaches.
Browser Privacy Assessments
Some browsers exhibit robust privacy protections, while others lag in safeguarding user data against tracking scripts and pixels from major tracking companies like Google and Adobe. Brave browser emerges as a browser making substantial efforts to safeguard user privacy.
IP Address Privacy and VPN Recommendations
To enhance privacy, using a VPN is recommended to mask your IP address, a key identifier used by websites to track users. Combining a privacy-focused browser with a VPN can enhance personal data protection while browsing the web.
AI Crime and Scams
AI is revolutionizing scams and frauds, escalating crimes to new heights of scalability, accuracy, and plausibility. Through spearfishing attacks, criminals can personalize messages with detailed information to deceive victims effectively. With more than 20 identified AI scam tactics, including forging documents and driver's licenses, AI poses a significant threat to consumers.
Phone Drying Tips
Apple advises against using rice to dry wet iPhones due to potential damage from rice particles. Instead, tap the phone gently to remove excess liquid, let it dry for at least 30 minutes, and if the charging port is wet, wait up to 24 hours before recharging. Avoid using heat sources, a can of air, or cotton swabs to dry the phone.
Facebook Funeral Scams
Scammers create fake Facebook accounts to announce funeral live streams of deceased individuals using real names and photos, exploiting vulnerable grieving friends and family. These scams prompt viewers to input credit card details to access the live streams, resulting in financial data theft. Although violating Facebook policies, such scam pages persist on the platform.
Identity Theft Challenges
Dealing with credit card and identity theft challenges, individuals like Vicki share multiple incidents of credit card unauthorized openings and social security number misuse. These incidents lead to credit score fluctuations and extensive efforts to report to credit bureaus, authorities, and freeze accounts. The difficulty of resolving identity theft issues underscores the necessity for enhanced security measures and vigilance.
Smart DVDs for Streaming
To convert older TVs into smart TVs for streaming channels, using a smart DVD player can serve as a practical solution. By utilizing a smart DVD player, users can access streaming services and turn their conventional TVs into smart TVs. This method offers a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy content on older television sets.
Appreciation for Music Selection
Listeners acknowledge the engaging bumper tunes played on the show, expressing enjoyment in the music selection. The upbeat and engaging music adds to the overall show experience, creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. The carefully curated music enhances the show's entertainment value, resonating with the audience.
Patience in Education
Educator Annette reflects on the challenges of addressing bullying and social media influences among high school students. The pervasive impact of social media on children's behavior, from bullying to addiction and attention-seeking, poses significant obstacles to establishing a healthy educational environment. Dealing with student pressures driven by social media involvement requires patience, understanding, and proactive strategies.
Phone Drying Alternatives
Apple cautions against using rice for drying wet iPhones due to potential damage from rice particles, recommending gentle tapping to remove excess liquid and air drying for optimal results. Avoiding heat sources, harmful materials, and excessive drying techniques is essential to prevent further damage or complications. Safeguarding the iPhone's integrity during water exposure incidents ensures effective recovery without risking impairments.
Credit Monitoring Alerts
Employing credit monitoring services to detect unauthorized credit card openings and credit inquiries provides essential insights into potential identity theft incidents. Prompt notifications of suspicious activities empower individuals like PJ to take immediate action, safeguarding their financial security and mitigating risks of fraud. Proactive monitoring and response strategies strengthen personal data protection and help combat fraudulent activities.
Social Media Influence and Children
Parental concerns about social media's pervasive influence on children's behavior resonate with the challenges of navigating digital environments. The profound impact of social media platforms on children's perceptions, interactions, and decision-making underscores the importance of understanding and addressing social media-related issues. Addressing the addictive and detrimental effects of social media among children requires proactive parenting, awareness, and education to foster healthy digital habits and resilience.
Rich talked about the AT&T outage and the healthcare hack this week, and how it got him to thinking about having a backup plan.International authorities busted a major ransomware hacking group called LockBit and released free software to help victims unlock their files.Thurman in Massachusetts wants an alternative to the Thunderbird email app. Rich recommends checking out a website called AlternativeTo.net.Bill in San Diego wants to retrieve text messages from his deceased sister’s phone. He has the passcode. Rich recommends the iMazing App.Rose in Los Angeles looking for more information about Google’s Results About You feature. Rich mentioned DIY opt-out guides at DeleteMe and HaveIBeenPwned.comVivian in Menifee says she is locked out of her iPhone because she forgot her passcode.Ring stops selling its Car Cam.Google is pausing its Gemini AI image generator until it can get things right.ZJ in Anaheim wants to obscure his home on Google Maps. Rich says to follow the directions here. Find your home on Street View and tap Report a Problem in the lower right-hand corner. Here, you can request to blur out your home. Google says they will “review your report as fast as we can.”Chris in Long Beach wants to know if auto-generated passwords are a good thing. Rich recommends using a password manager and also setting it as the Autofill on your iPhone or Android.Arthur Edelstein of PrivacyTests.org, open-source tests of web browser privacyPam in Ventura is worried about her credit card being hacked. Rich mentioned some ways to protect your card number including using Tap to Pay and the chip when possible. And when shopping online protect your number with a one-time use number from a service like Privacy.com.Samsung released a major...
