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News, Tips, and Information. Cybersecurity for All.

Russell Mickler Russell Mickler

What to Do When a Scammer Threatens Your Family

An ordinary family photo can become material for an AI-generated sextortion scam. When criminals bring threats into the family group chat, a calm response matters. Learn how to protect your privacy, support someone being targeted, preserve evidence, and find help—without giving the scammer more money or attention.

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Russell Mickler Russell Mickler

5 Scams Targeting Retirees

Scammers use urgent calls, convincing messages, and even imitated voices to target retirees. Learn how five common schemes work—and why pausing to verify the story is your strongest defense.

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Digital Safety, Privacy Russell Mickler Digital Safety, Privacy Russell Mickler

Contacts, Emergency Contacts, and Medical IDs for Mobile Devices

Your phone’s contact list can reveal far more than names and numbers. For activists, advocates, and vulnerable communities, it can expose relationships, networks, and sensitive connections. Learn why minimizing stored contacts, configuring emergency contacts, and enabling Medical ID can make your phone safer without sacrificing critical information.

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Privacy, Law Russell Mickler Privacy, Law Russell Mickler

What to Do if a Police Officer Demands You Unlock Your Phone

What should you do if a police officer asks you to unlock your phone? This practical guide explains how to protect your privacy before, during, and after a police encounter, including what to say, what not to do, and how the Fourth and Fifth Amendments may apply. Learn simple steps you can take now to safeguard the personal information you carry with you every day.

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Cybersecurity, Privacy, Digital Safety Russell Mickler Cybersecurity, Privacy, Digital Safety Russell Mickler

Eluding Surveillance and Preparing Your Mobile Phone for Confiscation

Before entering a protest, border crossing, government building, or other uncertain environment, a few simple steps can make your phone much harder to track or search. Learn why powering it down, using a Faraday bag, and leaving it in its “Before First Unlock” state can provide meaningful protection when your device leaves your hands.

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Security Advisories Russell Mickler Security Advisories Russell Mickler

Legacy Version of Microsoft 365 Will Stop Working on MacOS Devices After Jul 13, 2026

Support for older Microsoft Office versions on Mac is changing, and outdated installations could stop working if they haven't received the latest updates. Learn which versions are affected, how to check your installation, and what steps you should take now to keep Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook running without interruption.

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