#1045 – In Search of Perfect Security

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#1045 - In Search of Perfect Security
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Thank You!

A thank you to all 100,000 YouTube subscribers! Courtesy of your support, Google was nice enough to send me this award to mark the milestone:

The next award is at 1,000,000 subscribers. I've got a ways to go for that. Smile

I felt powerless

Literally. Because of the "bomb cyclone" (aka heavy rain and strong winds) knocking trees into powerlines, I was without electricity for 49 hours this week. Over half a million others were affected as well, and some still have no power as I write this four days after the event. Yikes!

The internet was out, as was my backup internet! I'm playing catchup, but if there was a delay in my response to a question or comment, blame the weather.

The good news is that we've now fully tested our backup generator, which also ran for two full days. It kept the fridge and freezer cold and frozen, respectively, and the humans and Corgis warm. Yay!

There's no such thing as perfect

A common theme in many of the questions I get is the ongoing search for perfection, namely perfection of security solutions and habits. Folks would like to be able to say "it can't happen to me".

You can't say that. I can't say that.

As hard as it is to hear, there's no such thing as perfection when it comes to technology, and certainly not security. There's still always a chance that something could happen. Our job is to make that chance as small as possible.

In Search of Perfect Security goes into this in more detail.

Also this week

  • I have a not-so-secret secret.
  • Save us from encryption backdoors and the entities that want them.
  • Macrium Reflect released a new version with good news and bad.
  • Scammers are using AI more than ever, and it's scary.

As always, links below.

TEH Podcast

Something came up (it was one of those weeks, trust me) so we had to skip.

Take care,

Leo

Featured Article

In Search of Perfect Security

In Search of Perfect Security
You're gonna be looking for a while.

Perfect security is a myth. What's important is to pay attention to the trade-offs you make.
Read: In Search of Perfect Security

Also This Week on Ask Leo!

The Deep, Dark Secret Behind Ask Leo!
Well, not all that deep. Not all that dark. Not much of a secret.

The Deep, Dark Secret Behind Ask Leo!
Not long ago, I came up with the words to describe part of what I do. It was kind of a secret... until now.
Read: The Deep, Dark Secret Behind Ask Leo!

-

Why Encryption Backdoors Are a Horrific Idea
They assume perfection, and we all know how that goes.

Why Encryption Backdoors Are a Horrific Idea

Read: Why Encryption Backdoors Are a Horrific Idea

-

Let's Talk About Macrium Reflect X
There's good news and bad news.

Let
Macrium Reflect X is the successor to version 8. It includes a few new features and a controversial change to the licensing model.
Read: Let's Talk About Macrium Reflect X

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How AI is Revolutionizing Scams: Can We No Longer Trust Our Eyes or Ears?
Vigilance is called for.

How AI is Revolutionizing Scams: Can We No Longer Trust Our Eyes or Ears?
Scams are bad enough. Throw AI into the mix, and things only get worse.
Read: How AI is Revolutionizing Scams: Can We No Longer Trust Our Eyes or Ears?

Ask Leo! on YouTube

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How AI is Revolutionizing Scams: Can We No Longer Trust Our Eyes or Ears?

Scams are bad enough. Throw AI into the mix, and things only get worse.
Watch: How AI is Revolutionizing Scams: Can We No Longer Trust Our Eyes or Ears?

-

Let's Talk About Macrium Reflect X

Macrium Reflect X is the successor to version 8. It includes a few new features and a controversial change to the licensing model.
Watch: Let's Talk About Macrium Reflect X

-

Why Encryption Backdoors Are a Horrific Idea

They assume perfection, and we all know how that goes.
Watch: Why Encryption Backdoors Are a Horrific Idea

-

In Search of Perfect Security

Perfect security is a myth. What's important is to pay attention to the trade-offs you make.
Watch: In Search of Perfect Security

-

The Deep, Dark Secret Behind Ask Leo!

Not long ago, I came up with the words to describe part of what I do. It was kind of a secret... until now.
Watch: The Deep, Dark Secret Behind Ask Leo!

All About OneDrive - Online Course

All About OneDrive - Online Course

OneDrive is both incredibly powerful and at times incredibly confusing. It includes a bucket-load of features to help you back up, share, collaborate, stay safe, and more.

All About OneDrive covers OneDrive's features and its peculiarities so you can use it to the fullest.

(Silver level patrons and above: All About OneDrive is included in your patronage. If you don't see it in your My Account page, just ask.)

More details in the Ask Leo! store: All About OneDrive - Online Course


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Posted: November 26, 2024 in: 2024
Shortlink: https://newsletter.askleo.com/9173
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Confident Computing is the weekly newsletter from Ask Leo!. Each week I give you tools, tips, tricks, answers, and solutions to help you navigate today’s complex world of technology and do so in a way that protects your privacy, your time, and your money, and even help you better connect with the people around you.

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I'm Leo Notenboom and I've been playing with computers since I took a required programming class in 1976. I spent over 18 years as a software engineer at Microsoft, and after "retiring" in 2001 I started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place to help you find answers and become more confident using this amazing technology at our fingertips. More about Leo.