Digital Sheepdog

Why you should be a Digital Sheepdog

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:37:00 -0400

What does it mean to be a “digital sheepdog”? Anyone can. It means knowing what to do to keep your loved ones safe online.

What Is a VPN and Do You Actually Need One?

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

VPNs are everywhere in ads, but the marketing is full of exaggeration. Here’s what a VPN actually does, when it genuinely helps, and how to avoid the ones that are worse than useless.

Your Smart Home Is Watching: Securing IoT Devices

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Smart TVs, video doorbells, smart speakers, connected thermostats — your home is full of devices that are potentially watching, listening, and poorly secured. Here’s how to fix that.

The Risks of Public WiFi (And What to Actually Do About It)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Coffee shop WiFi, hotel networks, airport hotspots — what’s actually risky, what’s overblown, and what you should actually do about it.

Your Elderly Parents Are Being Targeted. Here's How to Help.

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Criminals specifically target older adults because they tend to be more trusting and more financially secure. Here’s how to have the conversation and put protections in place — without making your parents feel like you’re treating them like children.

Protecting Your Kids Online: A Parent's Practical Guide

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

You don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your kids safer online. Here are practical, realistic steps that actually work — without turning your home into a surveillance state.

AI Is Being Used Against You: The Rise of AI-Powered Scams

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Criminals are now using AI to clone voices, write flawless phishing emails, and create convincing deepfakes. Here’s what you need to know — and one simple trick that could save your family thousands of dollars.

What Is the Dark Web, Really?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The dark web sounds terrifying. The reality is less dramatic — but still worth understanding, especially if your personal information has shown up there.

The Equifax Breach: What Really Happened to Your Data

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In 2017, hackers stole the personal information of 147 million Americans — roughly half the country. Here’s what actually happened, why it still matters, and what you can do about it.

What Is Ransomware — and Could It Happen to You?

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In 2021, a ransomware attack shut down a pipeline and caused gas shortages across the East Coast. Here’s what ransomware is, how it works, and what you can do to protect yourself.

The 5-Minute Security Checkup Every Family Should Do Once a Year

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

You change the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year. Here’s the digital equivalent — a simple checklist to keep your family safer online.

Is That Email Really from Your Bank? How to Spot a Phishing Attack

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Phishing emails have gotten frighteningly convincing. Here’s how to recognize the tricks before you click something you’ll regret.

Two-Factor Authentication: The Dead Bolt for Your Online Accounts

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

A password alone isn’t enough anymore. Two-factor authentication is like adding a dead bolt — even if someone has your key, they still can’t get in.

You Need a Password Manager. Here's Why.

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

If you’re reusing the same passwords across multiple sites, a data breach anywhere puts you at risk everywhere. A password manager fixes this — and it’s easier than you think.

Unfolding of a Scam

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

A step-by-step account of a classic cashier’s check overpayment scam — with the full email and text exchange.

Guide to Credit Freeze

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Freezing your credit is the single best thing you can do after a data breach. Here’s exactly how to do it at all three bureaus.

DNS: What It Is and Why You Should Change It

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

DNS is the phone book of the internet — and switching to a security-focused DNS service is one of the easiest ways to protect your family online.

Home Network Equipment

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Your ISP’s router is ‘good enough’ — but owning your own is better for security, flexibility, and your wallet.

Why Should You Be a Digital Sheepdog?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Identity theft, ransomware, and compromised accounts affect millions every year — here’s why everyone should take steps to protect themselves online.

Resources

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Coming soon — a curated list of security tools, recommended products, and links for keeping your family safe online.

About Me

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

My name is Stuart. I currently work as a security architect for a large, Fortune 100 company. My current areas of focus include cloud security, cryptography and post-quantum encryption, and AI security.

I have over 25 years of professional experience in the Information Security field for both the Department of Defense and the private sector, including work as a contractor for the Army in an information assurance and intelligence role. Prior to my career in cybersecurity, I spent 11 years in the United States Army, serving at duty stations around the world and in combat operations in the Middle East. I regularly speak at security conferences and events around the country on a wide range of technology and cybersecurity topics.