SecureMac presents The Checklist. Hosted by Ken Ray, each week The Checklist hits security topics for your Mac and iOS devices. From how-to's and safety tips, to security news of the day, The Checklist by SecureMac takes a conversational, solutions oriented approach to security for the average user. Check in each Thursday for a new Checklist!
The Checklist by SecureMac is a highly recommended podcast that focuses on basic Mac/iOS security. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or just an average user, this show provides valuable insights into the world of cybersecurity without overwhelming you with technical jargon. The host and guest experts deliver informative content that is easy to understand and applicable to everyday use. It is refreshing to see a show that caters to all levels of expertise, making it accessible for everyone looking to enhance their digital security.
One of the best aspects of The Checklist is the quality of its guests and occasionally when the host takes the center stage. They bring in knowledgeable professionals who offer expert opinions and tips on various topics related to Mac and iOS security. These guests share their experiences and provide practical advice that listeners can implement immediately. Additionally, the host's solo episodes are engaging and well-presented, showcasing their deep understanding of the subject matter.
Moreover, this podcast fills a crucial need in today's fast-paced technological landscape where hacking attempts on Macs are becoming increasingly prevalent. The Checklist addresses these concerns head-on by discussing common vulnerabilities, providing solutions, and raising awareness about potential threats. It serves as an essential resource for both individuals who want to protect themselves from cyberattacks and organizations looking to safeguard their sensitive data.
While there are many positive aspects of The Checklist podcast, one area for improvement could be diversifying the range of topics covered. While it excels at providing insights into basic Mac/iOS security, delving into more complex subjects could also benefit listeners who are seeking advanced knowledge or additional challenges within this field. Expanding beyond the basics would attract a wider audience base while still retaining its accessibility for beginners.
In conclusion, The Checklist by SecureMac is an outstanding podcast that delivers valuable information on basic Mac/iOS security without overwhelming its audience with technical intricacies. With expert guests and occasional solo episodes from the host, it offers a balanced perspective on various topics related to cybersecurity. This show is a must-listen for anyone wanting to enhance their digital security, whether they are newcomers to the Appleverse or seasoned users in need of timely reminders. The Checklist consistently delivers high-quality content and has rightfully earned its place as one of the best security podcasts available today.
A VPN provider has tried to size up the safety of AI Chatbots based on App Store Privacy Labels. Is that enough? We'll talk it over. Then - a data breach at LexisNexis as well as over 184 million login credentials just… sitting someplace - are great reasons to revisit some security basics. That's all ahead on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Democrats and Republicans have gotten together on legislation in the U.S. that has free speech advocates a bit concerned - we'll tell you of worries around the Take It Down Act. Plus - 23andMe has found a buyer - we'll look at what that means for the data it holds. And an update on last week's iPadOS 17.7.7 removal on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's changed its mind about protecting consumers from data brokers - we'll tell you more. Plus a look at the security side of this week's OS updates from Apple on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
123456. If you just broke into a sweat because that's your password, this show is for you. And if you didn't - it's still for someone you know. It may also apply to a very important person - and once you hear who that is, you'll break into a cold sweat. We'll tell you more on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Word of vulnerabilities found in Apple's AirPlay protocol. We'll tell you more. Then, we'll look at ways to keep your TV from watching you! That's all on this Checklist No. 412, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Apple hit with important security updates last week - we'll tell you a bit about those. Also - we'll look at simple steps for protecting your privacy on your Mac. First though - how does one hack a crosswalk? It's way easier than it should be. We'll tell you more on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Tax day is next Tuesday here in the U.S. We're looking at last minute scams and ways to avoid them. Plus - we're revisiting last month's US intelligence Signal snafu. Who does the government say is to blame? Find out on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Did you hear about the VPNs with ties to the Chinese military found in Apple's App Store? While VPNs are supposed to be safe and the App Store is supposed to be safe - this is an unsafe mix. We'll hit some basic VPN information, discuss times VPNs have been misused, and talk about finding the right VPN for you on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
23andMe has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. One California lawmaker says it's time to have your DNA scrubbed from the company. We'll tell you why and how to do it. Plus - What's wrong with the end-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal? Nothing. But not everyone should use it. We'll tell you more on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
We've talked in the past about security risks tied to the China-based LLM DeepSeek, but we totally missed one we should have seen coming. We'll tell you more. Plus - a guy in Norway found out he'd killed his kids by asking ChatGPT (spoiler: no he hadn't). We'll talk getting annoybed with hallucinations on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
We're catching up on the Lee Enterprises issue. Roughly 70 U.S. newspapers were under cyberattack - we'll see how they're doing now. Plus - Consumer Reports has looked into voice cloning scams and they've got good news… for people running the scams. We'll talk about staying guarded on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
This week we're looking at the child protection changes for apps and developers announced recently by Apple. Plus - another case of attempted cyberattacks being sent through the physical mail. It's all ahead on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
When's the last time you heard anybody say anything nice about Google? Surprisingly, we're doing it today! Google is making making your Gmail safer even safer and they're letting you hide search results about you. We'll tell you more on Checklist No. 413 - brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Have you heard about the 70+ newspaper across the U.S. being held for ransom? We'll talk about the cyberattack that's gripped publisher Lee Enterprises. Plus - DeepSeek is the hottest thing in A.I. right now. From a privacy and security standpoint - it also looks to be the most dangerous. We'll dig into it on Checklist 412 - brought to you by SecureMac Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Valentine's Day comes once a year, but romance scams are constant. We'll look at some of those and ways to avoid them. Plus - a look at Apple's OS updates from earlier this week. That's all on Checklist No. 411, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
News of troubling malware in apps in Apple's App Store. We'll tell the tale of SparkCat, what it's trying to steal, and how to stay protected. Also - If you use, drive for, or work with Grubhub, your info may have been stolen. We'll tell you more on Checklist No. 410 - brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Have you heard the latest on the Change Healthcare hack? Checklist 409's got it. Plus - a lot of Apple operating systems got updates this week. Most of those got a fix for a vulnerability under active exploit - but what about the ones that didn't? We'll look into that on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
We're talking about family passwords. What are they? Why are they important? What should you consider when considering one? Plus - we'll revisit the toll road smishing scams and why they're so prevalent today. That's all on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
The destructive fires in Southern California are sparking activity from scammers. We'll look at who's being targeted and how to stay protected. Plus - How many scam text messages do you get in a week? If you've got an iPhone, Apple's built in a protection against some of them - but it's pretty easy to break. We'll tell you more on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
This week, we'll look at a new initiative by the U.S. Government to raise awareness around security and IoT devices. First though - the carriers that didn't know for months that their networks had been pwned by Chinese hackers say they now see no signs of Chinese hackers on their networks! It is news you can feel about on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Artificial Intelligence - creator of super-users and (in fiction at least) destroyer of worlds. A.I. is the greatest thing since sliced bread, according to Silicon Valley. In the movies though, it's a source of soulless control that will eventually kill us all. Speaking of killing - you may have some time to kill this holiday season. So we decided to fill it with films! We'll look at three of our favorite A.I. films, what they got right, and what we should learn from them on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Public wifi is everywhere when we're traveling, but is it safe? We're looking at ways to make sure. Plus - security updates in Apple's OS updates on Checklist No. 404, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
The FBI is suggesting that people use communications tools that employ end-to-end-encryption. That's due to hackers from China accessing major telecoms in the U.S., using a backdoor built for "good guys." We'll look at the Salt Typhoon attack, the FBI's change of heart on encryption, and consider a few end-to-end-encrypted communication options on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Bad guys and A.I. may try to wreck our holiday shopping. From deepfake celebrity endorsements to more convincing phishing messages to imitation sites that look like the real thing - there are tons of scams out there, aided by A.I. Good news though - they can be thwarted using the same practices we've used for years. We'll revisit those on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Apple released a slew of updates this week to fix a couple of zero-days targeting Intel-based Macs. So why did we have to update our iPhones? We'll explore. First though - bad guys in Switzerland are sending malware by mail. Like - physical mail. How does that work and what can we learn? Find out on this edition of The Checklist brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
This week, we're diving into iOS 18's “inactivity reboot.” Also - a North Korean phishing attack aimed at Macs that is so easy to thwart, plus NordPass is out with its list of the most common passwords of 2024 - and they're even worse than you might imagine. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
The NosillaCast Podcast's Allison Sheridan joins host Ken Ray to talk about Apple's password management app - cleverly called “Passwords.” Her thinking on the app has evolved. She'll tell us why on Checklist No. 399 - brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Even if you've never been a United Health customer and even if you've never heard of Change Healthcare - you can be a victim of the Change Healthcare data breach! Just ask show host Ken Ray! He had to learn firsthand about credit freezes this week - learning he will share with us on Checklist No. 398, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
We are under two weeks from this year's election - after which, there may be danger. The intelligence community is tracking plans by foreign actors to incite violence in the U.S. between now and Inauguration Day. We will look at what they're seeing and how we might avoid it. Plus - updates from Apple next week. We'll talk about why you should download them with singing! It's all on Checklist No. 397, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
We're following up on two of the biggest data breach stories in the last year - the loss of data on millions by 23andMe and on hundreds of millions by National Public Data. What 23andMe might do next is shocking, while the behind-the-scenes story of NPD is baffling. We'll hit it all on Checklist No. 396, brought to to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
It is new iPhone season. Whether yours is new or not, we'll go over some tips for keeping your iPhone from getting stolen, keeping bad guys from accessing it if it does get stolen, and how to go about getting it back. Plus - politicians, voters, celebrities and A.I. We're tackling so much on Checklist No. 395, brought to to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
It is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and we want to make you aware of it! Passwords, multi-factor authentication, software updates, and more. You may know about such things, but this is one to share with friends and family. Make them cybersecurity aware with Checklist No. 394, brought to to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Two disappointments and a heaping helping of worry on this week's show. We're worried about the upcoming U.S. elections, though the FBI and CISA say there may be reason to worry less. Disappointments include Apple dropping a lawsuit against NSO Group and bad guys misusing American treasure Tom Hanks. We'll hit all of that on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
As this show goes out, we're about 72-hours from the release of iOS 18, macOS 15 Sequoia, watchOS 11, and the rest of the usual OS suspects. Lots of privacy and security stuff - as well as general health and safety. We're hitting some of the big ones on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
There's a new sextortion scam out there. You really don't have to worry about it though - IF you know what to watch for. We'll tell you more. Plus - reports of a new round of QR code phishing at some beach towns. We'll fill you in on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
On this week's show: - A phishing test that seems to have gone too far… - Spying and hacking in unsuspecting ways… - And maybe it's time to call in the philosophers… Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
We are revisiting the the National Public Data leak this week. You know… the one that probably exposed your info as well as the info of every citizen of Canada, the UK, and the US? We'll talk about finding out whether your data was compromised and what to do if it was. Plus - continued fallout from the New Hampshire primary/AI Joe Biden robocall. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
If you live in Canada, the UK, or the US, it looks like a lot of your aggregated personal info has been leaked. Like - one big leak. 2.7 billion files just… out there. We'll tell you more. Plus - you may be worried about safety and A.I., but are you worried enough? MIT doesn't think so - we'll tell you why. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
On this episode - Getting creepy face-time with your favorite sports team, banking in India makes a serious security move, and subtracting four zeroes for security. So much to hit on this edition of The Checklist brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Apple is upping its intelligence quotient. The Cupertino-company let slip the first bits of Apple Intelligence to developers this week, with betas for the OS after next. We'll hit some security features tied into that. Plus - the operating systems we've already got got updates this week with a lot of security fixes. We'll touch on those on this edition of The Checklist brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
It was sort of surprising when Google announced years ago that it planned to block third-party cookies from its Chrome browser. This prompted a few questions like - what are cookies? Why did Google pledge that? And why did it eventually change its corporate mind? We'll try to answer those questions of this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
AT&T has lost info on roughly one-third of the US population. Relax! They've plugged that hole... now. We'll look at what was lost, revisit the Ticketmaster hack, and find out if there's a Snowflake's chance of fixing any of it on Checklist No. 384, brought to you by Securemac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
The ChatGPT app for Mac had a pretty big privacy and security problem, even if parent company OpenAI didn't think so. They fixed it anyway - we'll tell you why. Also, some bad guy may have peeked behind the DM screen at user info on Roll20. Make your saving throw! This is The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac! Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
In the movies, bad guys are often taken down by a tech vulnerability. This week, we revisit our look at how best practices could make bad guys better at being bad. Where Khan went wrong Some of the Empire's greatest mistakes And who are these aliens messing up our Independence Day? Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
On this edition of The Checklist by SecureMac: The Commerce Department is kicking Kaspersky out of the U.S. Another shoe has dropped in the Change Healthcare hack And an Apple Vision Pro bug to unleash virtual bugs Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Everything old is new again! Calls for tech companies to override end-to-end encryption for CSAM detection, Microsoft recalls Recall for now, and regulators in Canada and the UK think maybe the 23andMe breach is worth investigating. That's all ahead on this edition of The Checklist… brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
For years, Apple has built a reputation on privacy and security - and that's about to be tested in a big way. The company has announced plans to fold A.I. (Apple Intelligence) into its next big round of OS updates. We'll look at how they plan to keep that secure. Plus - new features coming to protect user privacy and security. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Another week - another apparent loss of consumer information. Who's got tickets to all the hottest shows, info on half-a-billion people, and a seemingly serious security headache? We'll let you know on this edition of The Checklist brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
This week on The Checklist brought to you by SecureMac, two tails of misuses of AI tools - each pulled off by individuals, and each with serious ramifications. But - you know… we make it fun! Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
Remember those embarrassing pictures you took and then deleted? They're back! Oh wait! They're gone again. We'll look at a troubling technical issue tied to last week's OS updates from Apple. First though - spyware as a feature! That's what some are calling a new offering from Microsoft. We'll tell you more on this edition of The Checklist… brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
On this edition of The Checklist - the start of a scam you almost can't help but fall for. We'll tell you what it is, and why you shouldn't freak out even if you start to fall for it. First though - a slew of OS updates from Apple this week with a slew of security fixes. We'll look at those on Checklist No. 375 brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com
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