# Byte Sized Security Show Notes

## Episode Title:

3 Immediate Actions to Protect Your Privacy Today

## Episode Summary:

In this episode of Byte Sized Security, host Marc David outlines three practical, actionable steps to enhance your privacy protection immediately. With data breaches nearly doubling in 2024 and companies like AT&T and Ticketmaster experiencing massive exposures, these privacy protection measures aren't just theoretical—they're essential defenses against real threats.

## Key Discussion Points:

* The alarming state of data breaches in 2024: 10,626 confirmed breaches, nearly double from previous year

* Major breaches highlighted: AT&T (73M records), Ticketmaster (560M users), National Public Data (2.9B records)

* The average breach costs $4.88 million, or $165 per stolen record

* **Step 1**: Enable two-factor authentication everywhere

* 2FA stops 99.9% of automated attacks

* Use authentication apps instead of SMS

* Save backup codes in a safe place

* **Step 2**: Audit your privacy settings

* Detailed walkthrough for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn

* Phone settings review for both iOS and Android

* Revoking unnecessary app permissions

* **Step 3**: Protect your connection and digital footprint

* Using a VPN to encrypt connections and mask browsing

* Reviewing and cleaning your digital footprint

* Opting out of data broker sites

* Deleting old, unused accounts

* The importance of ongoing privacy maintenance

## Tools and Resources Mentioned:

* **Authentication Apps:**

* [Google Authenticator](https://googleauthenticator.net/)

* [Authy](https://authy.com/)

* **Recommended VPN Services:**

* [NordVPN](https://nordvpn.com/)

* [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/)

* [Surfshark](https://surfshark.com/)

* **Data Broker Removal Services:**

* [DeleteMe](https://joindeleteme.com/)

* [Privacy Bee](https://privacybee.com/)

* [Optery](https://optery.com/)

* **Data Broker Sites to Opt Out From:**

* [Whitepages](https://www.whitepages.com/)

* [PeopleFinder](https://www.peoplefinder.com/)

* [Spokeo](https://www.spokeo.com/)

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we explore the alarming discovery that many of the top-rated VPN apps on the App Store and Google Play are secretly owned by Chinese companies. These VPNs pose a serious risk to user privacy and security, as Chinese law requires them to hand over all user data to the government without justification.

Key Topics Covered:

- Chinese-owned VPN apps masquerading as legitimate services

- Lack of transparency and disclosure around company ownership

- Risks of user data being accessed by the Chinese government

- Failure of app stores to properly vet and regulate these VPN apps

- Importance of researching VPN providers before using them

Main Takeaways:

- Many popular VPN apps are secretly owned by Chinese companies, creating a significant risk to user privacy and security.

- App stores like the App Store and Google Play are not properly vetting and regulating these potentially compromised VPN apps.

- Users must do their own research to ensure the VPN they are using is trustworthy and not owned by a company with ties to the Chinese government.

Timestamps for Major Topics:

- 0:00 - Introduction to the issue of Chinese-owned VPN apps

- 1:30 - Examples of top-ranked VPN apps with hidden Chinese ownership

- 3:00 - Explanation of the legal requirements for Chinese companies to hand over user data

- 4:30 - Lack of action by app stores to remove or label these problematic VPN apps

- 6:00 - Importance of user research and caution when selecting a VPN provider

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I do hope you enjoyed this episode of the podcast. Here's some helpful resources including any sites that were mentioned in this episode.

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Find subscriber links on my site, add to your podcast player, or listen on the web players on my site:

Listen to Byte Sized Security

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Support this Podcast with a Tip:

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If you have questions for the show, feedback or topics you want covered. Please send a short email to marc@bytesizedsecurity.show with the Subject line of "Byte-Sized Security" so I know it's about the podcast.

Connect with me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bytesizedsecurity

The Imminent AI Job Crisis: Are You Prepared?

This episode highlights the alarming prediction by Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within the next one to five years, potentially raising U.S. unemployment to 20%. While major companies are quietly adopting advanced AI systems, the public and lawmakers remain largely unaware or in disbelief. The episode discusses the impacts of AI on various industries and jobs, stressing the need for urgent action such as an AI 'token tax,' real-time job replacement tracking, legislative briefings, and worker reskilling programs. The message is clear: the AI job crash is imminent, and proactive measures are essential to mitigate its effects.

00:00 The Impending Disappearance of White-Collar Jobs

00:37 Real-World Examples of AI-Induced Job Cuts

01:03 The Rise of AI Agents in the Workplace

01:30 The Alarming Capabilities of Advanced AI

01:48 Public Response and the Threat to Democracy

02:32 Proposed Solutions to the AI Job Crisis

02:57 The Urgency of Immediate Action

03:06 Conclusion: Preparing for the AI Job Crash

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I do hope you enjoyed this episode of the podcast. Here's some helpful resources including any sites that were mentioned in this episode.

--

Sites Mentioned in this Episode

• Behind the Curtain: A white-collar bloodbath

--

Find subscriber links on my site, add to your podcast player, or listen on the web players on my site:

Listen to Byte Sized Security

--

Support this Podcast with a Tip:

Support Byte Sized Security

--

If you have questions for the show, feedback or topics you want covered. Please send a short email to marc@bytesizedsecurity.show with the Subject line of "Byte-Sized Security" so I know it's about the podcast.

Connect with me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bytesizedsecurity