Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, direct answers to common threat vectors and defensive deployments.
Is a built-in browser password manager safe?
They are better than nothing, but tactically inferior to dedicated managers. Browser managers tie your credentials to a specific ecosystem and are often vulnerable if the device is left unlocked. A dedicated, zero-knowledge manager is recommended.
Do I really need antivirus on a Mac or iPhone?
No system is immune. While macOS and iOS have strong sandboxing, malware exists for both. More importantly, phishing and credential theft do not care about your OS. Focus on behavioral defense (not clicking bad links) and network-level blocking (DNS filtering).
How do I know if my email has been breached?
Utilize trusted services like "Have I Been Pwned". Enter your email address to check against known database dumps. If compromised, immediately change the password and ensure MFA is active.
My child wants to use public Wi-Fi. Is it safe?
Public Wi-Fi is a hostile environment. Never access banking or sensitive accounts on open networks. If access is necessary, deploy a reputable VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt traffic between the device and the internet.
What is a SIM-swapping attack?
An attacker social-engineers your cellular provider into transferring your phone number to their SIM card. This allows them to intercept SMS-based Two-Factor Authentication codes. This is why App-based MFA (Authy, Google Authenticator) is tactically superior.
How often should I back up data?
Deploy the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media types, with 1 offsite (cloud). Backups should be automated and continuous to protect against ransomware.