by Char Hunt | TechChurn Senior Staff Writer

July 06, 2026

What if you didn’t know your info by memory? Prepare yourself before bad luck finds you.

There are plenty of useful methods.

Sometimes a recovery looks like ancient hieroglyphics.

Are you a good witch or a bad witch? A robot or a human?

Simple guidelines. One place…

#Workshops4Good.

Join us.

~ Team Tech Churn + Team Megablox Guild

June 3, 2026

Tech Churn joins team Megablox Guild for some candid hot takes. In this discussion, we’ll talk about some general tips for better online security.

by Char Hunt | TechChurn Senior Staff Writer

June 1, 2026

The best way to build up your digital defenses is to train yourself to pay closer attention. But when that fails, old methods can give you a much needed fail safe…. If it comes to that.

Social media accounts and email are frequent targets for takeover attempts.

Lesson: Don’t wait for the bad thing to happen. Do what you can to build better routines.

~ CH

Employers need a better vision of success. I’m saying the quiet part out loud, and I’m putting on my consultant hat today. I had a discussion about this topic last week.

by Char Hunt | TechChurn Senior Staff Writer

May 27, 2026

The conversation turned into a debate when the question of workplace misconceptions turned up.

Here’s what we came up with.

There are five reasons leaders think their teams aren’t happy at work. Let me know if you recognize these. Some of them may sound familiar:

The Tropes

“We need better perks-at-work programs and benefits.”

“The compensation isn’t competitive enough.”

“People want more time off or shorter weeks.”

“They want more flexibility and remote work options.”

“They’ve got some personal stuff going on.”

The Situation: The Real Reason

So, here’s why most teams are actually unhappy:

They don’t feel emotionally connected to the mission or the folks leading it.

Period. End of story.

When people stop feeling seen, valued, or part of something meaningful, all the above “reasons” start bubbling to the surface. What could be seen as tropes start showing up. They are not excuses, they are symptoms.

It’s like this…

When connection, trust, and purpose are strong, people go above and beyond.

The Action: Radical Transformation

They stay. They care.

They pay more attention.

They take more action.

They also have better historical reference points which lead to good judgement. So before you distribute another box-ticking survey, perks program, or wellness app, fix the foundation first.

Or, get rid of a few silos.

Transparency improves the whole structure.

Connection before compensation.

Now, switch gears and think about cybersecurity. Think about resilience.

The very idea of building a more robust security is scary, right? Breaches, Phishing, Brute force attacks. We hear about it all the time. Newer technologies like AI pose risks, too…

So, how do we fix digital fatigue and burnout?

The question becomes, “Who stands to lose money if a system fails?”

Or, what can we do to combat sliding towards risk? Compliance?

Yes, It’s a pickle.

It’s not with a race at break-neck speed. It’s not another product based feeding frenzy… (consequences be damned) just for the sake of saying you did that particular thing. That’s not it!

There is a process to rekindling purpose, catalysts, and vigilance at work.

So, what can you do to create that spark?

The Solution

Are you seeing the pattern?

If your team’s performance and watchfulness have slipped lately, I just did a success strategy for my newest client. Talk to me to navigate it for you.

You can change the journey. DM me and the team to discuss, or get in touch via the our website (We’ll send you the details.)

Talk Soon,

~CH

May 13, 2026

Here’s a pocket sized set of security secrets you can implement today.

🔑Lock-down mode is here.

Save this for when you need it. Share with someone who could use it for better safety.

Cheers!

~ Team TechChurn + MegaBlox Guild

Close Calls Can Change How You Navigate Online 🔐

by Char Hunt | TechChurn Senior Staff Writer

May 4, 2026

These are real warning signs — and most people ignore them until it’s too late.

I’ve seen all three happen to people I know. Which ones have you noticed?

#digitalsafety #onlinesecurity #digitalawareness #protectyourself #accountsecurity

In that moment he realized he wasn’t as safe as he thought… it was too late.

by Char Hunt | TechChurn Senior Staff Writer

April 25, 2026

He had started to ignore certain security alerts… the real ones. After that everything changed. This is what happened…

by Char Hunt | TechChurn Senior Staff Writer

February 23, 2026

Working from home has become the new normal—which means your house is now part of your organization’s security perimeter. The good news is that securing it doesn’t require expensive tools or deep technical know-how.

Here are five practical steps you can take this week that dramatically reduce your risk:

1. Update and secure your Wi-Fi
   Change the default router password and turn on automatic updates if your device supports it.

2. Separate your work and personal life (digitally)
   Use separate devices if possible. If not, create different user profiles and avoid mixing apps and data.

3. Turn on multi-factor authentication
   Email, banking, business apps, and cloud storage should all require more than a password.

4. Protect your browser
   Use one browser for work and another for everything else. Review your extensions every few months.

5. Back up your data
   Cloud plus an external drive gives you two layers of protection from loss, corruption, or ransomware.

Each of these steps takes minutes—and together, they create a resilient foundation that most attackers won’t get past.

If you found this helpful, reply and let me know which tip you’re implementing first. And if you’d like more practical guidance every week, stay tuned—simplifying cybersecurity for everyday people is what this newsletter is all about.

Stay sharp, stay secure.

Chat Soon,

~CH

Most of us have been trained to watch our inbox for suspicious messages.
But there’s a growing threat that often feels more real, more urgent—and harder to detect.

Scammers are now using AI-generated voices to call people and pretend to be:
• A boss or co-worker
• A vendor or partner
• A family member in trouble

All they need is a short public clip—a panel discussion, a TikTok, a podcast interview—to create a convincing imitation.

Here’s how to stay protected without stress or fear

Red flags to listen for:
• Requests that feel rushed or urgent
• Payment, password, or document demands
• Changes to normal process (“just send it through text”)
• Reluctance to follow up in writing

Defense that stops 90% of these calls:
• Hang up and call the person back using a number you already know
• Verify any unusual request in a second channel (email, chat, or SMS)

Trust and convenience are what attackers target. Slow down by a few seconds and you take away their advantage.

If this message gives you more confidence than fear, forward it to a colleague or founder who works remotely. And if you want a weekly dose of clear, calm cybersecurity guidance, stay subscribed.

You’ve got this—one smart step at a time.

Chat soon,

~CH

There is an awful lot going on out there. You would hard pressed not to miss it.

by Char Hunt | TechChurn Senior Staff Writer

February 5, 2026

There is an awful lot going on out there. You would hard pressed not to miss a few things. The irony? Forward thinkers and innovators continue to push the envelope towards the future.

With that said —hold on and stay strong. We can get through hard times.

But, difficult times call for those who listen to the quiet parts that don’t get said out loud.

I must admit that my efforts to examine the relationships between tech, culture, and awareness have been overshadowed by current events.

But, I’m back now.

And as I step back out into the maelstrom, my gaze lingers on governance, privacy, and continually emerging tech. On layered and unsettling systems, as well as technological advancements.

Like this one…

Identity theft has quietly evolved.

It used to involve stolen credit cards or hacked passwords. Today, AI tools make it possible for criminals to clone something far more personal—your voice, your writing style, even your résumé—and use it to impersonate you online.

Here’s the good news: there are simple ways to stay ahead of it.

What attackers are doing now:
• Scraping public information from LinkedIn, bios, websites, and social feeds
• Using AI tools to imitate tone, grammar, and voice
• Applying for accounts or sending messages that look like they came from you

What you can do starting today:

1. Reduce unnecessary personal info on public profiles

2. Turn on multi-factor authentication everywhere you can

3. Avoid sharing IDs, contracts, or personal documents over email

4. Audit what your digital footprint reveals every quarter

5. Use password managers instead of reusing passwords

You don’t need to understand deep technical security to protect yourself.

Small actions go a very long way.

The thread doesn’t end at this particular point. It disappears… fades only if nobody keeps an eye on it.

If you found this useful, share it with someone who works remotely or runs a small business. And if you want practical steps like these every week, make sure you stay subscribed.

Smart security starts with awareness—and you’re already ahead.

💡Digital Awareness Matters.

Chat Soon!

~CH

You can do the same.

Let us show you how to be more particular.

Think like a hacker.

“17% of our client’s employees were clicking on phishing emails. Today that number is nearly zero.”

Our clients are seeing results.

The difference? Fancy tools? Superpowerful AI threat detection?

No. Just consistent, relatable training.

When we started working with organizations, we noticed they were doing annual “check-the-box” security training. You know the kind – mandatory videos no one really watches followed by a quiz where everyone, very likely, runs a Google search for the answers.

We replaced that routine with monthly phishing seminars, based on actual current threats. Employees who clicked got immediate, relevant education, not dings and penalties.

The results were striking. Not only did click rates plummet, but employees stated proactively reporting suspicious emails. The best part?

When a sophisticated phishing attack targeted their administrative assistant pool, 4 out of 5 reported it immediately.

Want similar results?

Stop treating security training as a risk arena. Make it relevant, recurrent, and connected to real threat scenarios that challenge your teams.

Your security posture is only as strong as your most click-happy employee.

To keep pace of fast evolving risks, organizations and founders must continue to learn and get up to speed on new threats and embrace vulnerabilities detection head-on.

Interested in a conversation? Reach out!

Take Control

If you work online, this free training isn’t just helpful — it’s essential peace of mind.

Five days. Simple lessons.

Real protection. 👉 Unlock your Awareness Plan today at CharIsPresent online right here.

by Char Hunt | TechChurn Senior Staff Writer

November 3, 2025

Technology is always changing, and so are cybercriminals’ tactics. Educating our customers, friends, and family on the latest trends in security scams is just one of the many ways we can help our communities understand what to watch out for.

So, what can you do to help protect yourself? Keep current on new and emerging cyber threats.

Six Security Tips for Online Banking

Is online banking safe? Yes, (and no.)

Let me explain.

Online banks take a great many precautions to keep your money safe each and every day. This includes advanced cybersecurity technology and user authentication methods.

But, you can take your own steps to boost your online safety.

How Are Online Banks Different?

Online banks are digital, for the most part, and operate without physical branches. There’s no face-to-face bank teller. As the customer, you login to access and manage your account anywhere, and at any time, with your computer, or a mobile device.

Because online banks run things with a lower overhead than traditional banks, they tend to offset this by offering higher interest rates and lower fees than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. And because online banks are “ digital-first” they typically offer more advanced features to help you manage your money.

Tips to protect your online bank accounts

Regular monitoring and communications with your bank can have a huge impact in protecting your financial accounts. Federally insured banks are required to have robust security practices, meaning those online and traditional banks must all meet the same standards.

Always look for features that protect your data with any bank. This means things like fraud monitoring, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and other security related tools.

Use Trusted Websites to Access Banking Accounts

In addition to checking your network, be sure to access your account using a secure browser. Avoid clicking on links that appear to redirect toward your bank — even if they look safe. Instead, log in from the official app, type in your organization’s URL directly, or use a bookmark.

Note: Periodically check any older unused bookmarks for updated web locations or remove them if they look suspicious.

Choose You Access Points With Caution

If you’re on a shared Wi-Fi network, such as a cafe, coffee shop or public library, your information is more exposed than on your home network. That’s because most of them lack necessary security measures, have weak passwords, or poor router configurations. Others are open networks without passwords. Hackers love these types of connections for exploit activities.

It’s best to avoid banking or conducting any other tasks that involves sensitive data over public Wi-Fi. If you’re out and need to access your bank account, use your cellular network instead.

Enable multi-factor authentication

MFA mitigates password vulnerabilities. And most banks have some form of built-in multi-factor authentication (MFA) which means no extra steps are needed for you to enable it. Without access to a secondary device or verification method, unauthorized users remain locked out of an account, even if your password was stolen.

Government agencies such as the FDIC have available resources to help you better understand how it keeps your data safe.

Build complex, unique passwords

Create unique, strong passwords to provide another layer of protection for your funds. It’s tempting to reuse passwords or keep them short and simple, but don’t backslide into relaxed, complacent attitudes when it comes the securing your financial data. It’s important to always secure your mobile device with its own unique key-code. The same goes for your computer. Do not repeat your credentials across devices.

Don’t respond to suspicious emails, texts or phone calls

Customers across the industry are daily targets for scammers pretending to be associated with a bank in text messages, email, or fraudulent phone calls. Some can even spoof the bank’s phone number, so it looks legitimate on caller id. Not sure what to look for? Look for these signs of scam messages.

Sign up for fraud alerts

Most banks have options for suspicious activity alerts. If a scammer gains access to your online accounts, setting up these types of alerts gives much needed insight.

Within minutes you receive an alert via email or text informing you of any odd transactions or unusual, questionable login attempts.

Staying security aware and keeping yourself informed are your best defenses against digital fraud. Recognize the signs and know how to respond so that you can protect yourself and your finances from ever-changing threats.

October 30, 2025

Earlier this month, Discord reported that hackers gained access to one of its third-party customer service and support providers. They allegedly stole at least 70,000 images of government-issued IDs which were used for age verification.

According to Discord, other stolen sensitive information included:

• Names, and Discord user handles

• Email addresses, and contact details provided by user for support

• Billing and payment metadata, including payment methods, purchasing history, and credit card info (last four digits)

• Conversation transcripts and messages with support agents (i.e. what users communicated to support team representatives)

• “Limited corporate data” such as training materials or internal presentations stored

• IP addresses associated with support interactions

  That’s a ton of personal data. It also says the following types of sensitive information were not accessed:

• Full credit card numbers and security codes (CCV)

• Messages or activity on Discord beyond what users may have discussed with customer support

• Passwords or authentication data

All of it may have been impacted by the breach, according to Discord.

This is just another example of why organizations and digital workers should keep a watchful, mindful eye for security awareness. When it comes data privacy concerns, we all exist in a vast interconnected digital network. And as digital and remote workers we should all be our own security experts— on a personal level.

But that’s not it. There’s more.

As you might have guessed, the motivation for the attacks appears to be entirely financial. The hackers’ initial $5 million ransom moved to a later demand of $3.5 million. An official Discord spokesperson says the company “will not reward those responsible for their illegal actions.” However, there are conflicting reports over the scope of the attack and who is at fault. Discord claims that the attackers are circulating false information about an adjacent customer service provider to justify attempts to extort large sums of money.

The cybercrime group called Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters is claiming credit for the attack, saying that it took 1.5 terabytes of data from over 5 million users, including over 2.1 million government ID photos. Despite allegations, on October 14, the maligned third-party customer support vendor (known as 5CA) denied any handling of government-issued IDs on behalf of Discord, or that its system was hacked. They simultaneously admitted the incident potentially resulted from human error.

Let that sink in…

A spokesperson for Discord confirmed, “All affected users globally have been contacted and we continue to work closely with law enforcement, data protection authorities, and external security experts. We’ve secured the affected systems and ended work with the compromised vendor. We take our responsibility to protect your personal data seriously and understand the concern this may cause.”

It turns out the company was being extorted over a breach of its Zendesk instance by the cybercrime group—claiming to have “1.5TB of age verification related photos...” translating to approximately “2,185,151 photos.”

That’s powerful. It’s also extremely problematic.

Discord is already in the process of contacting victims and has already notified “relevant” data protection authorities. The company is also reviewing their current security controls that govern third-party support providers. In a statement, third-party company (5CA) had its access to Discord’s ticketing system revoked and says the hackers never directly accessed Discord systems.

How to protect yourself

So, what do you do in this situation? The customers are painfully caught in the middle. Both sides pointing to the other.

Meanwhile, the data is… well, somewhere.

Cybercriminals typically target personal data because it commands a high price on the black market. The data is used in various kinds of scams. This Discord breach is yet another reminder that we are routinely forced to hand over sensitive data with very little visibility into storage procedures and protections. How our data is secured, shared, or stored over time is a key point of consideration. While you can’t claw back data that’s already leaked, you can take steps to control of which parts you share.

How to protect yourself from future exposure:

• Audit and keep track of where your sensitive data lives: If you have to share your sensitive data, read the privacy policy. If you no longer use the account, see if there’s an option to delete your data—then go and do it!

Pro tip: If unsure, or TLDR, you might use your favorite GPT for basic vetting. Ask it if there’s anything preventing full or optimal protections and controls, or ask it about specific privacy concerns. You can find out in seconds.

• Use services that only require non-invasive data: Let’s be honest. This is becoming much more difficult. (Especially when data is pretty much a cottage industry unto itself.) But, like the man said—data that is never collected cannot be leaked. If you need to use a service, look for ones with clear, transparent guidelines. Take it upon yourself to know which data points it collects, for what purpose will it be stored, and for how long.

• Keep online data sharing to a minimum: Don’t share any unnecessary information. Consider the use of email aliases whenever possible.

What about age verification?

The need to protect children from online harm and vulnerabilities is all too real. Recently established guidelines and rules have lit a fire beneath governments across the globe.

Governments from the European Union, to Canada, and Australia, are moving to moving the needle by follow the UK’s newly-enforced age verification laws

But, keep in mind that one cannot assume any age sensitive verification data would be immune from leaks. This event, among others is proof. It means that organizations have a financial incentive to deploy genuinely secure, decentralized solutions (like an open standard) prior to rolling out any age verification process. An open standard is one such example of secure systems developed with privacy in mind.

The benefit of an open standard is a set of rules that dictate interoperability, and sustainable long term development. (Think of standards such as mobile G4 and G5, SQL, XML, Ethernet, USB, OAuth, Bluetooth, WiFi, and others.) It’s a foundation built on systems that are not bound by proprietary closed systems. The concept applies to anything that is openly accessible to everyone, so that they can adopt or modify a thing without restrictions. It’s truly a model of cooperation, as opposed to narrow exclusionary practices. It’s a means for growth.

To that end, various methods of verification, including face scanning is being tested. As policy makers search for more concrete methods to verify underage users the regulatory landscape is widening. Organizations could lose a courtroom battle or incur fines if they don’t get age checks right. Firms outside of compliance with the Online Safety Act could be fined up to 10% of their global turnover.

For example, Instagram previously rolled facial analysis back in 2022 for users wanting to change their profile information to over age 18. The social media company requires users to take a selfie video on their phone and uses AI to estimate the person’s age. As within Discord, users can alternatively upload a picture of their photo ID. Which brings us full circle to today’s issue. Try, fail, try, try again... Fail forward? As evidenced by this recent breach, these types of checks are ineffective and could lead to privacy issues.

My Take?

Stay mindful of the risks when joining a service. As your own personal security advocate, do your own research and keep tabs on your digital footprint wherever possible. Millions of users were affected in this incident and it’s unclear what actions Discord intends to take in the long term. If you, or someone you know had occasion to open a support ticket on the Discord platform swap out your credit card and take special precautions immediately.

Chat soon,

~ CH

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We like hearing from you!

October 28, 2025

Technology is always changing, and so are cybercriminals’ tactics. Educating our friends, family, and customers on the latest trends in security threats and scams is just one of the many ways we can help our communities understand what to watch for.

So, what can you do to help protect yourself? Keep current on new and emerging cyber threats.

Types of scams

Watch out for the warning signs of the latest scams. Here’s a few you may, or may not have heard of…

Voice clone scams

Voice clone scams, also known as vishing, occurs when scammers replicate harvested voice samples from podcasts, socials, and public recordings using artificial intelligence. Then, they call you while pretending to be someone you know and trust to personal information.

How to Identify voice cloning

To protect yourself from vishing scams note the following:

• Be wary of unexpected requests for money or personal information

• Do not trust caller ID

• If someone close to you calls frantically asking for money, hang up and call that person directly—using trusted contact information

• Create a safe word that only you and those close to you would know
  

Phone scams - SIM swapping and Smishing

Smishing, or SMS phishing, is when a cybercriminal sends a text pretending to be a legitimate company or someone you know. These often include a fraudulent link asking you to confirm your information. Another way hackers exploit your smartphone is by SIM swapping, or tricking your phone carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card they control. Also watch out for one time password (OTP) bots, which trick people into sharing authentication codes received by a text or an email.

How to spot phone scams

To protect yourself from smishing scams:

• Don’t click links in unexpected texts – go to the site or app directly

• Verify the sender anytime you receive a message asking for sensitive or personal information

• Never share one-time codes (OTPs) or secret PINs, even if the request or requestor is adamant; hang up and call the company directly

• Be wary of urgent messages that need you to react quickly

Add a carrier PIN or port-out lock with your mobile provider to block unauthorized SIM changes. And be sure to report suspicious texts to your carrier and delete them.

Financial Grooming: Crypto & investment scams

Scammers often work to build long-term trust, often posting as friends or romantic partners, then slowly lure victims into fake investment platforms. They may even show fabricated “profits” to convince victims to keep investing. It’s a manipulative and devastating kind of crime that combines emotional exploitation with financial fraud. The term “Pig-butchering” refers to scams involving this type of financial grooming.

How to spot investment scams

To protect yourself from crypto and investment scams do not respond to unsolicited texts or instant messages, even if they look friendly or accidental (“Hi, is this Jim?”)

Watch for emotional manipulation tactics and constant mentions of money or investment opportunities, and be extra cautious of offers for a refund in exchange for an upfront fee.

It’s also best to think twice if the crypto or other investment seems too good to be true — like a contest, prize or “early“ opportunity. These are red flags.

Always Verify: Payment app scams

Scammers can take advantage of third-party payment apps through typical scenarios like accidental overpayments or fake fraud alerts. While you can usually contest an illegitimate payment with your bank, it’s more difficult to get a refund from a payment app. This is because a payment app, despite some loose third-party affiliation, is technically NOT a bank. Be careful and read the fine print.

How to spot payment app scams

To protect yourself from online payment scams do these things:

• Be suspicious if someone claims to have sent an “overpayment” to one of your payment apps and asks for a refund

• Verify messages that look like a legitimate payment app notification or company message by checking your account through the app or website
  

Check it Out before You Buy: Online marketplaces

Criminals set up online stores or product listings to trick people into making purchases that are either false, or never arrive. Claims of low prices and hard-to-find items are often used to lure victims.

How to spot online marketplace scams

To protect yourself from online marketplace scams:

• Always research retailers and be wary of customer reviews before buying—even if they have 4 and 5 star ratings

• Be cautious with deals that seem too perfect. If it’s too good to be true, use caution

• Shop only from sites that accept secure payment methods
  

Fake jobs postings: Work-from-home scams, employment scams

Receive an unexpected communication like a text or email - claiming you can make big money working from home? If you inquire about the job, the fake employer asks for your sensitive personal information, then uses it to claim your identity.

How to spot employment scams:

To protect yourself from employment scams research the employers and look for legitimate employee reviews. Be cautious of any unsolicited employment offers.

Check before you scan: QR code scams

Scammers create malicious QR codes, distributing them via email, social media or in public places. Scan the fraudulent code, and you’ll be redirected to a site that collects personal information or installs malware.

How to spot QR code scams

To protect yourself from QR code scams:

• Only scan QR codes from trusted sources and be cautious of QR codes in unusual locations

• Check for signs that a QR code has been tampered with, like a sticker covering the original code

• Ensure your mobile device is up to date with the latest software
  

  Take extra precautions and use the onboard camera capabilities that come with your mobile device. This is imperative, since many QR code scanner apps contain malware. Use your direct access the website instead of scanning the QR code, or links in the text message.
  

Tech Support Diversion: Remote access scams

Scammers may pretend to be from a trusted company, or tech support to gain remote access to your device. They buy ads or compromise legitimate sites, so when you visit, a pop-up is triggered. The pop-up advises you to call your computer’s tech support, which then instructs you to allow them to remote into your computer. Once inside, the “helpful” representative can log into your bank account and transfer your money—all while you’re locked out.

How to spot remote access scams

To help protect yourself from remote access scams, never give an individual remote access to your devices unless you’re speaking with a verified support person

What to do if you’ve been scammed

Digital criminals employ sophisticated means to lure victims, so don’t be too tough on yourself. Instead, take immediate action:

• Act quickly by reporting the incident to relevant authorities. Don’t wait! Time is your friend in these situations. The scammer is counting on you not to notice discrepancies. They assume you will be too busy to pay attention p, or to act immediately when something seems off. Don’t give them the opportunity to drill in further.

• Contact your financial institution to report the fraud

• Change any passwords and disable credit cards to cut off access to your accounts

Staying aware and keeping informed are your best defenses against digital fraud.

Recognize the signs and know how to respond so that you can protect yourself and your finances from ever-changing threats.

If you like this and other posts consider subscribing. If you know someone you think might be interested, tell them about it.

We like hearing from you!

Let’s be honest — most online safety advice sounds like it’s written for IT departments or Tech juggernauts. Meanwhile, digital workers are just trying to get through their day without a security headache.

But every freelancer, remote employee, and entrepreneur depends on the internet to make a living.

And that means online safety has to be simple. 👈

The Real Risk

After 10 years in online environments, corporate offices, call centers, training situations, and security training, I’ve seen the same pattern again and again: The biggest security issues rarely come from hackers.

They come from small habits — weak passwords, ignored updates, emotional disruptions, and one accidental click.

A Better Way to Learn

That’s why I built a free 5-Day Online Safety Bootcamp.

It’s a short, practical program that cuts through the noise and gives you exactly what you need to stay safe:

* Recognize scams and phishing instantly

* Secure your accounts and devices fast

* Protect your personal data in everyday use

* Build lasting safety habits that fit your workflow

No jargon. No fear tactics. Just real-world protection that works.

Take Control

If you work online, this free resource isn’t just helpful — it’s essential peace of mind.

Five days. Simple lessons. Real protection.

Because Digital Workers Need to Think About Online Safety — Now!

👉 Unlock your Awareness Plan today.

(DM me or, email the team for details and answers to your questions.)

Chat Soon,

~CH

If you like this and other posts or, If you know someone you think might be interested, tell them about it.

We like hearing from you and others!

by TechChurn

March 4, 2025

They're the ones who use several apps, documents, spreadsheets, browser windows, and other things open -- switching window or screens on a regular basis.

I've also known those who follow the 'stay signed in' rule. That's the idea of never turning your computer off. These people focus on ease of use and a kind of hardware consistency. They think it makes the machine more efficient because of less system resource changes, memory allocation, software glitches, general performance, or even battery drag.

Occasionally people ask me something similar. Is it okay to leave the computer on at all times? I tell them that leaving it on won't cause damage, since computers are designed to be switched on and off regularly.

Some say that leaving it on can contribute to some undue wear and tear on system components. However, it's possible to leave it on for days without shutting it down. I tell folks to just make sure the PC is well ventilated and not susceptible to overheating because of spatial crowding; meaning you should position your computer so it allows for better fan cooling and overall airflow. Here's a tip--If you have a laptop, use a stand or cradle that keeps your computer elevated. Especially the bottom panel. It’s best to keep system heat low while working.

What about those who work from home?

Everyone working from a personal or home office is usually interested in ways to stop their computer from sleeping, or randomly turning itself off. They choose to keep their PC awake for various reasons. Different things work for different scenarios.

But should you stay logged in? This should only be done on devices that only you have access to. As a rule thumb, leaving your account signed in on a public device or one that you don’t trust can put your information at risk.

If you are using a device you don’t trust (most likely because it’s not yours), you should ensure the 'Keep me signed in' checkbox or option is not selected. Uncheck the setting if you have no use for it.

This is because using a browser in regular (non-incognito) mode leaves behind a great deal of personal information, including information that could be used to access your online accounts.

Information normally stored by your browser includes:

• Websites visited

• Permissions you have given to websites

• Passwords used

• Information entered into forms

• Cookies and site data (such as files and other data stored in your browser’s web storage -- also known as the browser cache)

• Index files used for search functions within content (potentially—check your browser and operating system for specifics)

Private Browsing Mode

At this point, all modern browsers offer a Private Browsing mode (also known as Incognito Mode in Google Chrome and Private Browsing in Firefox). When using a private mode, none of the information listed above is stored by your browser. Some data is stored in your device’s temporary memory (RAM). It’s deleted when you close the private browsing tab or window.

Private Browsing/Incognito mode also stops tabs, bookmarks, and browsing history from being synced across multiple browsers that are signed in to the same Google, Firefox, or other browser account.

It should be noted that using Private Browsing mode when you sign in to your online mail accounts is a recommended best practice, particularly while working on a non-trusted device

Private Browsing Mode Does Not Cover

Your browser’s Private Browsing mode protects your sensitive data from others who have physical access to your device (or devices signed in to the same browser account).

It does not prevent your internet service provider from seeing what you do online. Nor does it prevent websites from knowing your device’s unique internet protocol (IP) address.

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