Reviews

Best of 2021

2021: Best of Security & Privacy

I’m going to start a new annual tradition for the last blog of the year: I’m going to collect my favorite security and privacy resources for the year. Not just my own stuff, but from all sources. I have a Resources tab that’s chock full of stuff, but this article will be the best of …

2021: Best of Security & Privacy Read More »

best and worst gifts

Best & Worst Gifts 2021

[Note: see related podcast and see affiliate stuff at the right] [UPDATED: Jan 8, 2022] When I wrote up last year’s list, I didn’t expect we’d still be dealing with a pandemic in 2021. And yet, here we are. But the best gift you could give this year – to yourself and those around you …

Best & Worst Gifts 2021 Read More »

Privacy is Power: Review

I don’t do book reviews often. (If you’re counting, that’s two.) But I’m utterly compelled to write about Privacy is Power by Carissa Véliz. I’m truly not prone to hyperbole, but I feel this is one of the most important books of our time. You need to read it. Our privacy is under assault like …

Privacy is Power: Review Read More »

Best & Worst Gifts 2020

[updated: Dec 10, 2020 – also, podcast version – see affiliate stuff at the right] What a year 2020 has been… I have to say that I’m ready for 2021 at this point. But we’re not quite done yet – we still have to get through the holiday season. With COVID-19 spiking everywhere, the best …

Best & Worst Gifts 2020 Read More »

best worst gifts 2019

Best & Worst Gifts 2019

[Updated: Nov 30, 2019.] The holiday shopping season is once again upon us! And that means it’s time to update my annual gift guide. Unlike other guides, I’m not here to tell you about the hottest Black Friday deals or how to get free overnight shipping on Dec 23rd. My naughty and nice list is …

Best & Worst Gifts 2019 Read More »

Authy two-factor authentication app

Two-Factor Authentication Backup

What follows is a cautionary tale about a technology I’ve been recommending for years: two-factor authentication, or 2FA. Citizens of the Internet, hear me out! This could happen to you… The Case of the Missing Codes Last month, Apple offered a killer deal on iPhone trade-ins: they doubled the value of your old phone as …

Two-Factor Authentication Backup Read More »

Best and Worst Tech Gifts for Christmas 2017

Best and Worst Tech Gifts for 2017

The holiday season is upon us, and that means people will be scrambling to find the best presents for their friends, family and loved ones. Geeky gadgets are always popular, but not just for the recipients! The Internet of Things (IoT) has been a major boon for hackers and marketers, as well. So let me …

Best and Worst Tech Gifts for 2017 Read More »

On the Ethics of Ad-Blocking

As the saying goes, if you’re not paying for the product, then you are the product. The business model for most of the Internet revolves around advertising – which in and of itself is not a bad thing. It may be an annoying thing, but passive advertising isn’t actually harmful. Passive advertising is placing ads …

On the Ethics of Ad-Blocking Read More »

Scroll to Top