Cybersecurity Insights with Jon Densmore
Jon Densmore is the Chief Information Security Officer for the First Mutual Holding Company. In this episode of (915) TALK we discuss common internet scams and how you can protect yourself.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
During this program Jon mentioned security resources. Here they are!
Defenses
Top 5: Do these at a minimum to protect yourself
Password manager. A good password manager will allow you to use strong, unique, randomly generated passwords for each of your accounts. They will also protect you from fake login pages because the password manager will not provide the password unless it is the legitimate website. You can also use them to store answers to account verification questions. The password manager below is free for personal use and will work on Windows, Apple, Android and iPhone.
Bitwarden: https://bitwarden.com/
Credit Freeze. A credit freeze will prevent an attacker who has stolen your identity from opening credit cards in your name. You can temporarily unfreeze your credit if you ever need to and will still have access to other credit reporting services.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). This is the process of being required to enter an additional piece of information, such as a 6-digit code in addition to your password to login to a site. While text messages (SMS), is considered the weakest form of MFA, it is much better than nothing at all, so use it if it is your only option.
SMS (weakest): SMS MFA: Is It Safe? Security Risks & Better Alternatives | Teleport
Authenticator apps
Google Authenticator: Google Authenticator - Apps on Google Play
Microsoft Authenticator: Download Microsoft Authenticator - Microsoft Support
Push prompts: Login with MFA using push notifications | PingOne Advanced Identity Cloud Docs
Passkeys: What are passkeys? Hint: They're faster and safer than passwords
FIDO2/Yubikey: Yubico | YubiKey Strong Two Factor Authentication
Do not act on incoming phone calls. If you receive an incoming call claiming to be from your bank or credit cards fraud department wanting you to take action on something. Politely end the call and call the fraud department back using the number on the back of the card. Scammers will impersonate banks and credit card companies to steal your identify.
Protect your cell phone account with aa long of a PIN as they will support. Use a random number and store it in the password manager. Do not use your phone number, birth year, Social Security number or anything that could be associated with you. If a scammer is able to guess your PIN to convince a phone company that they are you, they can get your phone number switched to a device that they control and start receiving your emails, including password reset ones, and MFA prompts, and take over your accounts.
Additional recommendations for protecting yourself
Keep your computer operating system, browser, and applications current on patches:
Use a regular, non-admin account for your day-to-day activities. Only use the admin account when you need to make changes to your systems:
Have secret/code words for family members. These secret words can be used to verify identity if you ever receive a call from a family member claiming to be kidnapped or in trouble. This is especially true now that artificial intelligence tools can be used to create voices that can sound like your family members.
Do not use generic titles like “mom” or “dad” for phone contacts. Scammers can use “mom” or “dad” in the caller ID to try to convince you that they are calling from your patents phone to trick you into thinking they are in trouble.
Use an ad blocker. Web advertisements can be used to spread malware and other malicious activity.
Use a separate, dedicated account, like a refillable gift card, for online purchases. This way if the website or account gets compromised, your loss will be limited to what is on that card.
Use a Chromebook. If you primarily use a computer for email, internet search, and basic word processing, a Google Chromebook is a safe, and affordable alternative to a Windows or Apple computer. Since all of your information will be stored online, if the Chromebook ever gets a computer virus, it can be simply reset without losing your data.
Use the Windows sandbox option. In a Windows 10 and 11 there is a built-in option called Windows Sandbox that allows you to run a version of virtual Windows within your computer. You can use this virtual Windows computer to visit any websites that you are not certain of. When you shut down this virtual computer, everything is deleted and there is no danger of a virus spreading to your main computer.
Add the fraud reporting phone numbers for your banks and credit cards to your phone contacts. This way you will have the correct number if you ever need to call it, and may help you properly identify if a scammer tries to impersonate one of these services.
Be careful of ads in search engine results, especially when looking up numbers. Scammers can buy ads in search engines that will appear at the top of the results. They will use these ads to setup look-a-like websites to deceive people Better to use the phone numbers on the back of your bank or credit card or to go to the official site.
Hover over links in emails to verify what they go to. Hovering a mouse pointer of a weblink in an email without clicking on it will show what it actually goes to, which may not be what it claims to be.
Do not take action or download files based on a warning from a website. Some malicious websites can display warnings that your computer is infected or has another issue requiring you to download a file or take other actions.
Setup transaction alerts for online banking and credit card alerts: These can alert you for unusual transactions or transfers so that you can take action and prevent them from completing.
Trusted app stores. Only use the official Apple and Android stores for downloading apps for your mobile device. While not perfect, these stores try to prevent malicious apps from being uploaded.
Apple: App Store - Apple
Android: Android Apps on Google Play
Minimize application permissions. Some applications will request access to phone features such as camera, location, file storage or phone that may not be necessary for the function of the app. Removing unnecessary permissions can reduce the ability of attackers to exploit these apps.
Remove unused phone apps. Remove any mobile device apps that you are no longer using or do not need. The more apps that you have on device the more opportunities there are for a vulnerability to be found and exploited.
Use a guest network for non-computer devices such as TV’s, doorbells, etc: Keeping these devices on a separate network will reduce the ability of an attacker to compromise your computer if they can get into one of these devices.
Keep router up to date and do not allow external access. Since your internet router is directly connected to the internet, it is very important to make sure that is current on its patches and is not providing unnecessary access into your network. The link below will allow you to test this to validate that you do not have unnecessary services exposed to the internet.
Test for open ports: GRC | ShieldsUP! — Internet Vulnerability Profiling
Wait to post vacation pictures. Posting pictures on social media while you are on vacation can let people that you do not know see that you are not home and that your house is not occupied. Best to wait until you are home to post those pictures.
Do not overshare on social media. Scammers will search social media to either find ways to send phishing emails to you based on your interest, or to learn things about you and your family that could be used against you.
Do not use what you post on social media as passwords or password hints. This would be account verification questions like “what was your high school mascot”, “where did you meet your spouse” and other similar questions. Much better to make up answers for these questions, even non-sensical ones, and save those in your password manager for that site.
Have someone that you trust that you can reach out to sanity check what you received. Have a spouse, family member, or friend that you can have double check anything that you receive that you think may be suspicious. Legitimate offers and request are never so urgent that you cannot take the time to confer with someone else.
Set up shared accounts or at least shared notifications for elderly friends or relatives. Elderly are often the targets of scams being copied on account alerts can help you help them from being scammed.
Block calls from non-contacts. Doing this will greatly reduce the number of spam phone calls and spam messages that you receive which can reduce the likelihood of you being scammed.
Beyond the Border: Uncovering El Paso's Hidden Histories with Bernie Sargent
Join us for an enlightening conversation with El Paso historian Bernie Sargent, our latest guest on (915) TALK. Sargent dives deeper into the legacy of Juan de Oñate and sheds light on the fascinating history of Jewish immigration in the El Paso-Juárez region. Don't miss this captivating discussion!
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Fight For Life In The Borderland: Deb Gray
Tune in to an inspiring conversation with Deb Gray, Executive Director of Westside Pregnancy Center, on (915) TALK! Deb shares valuable insights on the organization's mission, which is entirely funded by donations. Learn about their innovative approach to supporting pregnant moms in need, including building tiny homes to provide a safe and stable environment. Deb also discusses the abortion pill and the reversal process. Catch the interview on our website and social media platforms to discover how Westside Pregnancy Center is making a difference, thanks to the generosity of its supporters.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
A Conversation About Addiction: Robert Hart
Tune in to our (915) TALK Show on YouTube, where Robert Hart from Living Hope Counseling in El Paso, TX, dives into addiction! He shares expert tips on spotting addiction, how to book support appointments, and powerful strategies to overcome it.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Faith, Family, and Impact: Mark Cavaliere on (915) TALK
Join us for an inspiring episode of (915) TALK featuring Mark Cavaliere, a devoted husband, father, and pro-life activist. As a passionate advocate for women and a visionary social entrepreneur, Mark shares his journey of faith and action. Discover how he’s making a difference in this heartfelt conversation.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Cielo Vista Church: Pastor Charlie Arellano
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
August 3, 2019 and Building the El Paso Community: Pastor Michael Grady
Join us on (915) TALK for a powerful episode featuring Pastor Michael Grady! Hear his emotional account of the 2019 El Paso Walmart shooting, where his daughter survived four gunshot wounds, and their journey of resilience. Pastor Grady also shares insights on gun control and his incredible 60-year preaching career, starting at age 12. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Baseball, Football, and Serving Across Generations: Joe Hankins & Zion Hankins
Join us on (915) TALK for an exclusive interview with Joe Hankins and his son, Zion Hankins! Hear Zion share his inspiring journey of choosing baseball over football and the passion that drives him on the diamond. Tune in to catch this heartfelt father-son story and more on (915) TALK, your home for compelling conversations!
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Eye Care in the Desert: Dr. Samuel Faith
Join us on the (915) TALK Show as we welcome Dr. Samuel Faith, M.D., M.P.H., a renowned cornea and refractive surgery expert! Discover how Dr. Faith transforms lives with advanced treatments for dry eye, corneal disorders, cataracts, and glaucoma. From cutting-edge corneal transplants to premium lens cataract surgery, his expertise shines. Tune in to hear about his groundbreaking work, featured in top journals, and learn why he’s a trusted name in eye care.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Judge Ricardo Samaniego: Building the borderland economy
Join us in revisiting an inspiring 915 Talk episode featuring El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, a visionary leader driving the borderland’s economic future. With deep roots in El Paso and a dynamic career spanning business, mental health, and public service, Judge Samaniego shared insights on fostering economic growth, strengthening community infrastructure, and navigating the unique opportunities of our border region. From his innovative approaches to county initiatives to his advocacy for collaboration across borders, his discussion offers a roadmap for a thriving El Paso. Check out the full episode and learn how Judge Samaniego is building a stronger, more connected borderland economy!
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
El Paso’s Historic 2025 Weather: Doppler Dave Speelman
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
El Paso is Open for Business: Mayor Renard Johnson
Listen in on this special edition of (915) TALK featuring El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson! Dive into an engaging and wide-ranging conversation about local leadership, community vision, and the future of our city; from taxes to immigration, how we will attract big business, and plans for downtown El Paso.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
The Prince Preacher in El Paso: Pastor Derrick Marshall
Join us on (915) TALK at KELP Radio for an inspiring episode featuring Pastor Derrick Marshall, the "Prince Preacher"! Now leading as the new Pastor at Life Church in East El Paso, Pastor Derrick has been anointed to preach since age 13, sharing the Gospel across three continents with passion and authority. Tune in to hear his powerful insights on faith, prayer, and living out God’s love. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation with a true servant of Christ!
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
What is a Wealthy Life? Drew and Jonathan of Truvize Financial Planning
Build Your Wealthy Life with Truvize Financial Planning! Fresh from their appearance on the 915 Talk Show, El Paso’s own Drew and Jonathan of Truvize bring transparent, fiduciary financial expertise to help you save on taxes, grow wealth, and secure your future.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Marc Duchene: Elev8 El Paso!
Marc Duchene grew up in El Paso and his life was always associated with athletics. He was a standout football player at Faith Christian Academy in El Paso. After high school, Marc went on to run track at Texas A & M. Today, Marc runs the Elev8 Gym in El Paso. Listen in as Marc shares his views on fitness, business, and staying motivated.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Unveiling Juan de Oñate: Bernie Sargent on 915 TALK | El Paso History
Join us for an engaging episode of 915 TALK featuring El Paso’s renowned historian, Bernie Sargent! Dive into the fascinating history of Juan de Oñate, the controversial conquistador who shaped the Southwest. Bernie shares his deep knowledge and passion for El Paso’s rich past. Don’t miss this captivating discussion. Stream now to explore the legacy of Oñate and El Paso’s historical treasures!
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Bowling, JJ Armes & Salvation: Robert Bettes
Join us for an unforgettable episode of (915) TALK featuring El Paso's beloved Chief Meteorologist, Robert Bettes! Tune in as Robert shares his passion for bowling, reflects on the legendary JJ Armes, and opens up about his journey with salvation. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the Borderland’s finest, only on KELP Radio!
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
He Bought a Texas Town on Facebook: Jon Jasniak’s Wild Land Flipping Journey
Discover the expertise of Jon Jasniak, a dynamic real estate investor and land flipping guru based in Fort Worth, Texas. Originally from Michigan, Jon traded an unfulfilling engineering career for a thriving empire with Jaz Land, LLC, after graduating from Texas Tech University. With over 8,000 acres and 800 transactions under his belt totaling more than $10 million, much before age 30. Jon is a trailblazer in acquiring and selling vacant land. His innovative approach includes subdividing rural tracts for buyers eager to escape city life, and he even owns and operates the unincorporated Texas town of Cornudas. Learn from Jon’s proven strategies through his transformative courses and coaching, and unlock the potential of land investing with a master who’s redefined the game.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
Dive Deep Into Psalms 23 - Pastor Terry Gray
On this episode of (915) TALK on KELP Radio, we're featuring Pastor Terry Gray of Calvary Chapel Sun City! In this interview, Pastor Terry dives deep into an inductive and expository study of Psalm 23, unpacking the timeless truths of this beloved passage. As the founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Sun City since 1996, Terry brings his passion for teaching God’s Word to life, guiding listeners through a verse-by-verse exploration of the Shepherd’s Psalm. Discover fresh insights into God’s provision, peace, and presence as Pastor Terry shares his thoughtful and engaging approach to Scripture. Perfect for anyone seeking encouragement and a deeper connection with the Bible, this episode is a must-listen! Catch it on KELP Radio, 1590 AM and 95.9 FM in El Paso, or 89.3 FM in Las Cruces, airing daily at 4 PM!
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!
National Day of Prayer - Pastor Bobbi Garcia
Join us for an inspiring recap of our latest 915 Talk Show, featuring Pastor Bobby Garcia from Grace Christian Center in El Paso! Pastor Bobby shared his powerful testimony, insights on the Justice House of Prayer (JHOP), and the unique story of his church, a striking replica of the Alamo. He also highlighted the upcoming National Day of Prayer event in El Paso, a unifying moment of faith and community. Tune in to hear how Grace Christian Center is bringing life to the city and beyond. Visit our website for the full episode and details on this transformative event at DESERTVOICE.MEDIA.
You can also listen via the links below or watch the YouTube video at the top of the page. Enjoy!