Taylor Ritchey, Author at Cyber Protection Group - Penetration Testing Company

Using a Password Manager – Part 1

June 21, 2019June 21, 2019

password manager If you are like me, then you may struggle with trying to remember your password for the many social media, banking and other online accounts you have. The Login Struggle With everything being online based these days, a username and password is an essential part of paying bills, connecting with others and maintaining security. As I sat at my computer trying to remember my email password, I decided to explore the realm of password managers. I have always been curious about using one to store all of my passwords. I then decided to conduct some research on password managers to see if using one would useful or… Read More

How Instagram Chooses Ads for your Account

June 14, 2019June 14, 2019

Instagram Ads Whether we like it or not, ads are popping up all over social media, quite literally. Now, a user cannot even scroll through five photos on Instagram, for example, without seeing an ad. But, nonetheless, millions of users continue to post, like and share on Instagram. As the endless scrolling continues, a user might begin to notice that the ads showing up in their feed are products or accounts they might be interested in. How does this happen? According to Instagram, they “use information about what you do on Instagram and Facebook (parent company) and on third-party sites and apps” to cater ads to users. Further, a user… Read More

Apple AirPods Secret Feature

June 7, 2019June 10, 2019

AirPods as Listening Devices AirPods are currently one of the most popular wireless earbud options out there. With their one-tap set up, great sound quality and 24-battery life, Apple AirPods have many great features. One feature users may not know about is that AirPods can be used as a listening device. In IOS 12, there is a hearing or live listen feature available on the swipe up control center. This feature allows an iPhone user to place there phone in one spot and listen in to the audio on their AirPods from a distance. Wondering how to set up this feature? Here’s how: How to add… Read More

Creating a Strong Password

May 31, 2019

password Strong Password Tip and Tricks Strong passwords (PWs) are a critically important component to protecting an account. Within an account, a variety of personal information resides. In this article, several tips on creating a solid password as well as a few security tips regarding passwords will be addressed. To begin, in 2019, a user cannot use passwords like QWERTY, 12345678 or PASSWORD anymore. Due to the fact that cyber attacks on the rise, the accounts with simple passwords would be the first ones to be hacked. Creating a Password Several levels of PW strength exist. Here are a few examples of PW combinations (plus an example of each)… Read More

Two-Factor Authentication – Proactive Security

May 24, 2019

Two-Factor Authentication two-factor authentication In 2019, the world is seeing first hand, the rise of cyber attacks. As a result, we have have seen many attacks focused on large companies worth millions. Further, individuals logging into Facebook or their online banking are targets as well. Hackers target everyday people that are not aware of security regulations and procedures like a large company where such items are required. In everyday life, they are not. Consequently, individuals appear as easy targets due to the lack of security knowledge. To combat this, strong password appears to be the best defense. However, strong passwords are beginning to not be enough to… Read More

A Look at Biometrics

May 17, 2019October 17, 2019

biometrics The field of biometrics is rapidly growing and expanding. Whether we realize it or not, biometrics are prevalent in our everyday lives. Many consumers may wonder how biometrics work and how they are of use. In this article, a dive into the realm of biometrics will ensue, and explain how it all coincides. What are Biometrics? To answer this popular question, biometrics are by definition, “the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics (such as fingerprint or voice patterns) especially as a means of verifying personal identity” (1). Breaking this down, a biometric identifies unique personal features of a person. The retained information can then be… Read More

What is Phishing?

May 10, 2019May 10, 2019

Introduction to Phishing Phishing is one of the top tactics used to steal personal information (2). This scam occurs when someone posing as a legitimate business, person, etc. fraudulently solicits information from an unsuspecting user.(1). Often times scammers pose as bankers, technical support agents or an employee at a doctor’s office. This tactic is often times successful. This is due to the fact that most people wouldn’t think twice about answering a call from one a doctor’s office or a local bank. Regardless, the end goal is simply to steal information. But, who they target and how the scam executes varies between the different methods. To find… Read More

The Number One Target for Hackers

May 2, 2019October 17, 2019

The Number One Target for Hackers The number one target for hackers. Introduction Currently, hospitals and other healthcare related facilities are the number one target for hackers. According to CBS News, almost every hospital in the US deals with some kind of cyber threat or attack. Experts say that for as much information that the healthcare field is responsible for, cyber security standards should be a higher priority. Imagine how many patient records one hospital is responsible for. Then to think about the total number of patient files for every medical facility is almost hard to imagine. In hospitals, cyber security is not the main focus. With how cyber criminals… Read More