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As groundbreaking leaders in personal security and risk management for travelers, we stand ready to equip and serve as you are called to the ends of the Earth.
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ARE YOU PREPARED?
Faith-based guidance and practice in prevention, protection, interaction, and survival
Vertical Divider
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Collaborative workshops on assessing risks, mitigating crises, and managing contingencies
Vertical Divider
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Partner together to provide 24/7 emergency access, consultation, and threat analysis
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NEWS FOR YOU
FIRE-EYE ATTACK AFFECTS YOU
YES, the breaching of cybersecurity FireEye penetrated federal computer systems like Social Security, IRS, and the Small Business Administration. BUT, the system is used by hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including most Fortune 500 companies and multiple U.S. federal agencies, which will now be rushing to patch up their networks. THEREFORE, the full extent of the damage is not yet clear. Americans, just like the agencies targeted in the attack, should take a consistent approach to protecting themselves digitally. ~ Use complex and different passwords for your digital accounts. ~ Monitor your finances closely. ~ Use two-factor authentication for critical accounts like email and social media. ~ Don’t click on links from any source that you haven’t authenticated as legitimate. ~ Most people traveling overseas on mission trips take out insurance policies that cover sickness, death and evacuations. How are these policies being affected by the corona-virus outbreak? ~ US government assistance is being increasingly limited. What changes are the US Department of State putting into place? ~ Can a worldwide pandemic cause harassment toward foreign travelers? What should you be preparing for? <Read the 1-page summary here> |
TIPS & ADVICE
DO YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY?
Most people will typically say YES, but have you evaluated your internet service provider?
In the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, internet service providers are also recording your online activity. This information can be legally sold to third parties (in the US), or saved in government databases (US, UK, and Australia). Aside from government surveillance agencies, there are many private companies tracking your data (in addition to Google, Facebook, and the other usual suspects).
To retain a basic level of privacy and security online, you need three tools:
1. Private and secure browser
While some browsers claim to be secure against vulnerabilities, they may not be the best choice from a privacy perspective. Your browser can reveal lots of private and sensitive data to third parties; choose carefully. We’ll be comparing highlights from some of the most secure and private browsers such as: Firefox, Iridium, Brave, and Tor. Opinions will vary…
2. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN will encrypt and anonymize your online activity from third parties, while also hiding your true IP address and location. Simply install the VPN app on your device, connect to a VPN server, then go about your business as normal. This effectively solves the ISP spying problem. We’ll examine which work best in certain locations as well.
Here are some favorites: NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN
3. Ad blocker
Many ads also function as tracking for large advertising networks. A good ad blocker is an important privacy and security (think malware) tool that will also improve page load speeds and de-clutter your browser.
Most people will typically say YES, but have you evaluated your internet service provider?
In the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, internet service providers are also recording your online activity. This information can be legally sold to third parties (in the US), or saved in government databases (US, UK, and Australia). Aside from government surveillance agencies, there are many private companies tracking your data (in addition to Google, Facebook, and the other usual suspects).
To retain a basic level of privacy and security online, you need three tools:
1. Private and secure browser
While some browsers claim to be secure against vulnerabilities, they may not be the best choice from a privacy perspective. Your browser can reveal lots of private and sensitive data to third parties; choose carefully. We’ll be comparing highlights from some of the most secure and private browsers such as: Firefox, Iridium, Brave, and Tor. Opinions will vary…
2. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN will encrypt and anonymize your online activity from third parties, while also hiding your true IP address and location. Simply install the VPN app on your device, connect to a VPN server, then go about your business as normal. This effectively solves the ISP spying problem. We’ll examine which work best in certain locations as well.
Here are some favorites: NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN
3. Ad blocker
Many ads also function as tracking for large advertising networks. A good ad blocker is an important privacy and security (think malware) tool that will also improve page load speeds and de-clutter your browser.
PHISHING SCAMS ARE CATCHING THE BIG ONES
In just one year, $57 million is typically lost to phishing schemes. With such a lucrative business, it’s no surprise that it seems to be in everybody’s mailbox. Here are some reminders on how to recognize scams that show up in your email.
> If you are contacted out of the blue, it’s good to be suspicious. Yes, some companies message their customers randomly for legitimate reasons, but not many do. To be sure, ask them to give you details that only the company will know. Also, if you didn’t initiate the action first, it’s probably a scam.
> Are you being asked to share personal details? Don’t do it, especially if you’re not sure of the company. If you are being asked to verify information about yourself, don’t do it, because the company already has your information. Never give out details such as your birthday, password, or answers to security questions.
> Never click on a pop-up that is on an email. Let me say that again, NEVER click on a pop-up that is on an email. Legitimate companies, especially major brands, do not market in pop-ups or clicking links.
> Look at the email address. Oftentimes the URL in a phishing message will appear to be perfectly valid. However, if you hover your mouse over the top of the URL, you should see the actual hyperlinked address. If the hyperlinked address is different from the address that is displayed, the message is probably fraudulent or malicious.
> Last but not least, if you see ridiculous spelling or grammatical errors, it is most likely not from a legitimate company. Typically, messages are reviewed for spelling, grammar, and legality, among other things before being sent out.
These are just a few tips, but remember, if it doesn’t look right or you are not sure, always call the company and ask them about the email.
In just one year, $57 million is typically lost to phishing schemes. With such a lucrative business, it’s no surprise that it seems to be in everybody’s mailbox. Here are some reminders on how to recognize scams that show up in your email.
> If you are contacted out of the blue, it’s good to be suspicious. Yes, some companies message their customers randomly for legitimate reasons, but not many do. To be sure, ask them to give you details that only the company will know. Also, if you didn’t initiate the action first, it’s probably a scam.
> Are you being asked to share personal details? Don’t do it, especially if you’re not sure of the company. If you are being asked to verify information about yourself, don’t do it, because the company already has your information. Never give out details such as your birthday, password, or answers to security questions.
> Never click on a pop-up that is on an email. Let me say that again, NEVER click on a pop-up that is on an email. Legitimate companies, especially major brands, do not market in pop-ups or clicking links.
> Look at the email address. Oftentimes the URL in a phishing message will appear to be perfectly valid. However, if you hover your mouse over the top of the URL, you should see the actual hyperlinked address. If the hyperlinked address is different from the address that is displayed, the message is probably fraudulent or malicious.
> Last but not least, if you see ridiculous spelling or grammatical errors, it is most likely not from a legitimate company. Typically, messages are reviewed for spelling, grammar, and legality, among other things before being sent out.
These are just a few tips, but remember, if it doesn’t look right or you are not sure, always call the company and ask them about the email.
