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National Public Data Cyberattack

As many are aware, the recent cyberattack on National Public Data gave criminals access to a treasure trove of personally identifiable information for a large number of consumers. Consumer names, addresses, and social security numbers were found on the dark web this summer in connection with the data breach. Your data could very well be in that collection. When news of the breach first blanketed…

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How to spot and evade bank text scams

Did your bank just text you about a potential fraudulent charge on your account? Chances are, that text is from a scammer who wants to put his thieving hands on your cash. Scammers are highly adaptive to new techniques that can convince targets to provide personal information. With your personal information in hand, thieves can drain your bank account of every last dollar in it. A popular way…

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Creating a Retirement and Healthcare Safety Net Beyond Social Security and Medicare

By Greg PierceElderimpact.org Planning for retirement and healthcare expenses is a critical aspect of financial well-being, especially as we aim to reduce dependence on Social Security and Medicare. Building a safety net involves a combination of careful strategies that can help you secure your future. In this article via Own Your Defense, we will explore key steps to create a retirement and…

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Tips to Recession-Proof Your Life

By Michael Longsdon Does the idea of a recession frighten you? Perhaps you’re nervous about losing your job in Baltimore or taking a cutback in your income. If so, then take steps to recession-proof your life and find a bit of security. Read on for some tips to get you started, courtesy of Own Your Defense.   Create a Budget First, create a household budget, or update the one you have. Make…

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5 Things You Need To Know About Home Warranties

Image Courtesy of Pexels By Michael Longsdon Becoming a homeowner is one of the biggest accomplishments of a person’s life. Indeed, according to Forbes, the majority of Americans aspire to own their home. If you’ve finally reached this goal, you don’t want the joy to be impeded by costly repairs and failing systems. Unfortunately, though, this is the reality that many new homeowners encounter.…

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Cybersecurity 101 for Seniors

Cybersecurity 101 for Seniors

By Michael Longsdon As more and more of our lives move online, we must understand how to protect ourselves from cybercrime. That’s why we’ve put together this cybersecurity 101 course for seniors. In this post, Own Your Defense covers how cybersecurity works, your role in keeping your data safe, and some tips for bolstering your defenses against attacks. What is Cybersecurity? In short,…

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Don’t blow the windfall – three great options for your stimulus cash

Don’t blow the windfall – three great options for your stimulus cash

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the United States has sent three rounds of economic impact payments to eligible recipients through May 2021. If you’re one of the millions of beneficiaries from $271 billion in the first round, $135 billion in the second round, and $242 billion in the third round of stimulus payments, how have you used this bonus cash? When considering your options for…

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Financing pitches can spell doom for your dollars

Financing pitches can spell doom for your dollars

Sales pitches are everywhere. Emails, advertising mail, text messages, telephone calls and good old-fashioned knocks on the door can bombard us with offers from alternative sleep-enhancing accessories to buying a zip line adventure. Chances are, if it’s a sales pitch you didn’t ask for, the pitched thing isn’t something you need. You’re on a budget. You know how much you planned to spend this…

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Preventing the Spread

Preventing-the-SpreadDownload

When it comes to avoiding the spread of COVID-19, there are 3 key tips to follow at all times – wear a mask when out in public, maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet separation), and wash your hands frequently.

Here are 3 helpful graphics to share with others to encourage Coronavirus prevention measures.

Stay safe!

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One and done – dialing a hang-up call can cost you big bucks

One and done – dialing a hang-up call can cost you big bucks

The light of a new day crests over the horizon, and your alarm wakes you from a restful slumber. You wipe the sleep out of your eyes to begin a new day filled with the hope of the unknown. When you reach for your phone to check for activity, you notice an unknown number called in the middle of the night.

Curious about the call, you dial the number to see who might have tried to reach you. When…

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Magical day hanging out with David Copperfield in Las Vegas. If you ever get the chance to see his show, do it. He's highly engaging and won't disappoint.

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Manu Bennett gave acting lessons today at the Phoenix Comicfest(con). He was fantastic and inspiring! #manubennett #acting #performance

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Great discussion with Wil Wheaton during the Phoenix Comicfest(con). Good event so far. Stop by and have some fun!

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Three easy steps to prevent a criminal from hacking your digital life

Three easy steps to prevent a criminal from hacking your digital life

Email scams are cheap and easy to deploy. That’s why so many scammers use email as their preferred method of attack against unsuspecting targets – and because they work.

I received an email from a scammer representing to be from the popular company Netflix. In it, the fraudster told me that there was a problem with my payment information and I needed to click a link to update my payment…

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The future of fast food ordering is here. It wont be long before robots will be in the kitchen too. Yikes! #robot #automation #future

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Robocall tries to hack your cash

Robocall tries to hack your cash

In the 1983 movie War Games, a hacker accidentally finds his way into a NORAD computer system called War Operation Plan Response and begins what he believes is a game called Global Thermonuclear War. The computer doesn’t believe it’s a game, however, and soon puts the United States on a nuclear-infused collision course with Russia.

In a way, scammers are like the hacker in the movie. They know…

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A few extra books in the to-do collection is a good thing.