Privacy Mentor with Carrie Kerskie
100 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Protecting your privacy in the digital age is tough. Identity theft, fraud, and cyber threats are on the rise. How about a Privacy Mentor? Let me be your guide by simplifying complex topics and providing you with tools and resources to help you become a difficult target for cyber criminals.
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Episodes
EP 78 Are in-app browsers collecting your information?
September 09, 2022 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.37 MBEver noticed how you stay on an app even though you clicked on a link to a different website? This convenient trick is more harmful than you'd think. This week, Carrie talks about the hidden threat that in-app browser's pose to your privacy. In this episode you'll learn: What exactly are in-app browsers? What information are they collecting? How much of a risk are they? What you can do to protect your information Check out the blogpost at https://privacy-mentor.com/ep78
EP 77 Risks of using a free email service and a safer alternative: Interview with Brad Deflin of Total Digital Security
August 24, 2022 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.3 MBEven though we rely on email for nearly everything we do online, we seem to forget about all the information connected to it. Not to mention all the entities that have access to collect and view this info as well. In this episode, Carrie gets to talk with Brad Deflin of Total Digital Security as they over all of the dangers of using a free email service, and the importance of switching to a more private and secure one. In this episode you'll learn: How limited privacy is when using a free...
EP 76 How to determine if a PayPal invoice is real or a scam
August 03, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 9.44 MBRemember when scams used to look like scams? Back when you used to be able to find out if something was real or not based on a handful of things you could check. Those were the good ole days. This week, Carrie talks about a new cyber-attack that’s as realistic as it gets when it comes to a scam. Criminals are now setting up official PayPal accounts and sending real PayPal emails. They then buy a list of email addresses from other criminals online and send out fake invoices to as many ind...
EP 76 How to determine if a PayPal invoice is REAL or a SCAM
August 03, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 9.44 MBRemember when scams used to look like scams? Back when you used to be able to find out if something was real or not based on a handful of things you could check. Those were the good ole days. This week, Carrie talks about a new cyber-attack that’s as realistic as it gets when it comes to a scam. Criminals are now setting up official PayPal accounts and sending real PayPal emails. From here, they send out fake invoices to as many individuals as they’d like. Listen to find out the things you...
EP 75 Hermit Spyware: What you need to know
July 20, 2022 11:00 - 6 minutes - 4.29 MBWithin the past months there’s been a growing concern over the threat known as hermit spyware. Breaking news titles warn of the damage and financial havoc caused by this new type of cyberattack, causing people to go into a panic with the fear that they may become the next victim. But what exactly is this “hermit spyware”? Are you at risk of being a victim? How can you protect yourself if you are attacked? In this episode, Carrie aims to answer these questions and more, while also eas...
EP 74 This 4th, Take Back Your Independence: Why you can't rely on companies to catch fraudulent transactions for you
July 06, 2022 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.82 MBIn this Fourth of July episode, Carrie talks about the dangers of relying on banks, credit companies, and other financial institutions. She stresses the importance of knowing what’s going on in your accounts, and how waiting for your bank to notify you of fraudulent transactions can cost you big time. Things you’ll learn in this week’s episode: Why banks aren’t as legally obligated to inform you of fraud as you may think they are How long you have to report any fraudulent transactions ...
EP 73 Privacy vs. Convenience: How much information are you sacrificing for productivity?
June 22, 2022 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.44 MBTechnology has made many aspects of our life a lot easier, but it's also come with its fair share of downsides, some of which you may not be aware of. The convenience that comes in this digital age comes at a price, the cost being your information. In this episode, Carrie goes over the argument of Privacy vs. Convenience. Things you’ll learn in this episode What is Privacy vs. Convenience, and what are some examples? What's the price of using convenience-based products What about sma...
Privacy vs. Convenience: How much information are you sacrificing for productivity?
June 22, 2022 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.44 MBTechnology has made many aspects of our life a lot easier, but it's also come with its fair share of downsides, some of which you may not be aware of. The convenience that comes in this digital age comes at a price, the cost being your information. In this episode, Carrie goes over the argument of Privacy vs. Convenience. Things you’ll learn in this episode What is Privacy vs. Convenience, and what are some examples? What's the price of using convenience-based products What about sma...
EP 72 Experian Changed How Online Credit Freezes are Managed: What You Need to Know
June 01, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 9.18 MBA new change makes it easier to access your Experian freeze, listen to find out as Carrie explains this new feature to manage your account online. Resources: Link to Experian https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html Privacy-Mentor Website https://privacy-mentor.com Link to Protect Your Identity in 14 Days https://kerskie.podia.com/protect_your_identity_14days
EP 71 Privacy Not Included: How To Find Out If Your Smart Devices Are Exposing Your Privacy
May 18, 2022 11:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBWant to find out how much your smart devices know about you? Well now you can… This week, Carrie interviews the creator and lead of Mozilla’s Privacy Not Included Guide, Jen Caltrider. This guide reviews things like smart speakers, toys, games, wearables, and other devices that are connected to the internet. However, some of these items come with a pretty “creepy” downside. Watch the episode to find out more! Links and Resources: Privacy Not Included - https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/pri.....
EP 71 - Privacy Not Included: How To Find Out If Your Smart Devices Are Exposing Your Privacy
May 18, 2022 11:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBWant to find out how much your smart devices know about you? Well now you can… This week, Carrie interviews the creator and lead of Mozilla’s Privacy Not Included Guide, Jen Caltrider. This guide reviews things like smart speakers, toys, games, wearables, and other devices that are connected to the internet. However, some of these items come with a pretty “creepy” downside. Watch the episode to find out more! Links and Resources: Privacy Not Included - https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/pri...
Watch Out For New Bank Scam Using 2FA Codes
May 04, 2022 11:00 - 7 minutes - 5.19 MB2FA was created to protect your online accounts against cyber criminals. In this episode Carrie shares with you a new scam that uses 2FA codes to gain access to your financial accounts. What you’ll learn: What is 2FA or MFA How this scam works Two tools to avoid becoming a victim Want more great tips? Join the Privacy-Mentor email list. No span, just useful tips, tricks, and tools to help you protect your privacy from identity theft, fraud, and cyber threats. If you value your privac...
EP 70 Watch Out For New Bank Scam Using 2FA Codes
May 04, 2022 11:00 - 7 minutes - 5.19 MB2FA was created to protect your online accounts against cyber criminals. In this episode Carrie shares with you a new scam that uses 2FA codes to gain access to your financial accounts. What you’ll learn: What is 2FA or MFA How this scam works Two tools to avoid becoming a victim Want more great tips? Join the Privacy-Mentor email list. No span, just useful tips, tricks, and tools to help you protect your privacy from identity theft, fraud, and cyber threats. If you value your privacy,...
EP 69 Interview with Startpage CEO Robert E.G. Beens
April 20, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBEmail plays a big part of communicating in this digital age, but did you know that many of the free email services are scraping your emails to collect information? That’s right. The reason so many of these email services are free, is due to the fact that they are profiting off of data collected via emails you send and receive. This data is then used and sold for marketing or other purposes. Following up one of our previous episodes with Startpage's Director of Brand and Strategic Partner...
Interview with Startpage CEO Robert E.G. Beens
April 20, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBEmail plays a big part of communicating in this digital age, but did you know that many of the free email services are scraping your emails to collect information? That’s right. The reason so many of these email services are free, is due to the fact that they are profiting off of data collected via emails you send and receive. This data is then used and sold for marketing or other purposes. Following up one of our previous episodes with Startpage's Director of Brand and Strategic Partn...
Which is More Secure? Fraud Alert, a Credit Lock, or a Credit Freeze?
April 13, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MBBy now you’ve probably heard of some form of credit protection service, whether it be a freeze, a lock, or a fraud alert; however, you’d be surprised to know the differences between these services, and how one form may protect you more than another. In this episode, Carrie and Kyle discuss these three forms of credit protections, what they really do, and which one can actually help protect your personal credit. Things you’ll learn in this episode What are these services, and what they pro...
EP 68 Which is More Secure? Fraud Alert, a Credit Lock, or a Credit Freeze?
April 13, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MBBy now you’ve probably heard of some form of credit protection service, whether it be a freeze, a lock, or a fraud alert; however, you’d be surprised to know the differences between these services, and how one form may protect you more than another. In this episode, Carrie and Kyle discuss these three forms of credit protections, what they really do, and which one can actually help protect your personal credit. Things you’ll learn in this episode What are these services, and what they provi...
How Remote Access Software is Used For Both Good And Evil
April 05, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.2 MBRemote access software is a topic we’ve brought up several times in previous podcast and blog post, and in this episode Carrie and Kyle go over exactly what it is, and how bad guys are using it to their advantage. In this episode you’ll learn: What is remote access software? What are some common example of it? How are criminals using it? How to detect and remove it What to know to minimize your risk of falling victims to these scams Previous episode we reference where we talk about...
EP 67 How Remote Access Software is Used For Both Good And Evil
April 05, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.2 MBRemote access software is a topic we’ve brought up several times in previous podcast and blog post, and in this episode Carrie and Kyle go over exactly what it is, and how bad guys are using it to their advantage. In this episode you’ll learn: What is remote access software? What are some common example of it? How are criminals using it? How to detect and remove it What to know to minimize your risk of falling victims to these scams Previous episode we reference where we talk abou...
Startpage: The Ethical Search Engine That Values Your Privacy
March 30, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBHere’s a brief overview of what you learn in this episode: Why StartPage was created What makes StartPage different from other search engines What is a search bubble? Typically, if a product is free, you are the product. How does StartPage generate revenue? How to get started with StartPage?
EP 66 Startpage: The Ethical Search Engine That Values Your Privacy
March 30, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBHere’s a brief overview of what you learn in this episode: Why StartPage was created What makes StartPage different from other search engines What is a search bubble? Typically, if a product is free, you are the product. How does StartPage generate revenue? How to get started with StartPage?
EP 65 Tips to Avoid Fraud This Tax Season with ASAC Ron Loecker
March 16, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 8.89 MBFollowing up last week’s episode about 1099 fraud and staying on the topic of tax scams this season, Carrie interviews Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigations. Ron answers some of Carrie's questions and gives some tips to help you avoid any problems this tax year. Things you’ll learn in this episode: What to look for when selecting a tax preparer Are you, or your return preparer responsible for your taxes? How to check if your preparer is legit Will the IRS...
Tips to Avoid Fraud This Tax Season with ASAC Ron Loecker
March 16, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 8.89 MBFollowing up last week’s episode about 1099 fraud and staying on the topic of tax scams this season, Carrie interviews Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigations. Ron answers some of Carrie's questions and gives some tips to help you avoid any problems this tax year. Things you’ll learn in this episode: What to look for when selecting a tax preparer Are you, or your return preparer responsible for your taxes? How to check if your preparer is legit Will the I...
1099 Fraud: How You're Responsible for Capital Gains Criminals are Making
March 02, 2022 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.13 MBThis week, Carrie talks about another popular issue we see this time of year around tax season. In this situation, a woman received a 1099 form regarding taxable miscellaneous income she’s made off an investment account; The problem is, she’s never opened or had any such account. Find out why criminals are taking advantage of investing platforms, and how victims are being held responsible for paying taxes on money they’ve never made simply because criminals used their identity. Things you’ll...
EP 64 1099 Fraud: How You're Responsible for Capital Gains Criminals are Making
March 02, 2022 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.13 MBThis week, Carrie talks about another popular issue we see this time of year around tax season. In this situation, a woman received a 1099 form regarding taxable miscellaneous income she’s made off an investment account; The problem is, she’s never opened or had any such account. Find out why criminals are taking advantage of investing platforms, and how victims are being held responsible for paying taxes on money they’ve never made simply because criminals used their identity. Things you’ll ...
The Worst Thing You Can Do If Your Mobile Phone is Hijacked
February 23, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.7 MBRecently, Carrie received a call from someone worried that their mobile phone number was hacked. Out of fear, and some bad advice, they made some drastic changes on their own to protect their information. What they did not only gave the bad guys more control but locked the victim out of being able to access their own accounts. Listen to find out how you can avoid a situation like this, and what the right steps to take are to protect against phone number theft. Things you’ll learn in this epi...
EP 63 The Worst Thing You Can Do If Your Mobile Phone is Hijacked
February 23, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.7 MBRecently, Carrie received a call from someone worried that their mobile phone number was hacked. Out of fear, and some bad advice, they made some drastic changes on their own to protect their information. What they did not only gave the bad guys more control but locked the victim out of being able to access their own accounts. Listen to find out how you can avoid a situation like this, and what the right steps to take are to protect against phone number theft. Things you’ll learn in this epis...
EP 62 Sweetheart Scammers: The Cost of Finding Love Online
February 16, 2022 12:00 - 12 minutes - 8.42 MBLove is in the air in this episode, as Carrie talks about the notorious sweetheart scammers. This Valentine’s Day inspired topic covers a type of criminal that takes advantage of individuals in search of relationships online; but it’s not just those looking for love that are at risk. Carrie will share with you how non-romantic relationships found online could also pose a threat. Learn about sweetheart scammer’s intentions, and the dangers they present to their victims. What you’ll learn from ...
Sweetheart Scammers: The Cost of Finding Love Online
February 16, 2022 12:00 - 12 minutes - 8.42 MBLove is in the air in this episode, as Carrie talks about the notorious sweetheart scammers. This Valentine’s Day inspired topic covers a type of criminal that takes advantage of individuals in search of relationships online; but it’s not just those looking for love that are at risk. Carrie will share with you how non-romantic relationships found online could also pose a threat. Learn about sweetheart scammer’s intentions, and the dangers they present to their victims. What you’ll learn fr...
EP 61 Sneaky Scam Makes Hidden Changes to Your Email
February 09, 2022 12:00 - 16 minutes - 29.6 MBRecently, when replying to a client’s email, we received an email undeliverable response saying that their mailbox was full. However, upon closer review, the email address mentioned didn’t belong to my client. We called the client to see if he received my reply. He said “yes.” We then asked him if he was familiar with the email address listed on the undeliverable response, to which he said “no.” Find out what happened when hidden malicious email rules hijacked our client's emails and what ...
Sneaky Scam Makes Hidden Changes to Your Email
February 09, 2022 12:00 - 16 minutes - 29.6 MBRecently, when replying to a client’s email, we received an email undeliverable response saying that their mailbox was full. However, upon closer review, the email address mentioned didn’t belong to my client. We called the client to see if he received my reply. He said “yes.” We then asked him if he was familiar with the email address listed on the undeliverable response, to which he said “no.” Find out what happened when hidden malicious email rules hijacked our client's emails and what ...
EP 60 Is your Data Showing?
February 02, 2022 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.48 MBAfter listening to last week’s podcast, Carrie’s interview with Kris Coleman (Red5Security) about how to minimize your online exposure, Kyle was curious about his own online exposure. In this episode Kyle shares with you what he found, and the difficulty of removing the information. Things you’ll learn in this episode: How personal data can be found online Tips for navigating data collection sites How difficult or easy is it to remove the information A simple trick that will help red...
Is your Data Showing?
February 02, 2022 11:00 - 5 minutes - 3.48 MBAfter listening to last week’s podcast, Carrie’s interview with Kris Coleman (Red5Security) about how to minimize your online exposure, Kyle was curious about his own online exposure. In this episode Kyle shares with you what he found, and the difficulty of removing the information. Things you’ll learn in this episode: How personal data can be found online Tips for navigating data collection sites How difficult or easy is it to remove the information A simple trick that will help red...
EP 59 Minimizing Your Online Exposure with Red 5 Security CEO Kris Coleman
January 26, 2022 12:00 - 29 minutes - 19.8 MBCarrie is joined by Red5Security CEO Kris Coleman this week as they go over how easy it is for someone to find your personal information online. They discuss topics such as how this information gets out there, and who’s collecting it. They also talk about if you can remove what’s already out there, and things you can do to limit how much data is collected on you. Things you’ll learn in this episode: How your information is collected, even if you’re not the one putting it out there Where i...
Minimizing Your Online Exposure with Red 5 Security CEO Kris Coleman
January 26, 2022 12:00 - 29 minutes - 19.8 MBCarrie is joined by Red5Security CEO Kris Coleman this week as they go over how easy it is for someone to find your personal information online. They discuss topics such as how this information gets out there, and who’s collecting it. They also talk about if you can remove what’s already out there, and things you can do to limit how much data is collected on you. Things you’ll learn in this episode: How your information is collected, even if you’re not the one putting it out there Where...
Is your Private Family Foundation at Risk?
January 19, 2022 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.39 MBIn this episode, Carrie discusses a case she’s worked on involving a private family foundation. A seemingly innocent call responding to a fake job offer posted online turns into a full blown criminal operation impacting job seekers and foundations alike. Things you’ll learn in this episode: The importance of registering your foundation or company’s domain name What steps to take in reporting website fraud How this type of scam can be harmful to both foundations and people applying f...
EP 58 Is your Private Family Foundation at Risk?
January 19, 2022 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.39 MBIn this episode, Carrie discusses a case she’s worked on involving a private family foundation. A seemingly innocent call responding to a fake job offer posted online turns into a full blown criminal operation impacting job seekers and foundations alike. Things you’ll learn in this episode: The importance of registering your foundation or company’s domain name What steps to take in reporting website fraud How this type of scam can be harmful to both foundations and people applying for...
How to Remove Malicious Remote Access Software
January 12, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.16 MBEver recieved some well intended advice that turned out to do more harm then good? In this episode Carrie talks about some things aren't always as they seem. She goes over how harmful remote access software can hide on your device, and explains how it got there in the first place. Things you'll learn in this episode: Why remote access software isn't detected as malware How you can find out if this software is on your device How to uninstall it Find out how bad guys are able to put i...
EP 57 How to Remove Malicious Remote Access Software
January 12, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.16 MBEver recieved some well intended advice that turned out to do more harm then good? In this episode Carrie talks about some things aren't always as they seem. She goes over how harmful remote access software can hide on your device, and explains how it got there in the first place. Things you'll learn in this episode: Why remote access software isn't detected as malware How you can find out if this software is on your device How to uninstall it Find out how bad guys are able to put it ...
Deceiving the Deceptors: Inside Operation Trojan Shield with S.A. Tom Whalen
January 05, 2022 12:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBTaking down an international criminal ring isn’t easy. They often rely on sophisticated technology to thwart investigators. That same technology was used to take down hundreds of thousands of criminals. In this episode I speak with Tom Whalen, a former Special Agent with the FBI. For the first time, he is discussing Operation Trojan Shield and how the FBI, and other international agencies, used the criminal’s technology against them. It should be noted that Tom received permission to discuss...
EP 56 Deceiving the Deceptors: Inside Operation Trojan Shield with S.A. Tom Whalen
January 05, 2022 12:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBTaking down an international criminal ring isn’t easy. They often rely on sophisticated technology to thwart investigators. That same technology was used to take down hundreds of thousands of criminals. In this episode I speak with Tom Whalen, a former Special Agent with the FBI. For the first time, he is discussing Operation Trojan Shield and how the FBI, and other international agencies, used the criminal’s technology against them. It should be noted that Tom received permission to discuss ...
How Much is your Location Data Worth?
December 29, 2021 12:00 - 7 minutes - 5.05 MBIn this episode Carrie and Kyle go over the true value of your location tracking data. Carrie talks about the high price it’s worth and why it’s in such a high demand. They also go over the importance of choosing the correct settings and only allowing certain apps to have access to this information. Things you’ll learn in this episode: How much our location data is being sold for What apps should have access Why is this information so valuable?
EP 55 How Much is your Location Data Worth?
December 29, 2021 12:00 - 7 minutes - 5.05 MBIn this episode Carrie and Kyle go over the true value of your location tracking data. Carrie talks about the high price it’s worth and why it’s in such a high demand. They also go over the importance of choosing the correct settings and only allowing certain apps to have access to this information. Things you’ll learn in this episode: How much our location data is being sold for What apps should have access Why is this information so valuable?
EP 54 The Worst Passwords of 2021
December 22, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 7.5 MBIn this episode Carrie and Kyle go over the top worst passwords of 2021. They talk about the general rules to follow when creating a password, and what mistakes to avoid. Carrie also mentions how often you need to change your password, and what do to if your password was involved in a data breach. They also bring up a previous podcast episode where Carrie and Kyle went over the worst and best locations to store passwords. Things you’ll learn from this episode Examples of the worst and most ...
The Worst Passwords of 2021
December 22, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 7.5 MBIn this episode Carrie and Kyle go over the top worst passwords of 2021. They talk about the general rules to follow when creating a password, and what mistakes to avoid. Carrie also mentions how often you need to change your password, and what do to if your password was involved in a data breach. They also bring up a previous podcast episode where Carrie and Kyle went over the worst and best locations to store passwords. Things you’ll learn from this episode Examples of the worst and mos...
EP 53 How much are your Smart Devices Listening to You?
December 15, 2021 12:00 - 8 minutes - 5.99 MBIn this episode, Carrie shares a story about a woman who found out just how much the smart devices in her house were listening to. Carrie cautions the idea of using these devices for privacy reasons and explains why she doesn’t own one herself. She also goes over why some smart devices are becoming more common and less expensive than normal products, then tells the listener how they can request their own Amazon data. Things you’ll learn in this episode: What information is being saved by s...
How much are your Smart Devices Listening to You?
December 15, 2021 12:00 - 8 minutes - 5.99 MBIn this episode, Carrie shares a story about a woman who found out just how much the smart devices in her house were listening to. Carrie cautions the idea of using these devices for privacy reasons and explains why she doesn’t own one herself. She also goes over why some smart devices are becoming more common and less expensive than normal products, then tells the listener how they can request their own Amazon data. Things you’ll learn in this episode: What information is being saved by sm...
EP 52 Be on the Lookout for this Welcome Letter in the Mail
December 08, 2021 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.19 MBIn this episode Carrie warns about receiving letters for bank accounts that you didn’t open. She emphasizes the importance of not ignoring these letters and talks about the repercussions of what could happen if you do. Carrie also explains what to do if you realize that your identity is being used to launder money within a fraudulent bank account and list some helpful websites that will make monitoring for these accounts more accessible. In this episode you will learn: What to do if you rec...
Be on the Lookout for this Welcome Letter in the Mail
December 08, 2021 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.19 MBIn this episode Carrie warns about receiving letters for bank accounts that you didn’t open. She emphasizes the importance of not ignoring these letters and talks about the repercussions of what could happen if you do. Carrie also explains what to do if you realize that your identity is being used to launder money within a fraudulent bank account and list some helpful websites that will make monitoring for these accounts more accessible. In this episode you will learn: What to do if you r...
Passcode vs. Face ID, Which is More Secure?
December 01, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.96 MBIn this episode Carrie and Kyle talk about the different types of security methods on your Apple device. Carrie answers Kyle’s question about which methods are “safer” to use, as well as explaining their potential weaknesses. She also shares stories of why the biometrical side of security isn’t always the most reliable. In this episode you will learn: Is Face ID more secure than your Passcode? What about using your fingerprint? The importance of privacy over convenience