Internet Security Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Why you need to lock down your email account tight

Posted on September 22, 2026

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Have you ever stopped to consider just how important your email account is?

Like most people you probably use email to send messages to friends and family members and receive updates from the various services you’ve signed up for.

But did you know your email account is one of the most import online accounts you’ll ever use?

In fact, after your online banking and other financial accounts, your email account is probably THE most important account you have. [Read more…]

5 simple habits that protect you from most cyber threats

Posted on September 14, 2026

Most successful attacks against individuals do not involve sophisticated hacking. They exploit a handful of predictable human behaviors, and closing those gaps blocks a disproportionate share of real-world attack paths.

This post covers five specific habits, the exact threat each one blocks, and what to do if you suspect you have already been compromised.

Why Do a Handful of Habits Cover Most Real-World Attacks?

[Read more…]

Q&A: Should the lights on my modem blink all the time?

Posted on August 2, 2026

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Tina: I’ve noticed the lights on my modem are blinking more or less constantly.

In fact, they even blink when I’m not using a web browser, checking my email or doing anything else on the Internet.

Is it normal for all those lights to be constantly blinking or should I be worried? [Read more…]

Why you should never keep emails that contain passwords

Posted on May 15, 2026

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If you’re like most Internet users, your email inbox probably contains several old messages that contain the usernames and passwords for some of your online accounts.

As you probably know, many services send new subscribers/customers a welcome email containing the username and password they’ll need to enter in order to log into the account. [Read more…]

How to choose ‘unguessable’ answers to security questions

Posted on March 29, 2026

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Have you ever forgotten the password to one of your online accounts and clicked on the “Forgot password?” link in order to reset your password?

If so, you might have been prompted to input the answer to the security question(s) you created when you opened the account.

Security questions are intended to identify you as the legitimate account owner in the event that you forget your password and need to reset it.

What’s more, they are also sometimes used as a second level of security to augment the security provided by the password. If you can’t answer the security question(s), you won’t be allowed to log in to the account, even if you know the password. [Read more…]