Today's podcast addresses listener questions on topics like handling 2FA codes while traveling, the necessity of changing passwords, securing IoT devices, using hardware security keys, privacy-focused email clients, VPN challenges, and protecting cryptocurrency. The host also gives insights on the TikTok ban legislation.
Manage 2FA abroad by setting up roaming or using VoIP services for authentication codes.
Follow NIST recommendation to change passwords only after a known compromise for stronger security.
Beware of web tracking through registration of hardware security keys and its privacy implications.
Enhance privacy by segregating networks for IoT devices and consider browser-based email clients for improved privacy controls.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Two-Factor Authentication During Travel
When using two-factor authentication (2FA) while traveling and experiencing difficulties due to SIM card changes, the security risks of SMS-based 2FA are highlighted. The discussion delves into the challenges of receiving verification text messages with different SIM cards and provides insights into managing 2FA during international travel, suggesting solutions like setting up international roaming or using VoIP services for receiving authentication codes.
Debunking Mandatory Password Rotation
The podcast explores the outdated practice of routinely changing passwords even when accounts are not compromised. The narrative discusses the history behind password rotation policies, emphasizing their potential negative impact on creating weak passwords. Current recommendations, supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), advocate changing passwords only when there is a known compromise or suspicious activity, promoting the use of password managers for strong, unique passwords.
Privacy Considerations and Hardware Security Keys
Inquiries about privacy implications of hardware security keys reveal concerns regarding potential tracking when registering them with online services. The episode critically examines the possibility of uniquely tracking these keys, particularly through web-based interactions and possible implications for user privacy. Explored concepts include device fingerprinting, web USB APIs, and implications for user anonymity and security.
Privacy-Focused Mail Clients and Network Segmentation
Addressing privacy-focused mail client options for Mac users, the discussion compares the privacy features of Apple Mail with alternative clients. Considerations center around blocking embedded trackers in emails, with recommendations suggesting browser-based mail clients for improved privacy controls. Additionally, navigating network segmentation for connected devices like Amazon Echo highlights the importance of segregating networks to enhance data privacy and security.
Identifying Security Vulnerabilities: Insights on Hacker Strategies
Exploring how bad actors identify and exploit security vulnerabilities, the podcast examines the methodologies behind hacking techniques. Insights include a discussion on how hackers discover potential weaknesses within technology systems, weighing the balance between detailed knowledge of device composition and programming expertise versus trial-and-error strategies. The episode illustrates the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity advancements amid the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.
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Common Vulnerabilities in Devices
Hacking involves both specific knowledge about targeted devices and common vulnerabilities in devices. Hackers often use tools with mechanisms to find devices on a network, identify their make and model, probe for vulnerabilities, and exploit known security flaws. Many devices run on common operating systems like Linux and use standardized protocols such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which hackers can target with attack vectors.
Privacy Concerns with VPNs and Data Security
Using VPNs for privacy on public Wi-Fi networks raises concerns about VPN compatibility with streaming services and potential data security risks. Some VPN providers may block streaming services due to geo-restrictions or contractual obligations, impacting user experience. Users face challenges such as VPN restrictions on in-flight Wi-Fi and issues with data security involving malicious files and potential malware infections on devices, highlighting the need for enhanced privacy measures and cybersecurity practices.
Today I answer some of the most interesting listener questions from the past several months, including: how to do you get SMS 2FA codes while traveling abroad; should I periodically change all my passwords; how do hackers attack IoT devices inside my home network; can a website fingerprint me based on a hardware security key; can you recommend an email client that protects your privacy; if I give my IoT device permission to see my local network, does that include the guest network; how to hackers find vulnerabilities and figure out how to attack them; why can't I use my VPN on an airplane to stream Netflix; how can I protect my cryptocurrency and smartphone. Also, I give my take on the crazy TikTok ban legislation.
Links
New Year’s Resolutions for 2024: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/new-years-resolutions-for-2024/
GRC’s Shields Up! Tool: https://www.grc.com/shieldsup
Secure your home network: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/secure-your-network-part-1-scan/
My Take on TikTok Ban: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/my-take-on-tiktok-ban/
The TikTok Situation is a Mess: https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-tiktok-situation-is-a-mess
EFF on TikTok: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/03/5-big-unanswered-questions-about-tiktok-bill
The US Wants to Ban TikTok: https://www.404media.co/the-u-s-wants-to-ban-tiktok-for-the-sins-of-every-social-media-company/
Further Info
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:00:38: Couple quick updates
0:02:37: Getting SMS 2FA codes while traveling abroad
0:07:37: Should I periodically change all my passwords?
0:13:23: How do hackers attack IoT devices inside my home network?
0:19:10: Can a website fingerprint me based on a hardware security key?
0:24:42: Can you recommend an email client that protects your privacy?
0:29:30: If I give my IoT device permission to see my local network, does that include the guest network?
0:33:18: How to hackers find vulnerabilities and figure out how to attack them?
0:37:35: Why can't I use my VPN on an airplane to stream Netflix?
0:43:57: How can I protect my cryptocurrency and smartphone?
0:50:05: AT&T breach update
0:50:56: My Take on TikTok
0:57:28: Wrap-up
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